Report From Parliament Hill:
Eric Melillo, MP, Kenora Riding
Dear Constituents,
I had a productive week in Ottawa, working with my colleagues to cut red tape for cross-border travelers, and speaking out (on) issues like the housing crisis, support for healthcare workers, and preventing gender-based violence.
I was also happy to announce that I’ll be serving on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources this session. The natural resources sector, particularly forestry and mining, is a major creator of jobs and driver of the economy in Northern Ontario. I’m glad to be back on this Committee that will allow me to advocate for the interests of these industries and the workers that rely on them.
Standing against unnecessary quarantine
Our Conservative caucus successfully stood up for Canadians forced into unnecessary quarantine.
Many fully vaccinated Canadians have been ordered into 14-day quarantines, not because they were at risk of spreading COVID-19, but because they crossed the border without entering their information into the government’s ArriveCAN app. The ArriveCAN requirement was poorly communicated and placed an undue burden on visually impaired Canadians, seniors, and residents of areas without reliable internet or cell service.
On December 4th, I joined my Shadow Cabinet colleague Raquel Dancho and other Conservative Members in sending a joint letter to the Minister of Public Safety, calling for flexibility for Canadians who may struggle to use ArriveCAN.
Days later, the government announced more options for travelers who arrive at the border without having submitted their information. I’m glad that this common-sense solution could be reached.
Ending violence against women
Monday was the National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. I delivered a statement on the need to support victims of domestic violence – through public policy by ensuring survivors have access to safe housing and support services, and in our personal lives by holding ourselves and our friends accountable.
Supporting healthcare workers
During debate on Bill C-3 on Wednesday, I paid tribute to healthcare workers in the Kenora riding. I stressed the need to ensure patients and hospital staff are able to access and provide services without intimidation.
Solving the Housing Crisis
On Thursday, I spoke on the need to increase the housing supply in Northern Ontario and across the country. Before this session of Parliament, I visited all nine municipalities and a number of First Nations in the Kenora riding, and leaders from every community cited the housing crisis as a major concern.
The Conservative Party ran on a strong housing plan that included building more homes, banning foreign investors from buying up Canadian housing, and bringing more rental units into the market. We’ve also called for the government to release more Crown land for development – which would help communities like Kasabonika Lake First Nation, who have run out of room to build homes on their land.
Big cities and small towns alike are suffering from a shortage of housing. Canada needs to take action to make housing available and affordable in all regions.
Working for You
As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please call me at 807-223-2182 (Dryden) or 807-468-2170 (Kenora) or email me at eric.melillo@parl.gc.ca.
Sincerely,
Eric Melillo
Member of Parliament
