The federal government is being urged to provide immediate aid to Royal Canadian Legions.
The call comes from Kenora MP Eric Melillo as Legions continue to suffer through dire financial straits due to COVID-19.
“Unfortunately the government has been silent really all Summer long on this issue. So I chose to write to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and urge him to provide some support for our Legions to ensure that they can continue to survive and can offer the services that our veterans need.”
Melillo stresses Legions play an incredibly important role in our local communities.
“Not only for the veterans but also just for community members. Legions are spaces where people gather for community events, for breakfasts, for a number of different functions.”
The Conservative notes most Legions don’t qualify for existing COVID-19 support programs.
“Once where coming out of the pandemic people are going to be wanting to come back to the Legions and support our Legions and support our veterans. Obviously they won’t be able to do so if the Legions are unable to operate. So it’s critically important I believe.”
Melillo stresses allowing Legions to be shuttered due to the pandemic would be a tragedy.
He says caucus colleague John Brassard noted the cost to help Legions across Canada weather this storm would be $30-million.
“Compared to the billions that have been spent on various programs during this pandemic, that seems like a small price to pay. And it’s a very small price compared to the sacrifices made by Canada’s veterans.”
To hear more on supports needed for the Royal Canadian Legion, click on the Audio link below.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo is also continuing his push for broadband expansion in northern Ontario and Canada.
His motion for support was ignored at a Committee meeting this past week and Melillo reacts to the latest development.
Here is the October 12-18 weekly column from Kenora MP Eric Melillo:
Dear Constituents,
I’m back in Ottawa next week, looking forward to being back in the House of Commons. After weeks of participating in Parliament virtually, it will be nice to sit in the Chamber again.
On October 13th, the Standing Committee on Indigenous & Northern Affairs had its first meeting of this session. I introduced two motions at the meeting – one calling for the committee to study food security in Northern Canada, and another in support of investments in Northern internet.
Attempts to get my motion in support of broadband passed at that first meeting were unfortunately scuttled by Liberal stalling tactics, but I look forward to debating it at our next meeting.
Over the last few weeks I’ve had many informative meetings with constituents and other stakeholders to learn about the challenges facing our region and solutions to overcome them. I’ve also written numerous letters to Ministers advocating for internet solutions in the North, aid to the tourism industry, services for veterans and seniors, and important infrastructure projects in our riding.
I am also looking forward to a trip to the Dryden Fall Fest over the weekend; I’m very impressed by the work the organizers have put in to ensure this beloved event is able to run safely and smoothly.
If you would like to arrange a meeting, or if there is anything my office can assist you with, please call me at 807-468-2170 (Kenora) or 807-223-2182 (Dryden) or contact me by email at eric.melillo@parl.gc.ca.
Sincerely,
Eric Melillo
Member of Parliament – Kenora riding