The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent on Monday, December 16.
Latest News
An end to the gridlock?
On Thursday, November 28, Government House Leader the Hon. Karina Gould told the House that she had shared a unanimous consent proposal with opposition parties that would pause the months-long filibuster and allocate three days the next week (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) for opposition days. This will give the Conservatives and the New Democratic Party (NDP) the opportunity to put forward debates or motions that will take precedence over other government business, which will be returned to afterward. In response, Conservative leader the Hon. Pierre Poilievre announced that his party would use the opposition day to present a motion of no confidence in the government, using the very words of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, to bring down the government. While it remains unlikely that the NDP will “take the bait” and topple the government before the holiday recess, the pressure continues.
Parliamentary Business
CPWA on record at House Finance Committee
The CPWA’s written submission for the House of Commons Finance Committee’s Pre-Budget Consultation in advance of the upcoming 2025 federal budget has now been officially published on the committee’s website. CPWA’s recommendations focus on the three key priorities of emergency management and disaster mitigation; climate resilient infrastructure; and water resilience. The committee is currently completing the consideration of its draft report to the House of Commons. CPWA will be reviewing the report, when available, for analysis of how key recommendations have been picked up in advance of next year’s budget.
Federal Funding Awarded
$1.2 billion for New Toronto Line 2 subway cars
On November 29, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Chrystia Freeland announced that the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will receive nearly $1.2 billion over the next decade through the Baseline stream of the new Canada Public Transit Fund. The City of Toronto will use $758 million of this new funding to support new subway cars for the TTC’s Line 2, which is a 26-kilometre subway line connecting residents from Etobicoke to Scarborough. Line 2 needs new subway cars to maintain existing service and expand to meet growing capacity needs. Investing in 55 new subway cars will help Torontonians get around quickly, affordably, and reliably.
New rec centre for Dawson City
On November 25, the federal and territorial governments announced that they are investing more than $4.1 million in the planning and design for a new recreation centre in Dawson City and upgrades to air ventilation systems in municipal buildings in Watson Lake. The City of Dawson Council has approved the preliminary design concept and the design plan will form part of the submission for the construction phase of this project. The new facility will provide residents and visitors with a variety of year-round fitness and activity opportunities. Amenities will include an NHL-sized skating rink and two curling rinks, along with additional recreational spaces, office space, and a canteen.
Canada Community-Building Fund to Yukon
On November 26, the federal government announced that it has transferred $9 million to Yukon under the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) for the first payment of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This will help communities across the territory invest in their local infrastructure priorities. This is the first of two payments to Yukon for this fiscal year. The next payment is expected to be made prior to the end of the fiscal year. This is the first transfer through the recently renewed CCBF agreement with the territory. The agreement runs from 2024-2034, and under it Yukon will receive $94.5 million over the next five years, including $18 million this fiscal year.
Funding for active and rural transit in Ontario
On November 26, the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Hon. Sean Fraser, announced that five communities across Ontario will receive a combined federal investment of over $310,000 for active and rural transit projects.
- Investments in the Townships of South Glengarry and Warwick are supporting active transportation plans and feasibility studies. The townships will develop detailed plans on the future of walking, biking, and non-motorized vehicle routes in their communities. The plans will also include strategies to promote and raise awareness of the benefits of getting around while staying active.
- The investment in the Town of Whitby will help them reach more people with their Bike Month, an annual initiative in June, to get community members out on bikes, learn new skills, and have fun.
- The investment in King Township provides funds for pavement markings and signage for pedestrians and cyclists en route to King City GO Station. Safety measures will also be installed to ensure pedestrians can safely cross Keele Street, inclusive of a new traffic signal, warning signs, and pavement markings.
- Finally, the investment for Bruce County will map the demand and need for a public transit system in the county. The results of the needs and feasibility study will guide short, medium, and long-term actions to grow transit options.
ZEV transit funding in Ontario
On November 26, the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Hon. Sean Fraser, announced that eight communities in Ontario are working on transitioning from fuel-based public transit vehicles to zero emission electric buses after an investment of almost $850,000 from the federal government. Findings from planning studies will advise each community on the key elements required to transition to a zero emission fleet, including the steps for purchasing electric buses and charging infrastructure. Some communities have completed their studies while others are in the preliminary stage. Planning activities include route mapping and scheduling, identifying the required charging infrastructure, developing step-by-step processes and timelines for electrifying fleets, and conducting climate adaptation and resilience assessments. The complete list of projects is available here.
Public transit in Eskasoni, Nova Scotia
On November 29, Jaime Battiste, MP for Sydney, Victoria, announced that the Eskasoni Transit Service is building five new bus shelters with an investment of $95,775 from the federal government. The Eskasoni Transit Service aims to improve the quality of life for all residents of Eskasoni through their accessible transportation service that connects community members with other communities in Cape Breton.
