The federal government hasn’t done enough to combat aluminium tariffs put on by the American government.
That’s the feeling of Kenora MP Eric Melillo.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 10% tariff on Canadian aluminium imports came into effect on Sunday, despite Canada’s plan to hit back with $3.6 billion in countermeasures.
Melillo says the Trudeau government new weeks in advance the tariffs were going to be placed.
“Conservatives are really asking to see the government take a stronger stance and show that we’re not going to stand for those kind of tariffs.
Melillo adds “I think that this government has let down our aluminium workers and let down Canadians. The United States administration, they were foreshadowing new tariffs on Canadian aluminium for weeks, and our government failed to take on a stronger stance.”
Saying that Melillo stresses retaliatory measures were needed.
The U.S. administration announced the new tariff on August 6.
In announcing the new trade action, President Donald Trump claimed that the American aluminium business has been “decimated” by Canada, calling it “very unfair” and accusing Canadian producers of flooding the U.S. with exports.
A recent opinion survey conducted by polling firm Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies found that 58% of American respondents said they disagreed with the 10% import tax.
In what comes as less of a surprise, 90% of Canadians who took part in the survey objected to the White House’s tariff.
Eric Melillo made the comments as well as offered his weekly update to constituents:
Coming together in a crisis
Last week, forest fires forced residents of Red Lake and Eabametoong (Fort Hope) First Nation to evacuate.
As the province led the successful evacuation efforts, my office liaised with all levels of government to offer our support. On Tuesday, I headed to Dryden to drop off supplies and help set up emergency shelter. My staff and I also kept in constant contact with government officials and community groups to get updates and connect people with resources.
Red Lake Mayor Fred Mota and Eabametoong Chief Harvey Yesno deserve full credit for their role in managing these crises. I’d also like to sincerely thank the firefighters, pilots, and other first responders who battled the blazes and helped the evacuations run smoothly, as well as all the municipalities, businesses, and private citizens who opened their doors to evacuees.
Amid this terrible situation, it’s been heartening to see our community come together to support those affected. Whether you provided emergency housing; donated food, clothing, or funds; or provided an evacuee with a shower and a cup of coffee, you should be proud of your efforts to make these hard times a little bit easier.
Good news for the riding
I was happy to join Minister Greg Rickford at his announcement providing a $300,000 investment in public safety.
The Ontario government is providing $300,000 to the Treaty 3 Police Service, in collaboration with community partners, to implement the Spirit of Hope initiative to combat sexual violence and human trafficking.
I am thankful to the province for investing in the safety of our communities, and I will continue to press the federal government to step up and be a partner in these efforts.
In the Community:
Last week, I spent a day in Sioux Lookout to meet with municipal officials. CAO Michelle Larose gave me an update on various local projects, and I enjoyed catching up with Councillor Connor Howie to chat about local concerns.
I recently visited Dryden, where I met with Council to learn about their plan for establishing an Indigenous Working Circle within the community. I also appreciated the opportunity to chat with constituents at the Cloverbelt Farmers Market and participate in a ride-along with the Dryden Police Services.
At your service:
As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, or if you would like to arrange a meeting, please do not hesitate to call me at 807-468-2170 (Kenora) or 807-223-2182 (Dryden) or contact me by email at eric.melillo@parl.gc.ca.
