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The MP for Kenora is once again calling for an economic recovery plan from the Trudeau Liberals.
Eric Melillo says Ontario has provided a roadmap on what reopening may look like but says there is a clear lack of direction on the federal front.
He is cautiously optimistic about sector-sector supports but notes he will be watching to see where those funds end up.
“It does look like it’s going to be another very difficult year for the small businesses and tourist operators. So, I do believe that the federal government needs to step up and do their part to support our outfitters even stronger.”
The Conservative stresses the stimulus programs we need to get our economy going again should be focused and time limited.
Melillo says directionless spending threatens public services and economic recovery.
“We saw last year so many programs that were announced, there’s the wage subsidy or different business loans, there was such strict, rigid criteria that allowed a lot of businesses, particularity those seasonal businesses like the tourist outfitters, to fall through the cracks.”
Melillo has been calling for flexible and accessible specific support for months to help Northwestern Ontario recover.
Here is the weekly column from Kenora MP Eric Melillo:
Dear Constituents,
I was in Ottawa last week, advocating for the Kenora riding in the House of Commons.
Recovering our Economy
In the House of Commons last week, I gave a speech calling for a real plan to recover Canada’s economy.
The latest Liberal budget has no plan to get back to balance, putting Canada’s social services at risk. Every dollar we spend servicing our national debt is a dollar that is being diverted from the critical services that Canadians rely on.
That’s why Conservatives are calling for targeted and time-limited stimulus measures, which will recover lost jobs and get our economy growing as we come out of this crisis, before being responsibly phased out as the country recovers.
As we come out of this pandemic, we need to focus on creating jobs across the country in all sectors. We need to support workers in the natural resources sector, including forestry and mining, as well as our tourism-based business owners who have been hit very hard by this year’s shutdowns. We need to help business owners re-open their doors, as well as incentivize entrepreneurs to start new businesses.
The Conservative Party has a plan to recover our economy, create jobs, and secure Canada’s future prosperity.
Standing up for Seniors
On Tuesday, I delivered a statement in the House calling for more supports for seniors, who have not received the help they need during this pandemic. Conservatives have been calling for a clear plan to help seniors navigate this crisis, including increased financial supports for all low-income seniors and timely action to address the serious challenges in long-term care.
Seniors built this country, and they deserve better. I was happy to rise in the House to thank them for their contributions and renew my commitment to fighting for them.
Promoting Public Safety in Indigenous and Northern Communities
At the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee, we completed our study of the need for better police resources in Indigenous communities, and began a new study on addressing the problem of human trafficking. I appreciate being able to participate in this important work, which will guide the government’s response to public safety issues in our region.
Working For You
As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, or if you would like to arrange a meeting, please call me at 807-223-2182 (Dryden) or 807-468-2170 (Kenora), or contact me by email at eric.melillo@parl.gc.ca.
Sincerely,
Eric Melillo
Member of Parliament
