KENORA – POLITICS – Kenora MP Eric Melillo is looking for answers on why promised internet upgrades in Northwestern Ontario haven’t materialized.
“These communities are still waiting for improved service,” MP Melillo noted in Question Period last week. “If it was not to deliver high-speed internet as promised, where was this funding actually spent?”
In 2017, the government announced a partnership with Bell to bring internet upgrades to a number of communities in Northwestern Ontario, including Madsen and Shoal Lake 39 First Nation in the Kenora riding. However, residents have not seen any progress.
Melillo has also submitted an Order Paper Question to find out whether any work has been done and when these projects will be completed.
“It’s somewhat of a pattern here in Northwestern Ontario – the government promises bold investments, but we see very little real progress on the ground,” Melillo said. “That’s why, as MP, I use every resource at my disposal to hold the government to account and demand action. I will keep standing up for Northwestern Ontario to ensure our region is not left behind.”
Order Paper Questions allow Members of Parliament to seek detailed information from the government. Once an Order Paper question has been submitted, the government is required to respond within 45 days.
The full text of the question is: “With regard to the $4.03 Million in funding announced in by the government 2017 to bring high-speed Internet upgrades to Madsen, Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation, Stratton, Minahico, the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, and the Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing: (a) what is the current status of each of these upgrade projects, including what specific work has been completed on each project; and (b) what is projected completion date of each project?”
