Report From Parliament Hill:

Eric Melillo, MP, Kenora Riding

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 [email protected].   

Sincerely,  

Eric Melillo  

Member of Parliament