Report From Parliament Hill

Eric Melillo, MP, Kenora Riding

Dear Constituents

I enjoyed a busy week meeting with residents in the region. I started the week in Red Lake to attend the winter carnival. It was great to connect with residents and enjoy the festivities. I was also in Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to meet with Diane Redsky, CEO of Kekekoziibii Development Corporation, about economic opportunities and how the federal government can work in partnership to support self-determination.
It was an honour to be a part of the Dibaajimowin Connectivity Celebration to mark the milestone achievement of Naicatchewenin First Nation, Wabauskang First Nation, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, and Couchiching First Nation’s access to high-speed fibre internet. Thank you to Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh and Chief Chris Skead for the invitation to be part of this celebration.
I ended the week attending the Coldest Night of The Year in Kenora to support local charities that serve those who are in need. It was great to see so many residents come out to show their support. 
NDP-Liberal Government No Longer Funding New Roads
Recently, the NDP-Liberal government announced they are no longer funding new road infrastructure.
After 8 years of this NDP-Liberal government, northern Ontario has been left behind. It is extremely concerning the government will no longer fund new roads.
The NDP-Liberal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault justified this announcement stating existing roads are “perfectly adequate to respond to the needs we have.”
With frequent closures due to accidents, the Trans-Canada Highway does not meet the needs of residents. It is unacceptable the federal government will not come to the table with the province or First Nations leadership on new road projects, such as twinning the Trans-Canada Highway.
NDP-Liberal MPs in northern Ontario are out of touch with residents in the region. Only Conservatives will stand up for the North.
Working for You 
If you’re planning to be in Ottawa and are interested in attending Question Period or taking a tour of Parliament, please let me know and my office can help reserve Question Period and tour tickets. 
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 [email protected].
Sincerely,
Eric Melillo
Member of Parliament
Kenora Riding