The MP for Kenora believes the federal government hasn’t come with a plan to address the high cost of living.
Eric Melillo says it is becoming more and more difficult to make ends meet with skyrocketing prices at the pump and at grocery stores.
“That’s something that we are going to be continuing to advocate for, hoping the government will cut down on spending, help control inflation, but also provide support to help our supply chains and make sure we can get Canadian goods to market.”
Melillo says finding housing solutions is also an issue he wants addressed during this session of parliament.
“We know that there is a shortage from low income units to seniors housing and everything in between. It’s something all parties put a plan forward to address in the last election and I’m hoping that we can all work together to find some creative ways and innovative ways to increase housing stock and make sure everyone has a place to call home.”
Here is the weekly column from Kenora MP Eric Melillo:
Dear Constituents,
I was in Ottawa last week, advocating for action to reduce cost of living in Northern Ontario, support expectant mothers, and end the housing crisis in First Nations.
Demanding Better for Northern Ontario
On Thursday, I gave a speech how the government’s economic plan fails to meet the unique needs of northwestern Ontario.
I raised concerns about the skyrocketing cost of groceries and gas, supply chain issues, and border restrictions, which have impacted many businesses and consumers in the Kenora riding.
Additionally, I spoke about the struggles of Northern Ontarians to find a suitable place to live, whether it’s new grads trying to find a place to rent, young families unable to get a mortgage, seniors struggling to stay in their homes, or members of Indigenous communities contending with substandard housing.
Work needs to be done to secure Canada’s supply chains, curb inflation, drive down the cost of living, and end the housing crisis. I will keep listening to my constituents and pushing the government to do this work.
Support for expectant mothers
Earlier in the day, I presented a petition initiated by Moriah Mastrangelo from Dryden, calling for more access to midwifery services in the Kenora region. Over 600 Canadians signed this call for support for expectant mothers.
Ending the Housing Crisis in Indigenous communities
On Monday, I delivered a statement in the House on a disturbing report linking substandard housing to poor health outcomes in Indigenous children.
A report from the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that mould, structural damage, overcrowding, and poor ventilation are common in houses in northwestern Ontario First Nations, and that children who live in these homes have high rates of hospitalization and respiratory illness. This is what Indigenous leaders have been saying for years, and why Canada’s Conservatives have been calling for action to end the housing crisis.
I echoed the reports calls for action to improve housing in Indigenous communities, as well as its recommendations to address food insecurity, ensure clean water, and create economic opportunities on First Nations.
A New Leader for the Conservative Party
Last week, the Conservative Party underwent a change in leadership. I’d like to thank the Hon. Erin O’Toole and his family for their service to our country and our movement, and congratulate the Hon. Candice Bergen on being elected to serve as Conservative Interim Leader and Canada’s Leader of the Opposition. I look forward to working with her and our Conservative team to continue fighting for the needs of Canadians.
Working For You
As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please call me at 807-223-2182 (Dryden) or 807-468-2170 (Kenora) or email me at eric.melillo@parl.gc.ca.
Sincerely,
Eric Melillo
Member of Parliament
