Support to scrap the PCR test for anyone entering into Canada and has been double vaccinated.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo says the tests are not necessary.
“They are quite expensive,” states Melillo.
“I know of instances where there are folks that took a test in Canada for a brief trip into the United States and then upon their re-entry essentially had that same test as they need to cross the border. Obviously, that policy is not working as it was intended to.”
Melillo adds the tests are not needed for fully vaccinated travellers.
“The majority of people have been doing their part to get vaccinated and I feel the federal policies around the border should be better reflective of that. The vaccines work.”
Last week, mayors in border communities in Canada called on the federal government to scrap the PCR or similar tests for fully vaccinated travellers.
(With files from Tim Davidson: Kenora)
Here is the weekly column from Kenora MP Eric Melillo:
Dear Constituents,
I was happy to be appointed as Official Opposition Shadow Minister once again. In the coming session of Parliament, I will continue holding the government to account as Conservative Shadow Minister for FedNor.
As Northern Ontario’s economic development agency, FedNor has the capacity to do a lot of good in our region. That’s why it’s essential to monitor how the agency is spending money and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.
This has not always been the case. In 2019, FedNor gave an $800,000 loan to a tech company based largely out of Southern Ontario. When I challenged the government on this, they were unable to prove that this loan had created a single job in Northern Ontario.
With FedNor having been upgraded from a program to a standalone agency this summer, it will require an even higher degree of scrutiny.
I’ve appreciated the opportunity to ensure Northern Ontario gets its fair share of economic development funding, and I’m pleased to once again be entrusted with that responsibility.
Around the Riding
Last Thursday, I attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in Kenora, where I laid a wreath in memory of all who served cause of peace, freedom, and democracy. Canadians will never forget the sacrifices made by past and current members of the Armed Forces.
Earlier in the week, I visited Kasabonika Lake First Nation, where I had a productive meeting with Chief Tom Semple and Council and toured the site of their future school.
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
