Kenora MP Eric Melillo says it’s vitally important that the federal government come to the table and provide additional support to address a homelessness problem in the Kenora district.
Melillo says, “There’s not going to be a one sized fits all solution from Ottawa. We need to do a better job supporting grassroots organizations and understanding what’s going on on the ground.”
He notes, “I mean the government has created so many large programs. They spend a whole bunch of money. It seems like every single year there’s sort of a promise that they’ll make housing affordable. That they’ll be able to close the gap on homelessness.”
However, Melillo stresses there is a big discrepancy between what the government is saying and what’s actually happening on the ground.
He says their focus on larger urban centres has left Northern Ontario behind.
“I’m going to continue to be a voice for our region and ensure they realize that there are issues that are just as big, if not more urgent, when it comes to homelessness and housing in the North.”
The Kenora District Services Board has been lobbying for years that more supports are needed to get people off the street.
