September 14-18 Weekly Column From Kenora MP Eric Melillo
Fighting for the North
Last week, I was named Conservative Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs and FEDNOR.
The position will allow me to continue my fight for investments in infrastructure, economic development, food security, and housing in northern Canada. I also look forward to working with my Shadow Cabinet colleagues to promote tourism and advocate for northern sovereignty and a strong defence policy.
I’ve had many discussions with our Leader Erin O’Toole on his bold policy vision for Canada’s north. His passion for these issues is obvious, and I am grateful he has placed his trust in me.
I’d like to thank my predecessors, MPs Bob Zimmer and Cheryl Gallant, for their tireless work and valuable insights into these files. In their time as the Conservative Shadow Ministers for Northern Affairs and FEDNOR, respectively, they’ve both done tremendous work holding the government to account, and I am eager to build on those achievements.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been meeting with my Shadow Cabinet colleagues to discuss how we can collaborate on northern issues. I’ve also had a productive conversation with Liberal Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal to discuss issues facing the north, including infrastructure and housing gaps, territorial governance, and the need for food security in remote communities.
The Liberal government will be presenting their Speech from the Throne later this month, outlining their priorities for the next session of Parliament. I am interested to see if the government will have a plan to get our economy back on track.
I also hope the government will prioritize the north for once, and finally take action on the issues that have been left unaddressed for too long: the housing crisis, internet access, food security, and the urgent need for investments in infrastructure and transportation. Rest assured, I will be holding them to account.
I am honoured to take on this role to support the well-being of northerners and fight to unlock the potential of this vast region.
As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, or if you would like to arrange a meeting, please do not hesitate to call me at 807-468-2170 (Kenora) or 807-223-2182 (Dryden) or contact me by email at eric.melillo@parl.gc.ca.
