The Conservative shadow cabinet has been unveiled and Kenora MP Eric Melillo is part of the team.
He’s returning as the shadow Minister for FedNor.
The portfolio is handled by Thunder Bay-Superior North Liberal MP Patty Hajdu.
Melillo says the local economic development agency has the capacity to do a lot of good in the region, which is why it’s essential to monitor how money is being spent and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.
He adds program funding has been allocated ineffectively in the past.
In the last session of Parliament, Melillo criticized a large loan to a tech company based largely out of Southern Ontario.
The Liberal government upgraded FedNor from a program to a standalone agency this August, which Melillo says will necessitate an even higher degree of scrutiny.
He stresses he will ensure the north gets its fair share of economic development funding.
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says his party is committed to being a strong voice for the middle class.
“We will ensure that Canadians who are worried about rising living costs know that we have their back in Ottawa. We will fight for those who are fearing they will need to turn to food banks and other services to make it through the month.”
Pierre Poilievre will serve as shadow minister for finance and middle class prosperity, with Michelle Rempel Garner as shadow minister for natural resources.
Meanwhile, Manitoba MP Candice Bergen has once again been named deputy leader.
MP’s will return to the House of Commons on November 22nd.
I’m happy to be continuing as the Conservative Shadow Minister for FedNor.
I’ve appreciated the opportunity to ensure Northern Ontario gets its fair share of economic development funding, and I’m pleased to once again be entrusted with that responsibility.
— Eric Melillo (@Eric_Melillo) November 9, 2021
(With files from Brad Perry)
