Tony Baldinelli
Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report

Tourism is a major driver of the economy of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Tourists are attracted here for our scenic wine tours, our rich history, our exquisite culinary and shopping experiences, our beautifully manicured gardens and picturesque scenery. Before the onset of COVID-19, people came from around the world to enjoy all that Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer.

Last week when I was in Ottawa, my Conservative colleagues and other opposition parties, secured the support of the House of Commons for a motion that calls on the federal government to respond to the needs and concerns of those workers in the hardest hit sectors who have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These Canadians depend on industries like hospitality, tourism, charities, airlines, and small- and medium-sized businesses to provide for their families – and they need our support now. The simple fact is that these jobs must be saved.

For over a year, Canada’s Conservatives have been calling upon the government to present a sector-specific tourism recovery plan.

Our goal in doing so, is to secure jobs, pensions, and to quicken Canada’s economic recovery by helping these heavily impacted sectors and their workers. We cannot allow the pandemic to permanently erase these important jobs. We know that these jobs matter and they are vital to our national economic future.

Disappointingly, the Trudeau government voted against this motion. Despite the Liberals' resistance, I am thankful my colleagues in the NDP and Bloc Quebecois understand its importance, and frankly, this motion should have been accepted unanimously by all parties.

Throughout this pandemic, Canadians have been let down by this government. Whether it was their failure to get Canadians their vaccines in a timely manner, their overt scandalous behaviour, or their brazen move to prorogue Parliament in the middle of a pandemic of historic proportions, Canadians deserve far better from their federal government.

As your MP, I was pleased to second this motion because I knew it was supporting the best interests of our riding. I understand how important tourism is for our local community, especially having worked in this sector with the Niagara Parks Commission for 18 years before I was elected in October 2019.

With your continued support, I will continue to proudly represent you and raise the issues of importance to the residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie.

Tony Baldinelli is the Conservative member of Parliament for Niagara Falls riding.