House of Commons

The Honourable William Francis Morneau, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Finance
Department of Finance Canada
90 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G5

Dear Minister Morneau,

Eric Melillo As part of the 2020 pre-budget consultations, I would like to take the opportunity to invite
you to visit my riding of Kenora, to allow you to see firsthand the potential of Northern and
Member of Parliament
Northwestern Ontario.
Kenora
The Kenora riding is blessed with abundant natural resources, supporting a diverse resource
economy that includes mining and forestry, as well as a thriving tourism industry that sees
visitors from across Canada arriving to enjoy the natural beauty of the region year-round.

Constituency According to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Ring of Fire has the potential to
301 First Avenue S generate billions in economic activity and government revenue, as well as support
- Suite 202 thousands of jobs annually. Leveraging the economic opportunities of this region must be a
Kenora, Ontario priority in the 2020 budget.
Eric.Melillo@parl.gc.ca Additionally, the forestry industry is one of our community’s largest employers and a huge
Tel: (807) 468-2170 generator of economic activity and government revenue. Unfortunately, the industry has
Fax: (807)-468-4896 seen mill closures in recent years, which have a devastating impact on communities.
Workers in my riding would like to see an action plan for the forestry sector as part of your
upcoming budget.

I would also encourage you to meet with leaders from the many First Nation communities
Ottawa in my riding, who face struggles that range from contaminated water to deteriorating
Confederation Building, infrastructure and inadequate social services, as well as the severe impacts of our changing
Room 835 environment. Investment in these communities is essential for residents to have equal access
Ottawa, Ontario to the necessities of life, and to allow them to thrive in the Canadian economy.
K1A 0A6
Eric.Melillo@parl.gc.ca You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the many small businesses in my riding,
Tel: (613) 996-1161 which will give you the chance to speak to local entrepreneurs and hear firsthand about their
achievements and the challenges they are facing.

I have heard from many constituents across my riding that they have felt forgotten by this
government. I hope you will take this opportunity to hear what they have to say.

Sincerely,

Eric Melillo
MP for Kenora
Deputy Conservative Shadow Minister for Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, and Economic
Development Initiative for Northern Ontario