Report From Parliament Hill

Eric Melillo, MP, Kenora—Kiiwetinoong

Dear Constituents

For years, we’ve heard talk about the importance of Highway 17 in northwestern Ontario. We’ve heard it described as a critical east-west corridor for trade and transport, an economic lifeline, and an essential section of the Trans-Canada Highway. However, when it comes to actually moving forward on improvements and getting shovels in the ground, the federal Liberal government simply isn’t at the table. Not only has the government ignored funding this project, but we now know they haven’t even looked into the costs and logistics.
Recently, I submitted an inquiry to the government asking if they completed the necessary studies or acquired the necessary information to begin work on this critical nation-building project.
The reply was astonishing. It revealed no studies were taken at the federal level to determine the cost of designating Highway 17 as dual-use infrastructure (projects that serve both community and defence priorities). There has been no work done to determine the cost of twinning the highway from Manitoba to Thunder Bay. The government could not provide an estimated cost, a timeline, a scale, or even say whether they’ve looked into recognizing Canada’s only national highway as critical to our defence and sovereignty.
This raises an important question: how can we trust Mark Carney to work with the province and improve Highway 17, when the first steps have not even begun? It is clear that this project is not a priority for the Liberals.
Highway 17 is more than just a road - it connects our communities, supports vast economic initiatives, and serves as Canada’s commercial supply vein from coast to coast. Yet the highway is unsafe in many parts and its frequent delays or closures bring our economy to a halt. If Mark Carney was serious about advancing nation-building projects, Highway 17 would be a priority. The preliminary studies and costing should have been completed ages ago.
I will continue advocating for federal support of this project for the safety of travellers and the economic security of Canada.
Working for You
If you’re visiting Ottawa and would like to take a tour of Parliament, please get in touch. My office would be happy to help you reserve 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—Kiiwetinoong