KENORA, Ont. – Kenora MP Eric Melillo is continuing his push to get financial support into the hands of northwestern Ontario tourism operators, recently sponsoring a parliamentary petition from an area lodge owner.
Friday’s announcement the Canada-U.S. border would remain closed at least through Sept. 21 formally confirmed what many regional operators had already accepted: a summer all but lost thanks to a lack of American tourist dollars.
The petition, launched by Jeff Moreau of Temple Bay Lodge on Eagle Lake and opened for signatures Thursday, calls on the federal government to provide “direct financial relief” targeted at tourism operators across the country.
Industry leaders have suggested support already offered to Canadian businesses, such as the Canada Emergency Business Account, isn’t enough to keep some in the sector afloat. The heavy reliance on visitors from the U.S. for lodges in northwestern Ontario makes them particularly vulnerable, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario executive director Laurie Marcil said in July.
“Without relief, many tourism operators are at risk of losing their businesses,” the petition states. “Permanent closure of tourism businesses would have devastating long-term impacts on the economy as a whole.”
Melillo emphasized the crucial economic role played by the sector in a Friday release urging residents to get behind the effort.
“Many small businesses in the Kenora riding, from tourist camps and outfitters, to restaurants, retail stores, and small airlines, rely on tourists from Canada and around the world,” said the Conservative MP.
“If we want the government to listen, everyday Canadians need to speak up – which is why I’m urging everyone who cares about our region to sign this petition.”
The petition must garner at least 500 signatures to be certified, according to parliamentary rules. If that happens, it will be presented to the House of Commons, and the government must answer it within 45 days.
