Kenora MP Eric Melillo says he’s not giving up the fight for financial assistance to help the struggling tourism industry.
Melillo stresses it’s time for the Trudeau Liberals to take the proper action and provide some support as soon as possible.
“I understand the frustration that the tourist operators are facing, the seasonal businesses, because they’ve been overlooked by the federal government in terms of support. So I’ve been continuing advocating for them.”
The Conservative member notes he’s had some very good conversations with ministers and department officials over the past week to make sure they are fully aware of the situation.
“Unfortunately we haven’t been able to secure commitments from the federal government so we’re going to continue on (lobbying).”
Melillo says the very least that government can do is try and provide some certainty in terms of financial compensation.
Here is the weekend column from Kenora MP Eric Melillo
Moving Forward Together
Dear Constituents,
I was relieved to learn that our region of Ontario has progressed to Stage 2 of the economic re-opening, allowing campgrounds, restaurant patios, salons, outdoor recreation facilities, and other businesses to resume operations.
I’d like to thank the Ontario government for their pragmatic approach to this economic and public health crisis. I am confident that our businesses will manage this re-opening safely and responsibly.
Over the last few months, I’ve had many productive conversations with local business owners, tourism operators, and resource industry representatives about what they will need going forward.
Just because the economy is re-opening, it doesn’t mean our economy has recovered. Seasonal operations have already lost a large chunk of their summer season, local businesses have lost income, and workers have lost their jobs.
That’s why I’m still fighting for more support for our region. The Kenora riding is facing unique challenges because so much of our economy is reliant on tourists from the US. Many local businesses are struggling to get by with reduced revenue while they wait for the border to re-open, and I am urging the federal government to provide clarity in addition to adequate funding. Tourist operators in particular need direct support if they are going to survive.
As of right now, the federal government simply has not done enough.
Supporting Our Community
I’m incredibly proud of the generosity and resourcefulness of people across the Kenora riding as we face this pandemic together. Throughout our riding, individuals and organizations are stepping up to serve our community.
Businesses like Lake of the Woods Brewing Company have overhauled their production processes to make hand sanitizer.
Restaurants like Quesada, culinary students from Seven Generations, and faith groups like Jubilee Church in Kenora have been providing meals to the homeless.
The Ne-Chee Friendship Centre is partnering with Dr. Jonny Grek to provide job opportunities to the homeless population, in addition to delivering emergency food hampers.
Members of Northern Youth Programs in Dryden are delivering PPE by plane to remote First Nations communities, and True North Aid has partnered with Grand Council Treaty 3 to donate furniture to communities in need.
And of course, organizations like the Sioux Lookout Out of the Cold shelter are providing emergency accommodations to vulnerable people.
This is just a small fraction of the work that is being done by good Samaritans across the riding. This public health situation has made their humanitarian work more challenging – and even more essential.
I was happy to give a speech in the House of Commons celebrating these citizens, encouraging all Canadians to follow their example.
In Question Period, I raised concerns from local business owners about the Canada Summer Jobs program. Many businesses and organizations in the Kenora riding have applied for funding through this program, and have told me that lengthy wait times for approval have made it difficult to budget and recruit workers.
Questioning Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough, I suggested that the Canada Summer Jobs application process be opened earlier in the year. This common-sense solution would allow businesses to be notified well before the summer, giving them more time to plan.
Minister Qualtrough replied that this was an excellent suggestion, and pledged to follow up.
Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month. I’d like to thank all my Indigenous constituents for their contributions to Canada and to our riding. It is my honour to collaborate with Indigenous leaders and community members to get real results for the issues you face.
At Your Service
As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 807-468-2170 or by email at eric.melillo@parl.gc.ca.
Sincerely,
Eric Melillo
Member of Parliament – Kenora riding
