The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent at the end of March.
Latest News
Your Engagement is Needed—Buy Canadian Questionnaire
Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) is working with Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) on the federal government’s new Buy Canadian Policy. This partnership has included discussions on the potential impact of the Buy Canadian Policy on the construction sector and identifying opportunities and challenges to increase the share of Canadian construction inputs.
The Buy Canadian Policy prioritizes Canadian suppliers and Canadian content in federal infrastructure and housing projects.
To better understand industry capacity and real world challenges, HICC is gathering input from construction stakeholders, including public works, across Canada. They want to hear directly from CPWA members about sourcing decisions, barriers to using Canadian and interprovincial suppliers, and readiness to shift toward domestic products. Your input will help inform HICC’s understanding and shape future policy development and implementation, which will hopefully have a positive impact on your community.
As part of this effort, we encourage members to complete the Buy Canadian Construction Sector Questionnaire. If you are able, please complete the questionnaire by March 31.
Minister Robertson Confirms Cut to Municipal Transit Program
Minister Gregor Robertson confirmed that the federal government is cutting $5 billion for Ottawa’s key transfer program for municipal transit. The Canada Public Transit Fund was first announced in 2024 and promised to deliver $3 billion per year to municipalities for transit, starting in the 2026–27 fiscal year, across a span of ten years. However, the 10-year budget is now reduced by $5 billion and is now $25 billion rather than $30 billion. Minister Robertson notes that other funding avenues exist for cities through the recently launched $51 billion Build Communities Strong Fund, however critics note that this fund is not designed for transportation projects. CPWA will be expressing our concern with regard to these cuts at our upcoming Ottawa Hill Day engagement in April.
Prime Minister Carney Announces Eleanor Olszewski as Ministerial Lead for Jasper
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Minister Eleanor Olszewski will take on the additional role of Ministerial Lead for Jasper, supporting long‑term recovery following the devastating 2024 Jasper National Park wildfire. The federal government has already committed over $383 million toward reconstruction, including interim housing for more than 350 families, full debris removal on affected lots, and active rebuilding work at 80 properties. As Ministerial Lead, Olszewski will coordinate federal efforts with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous partners to restore the community, rebuild critical infrastructure, and strengthen Jasper’s local economy.
Canada to Develop a National Charging Infrastructure Strategy
Canada has launched a new automotive strategy to protect the auto sector and accelerate the shift to next generation vehicle manufacturing. The plan includes a five-year Electric Vehicle Affordability Program and major upgrades to national charging infrastructure, supported in part through the $1.5 billion CIB initiative. With more than 30,000 EV chargers already installed, Canada will now develop a National Charging Infrastructure Strategy to drive further adoption and investment. Following the strategy’s release, the government announced $97 million for 155 clean transportation projects, including over 8,000 new chargers, fleet decarbonization efforts, and education initiatives. These measures aim to make clean transportation more accessible while strengthening Canada’s competitiveness in the global EV supply chain.
Parliamentary Business
Environment Committee Studies Extreme Weather Events
The Standing Committee on Environment and Climate Change continued their study on protecting Canadians from extreme weather, hearing testimony that underscored how climate‑driven disasters are becoming both more frequent and more personally disruptive. Municipal leaders from Grand Forks and Princeton described the prolonged recovery from catastrophic flooding in their towns, emphasizing how limited local resources make it difficult to rebuild resilient infrastructure or prepare for future events. Collectively, witnesses highlighted the urgent need for better federal‑provincial‑municipal coordination, stronger preparedness measures, and targeted support to help vulnerable communities withstand escalating climate risk.
Federal Funding Awarded
Federal Government Invests in Halifax Flood Protection
In partnership with Halifax, the federal government is making an investment of $6.4 million to improve stormwater management within the Upper Bisset run watershed to mitigate the risk of road closures and residential flooding in the surrounding areas. This project will decommission and restore the existing infrastructure in the area. This investment provides security for homeowners as residential areas will be better protected against damage from surface water flooding.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Invests in Home Modernization Project
Through Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Canada is investing $13 million to help builders, suppliers, and trades adopt modern construction methods such as modular and prefabricated building. These investments advance the work of Build Canada Homes, which focuses on increasing housing supply and improving how homes are built in regions where construction capacity needs to grow to meet demand.
Federal Government Invests in Green Recreational Infrastructure
The federal government is investing $1.3 million to reduce greenhouse gas emission as the Lake District Recreation Association will have solar panels installed on the roof of the Sackville Community Arena. The arena will also get a battery energy storage system (BESS) to provide backup power and ensure reliability during outages and peak demand periods. The savings will enhance the arena’s sustainability and keep costs low for community users.
Federal Government Funding Supports Building Restoration and Repurpose
A federal investment of $1.7 million will support major renovations to a 109 year old former schoolhouse and church hall in Newfoundland transforming it into the new Arts, Wellness and Heritage (AWH) Community Hall. The project includes a 75-square-metre expansion, updated bathrooms, solar panels, and a heat pump system, making the building fully accessible and energy efficient. The facility will serve as a community hub for arts, wellness, heritage, and environmental programming, and act as a gathering point for a planned 60 acre eco park nearby.
Federal Government Invests in Community Infrastructure in Lethbridge
Canada is investing $1.8 million through the Active Transportation Fund to support multi-use pathways in Lethbridge. Funding will support the construction of a 2-kilometre active transportation connection for pedestrians and cyclists. The project will provide safe alternatives to vehicular travel, build upon Lethbridge’s active transportation and capital improvement plans, and open the door to new connections in the future.
Canada Invests in Freshwater Projects
Canada is investing over $1 million in six new projects to protect and restore the Mackenzie River Basin, which is vital to Indigenous communities, the environment, and several key industries. The funding, delivered through the Canada Water Agency’s Freshwater Action Plan, targets issues like climate impacts, industrial pressures, and declining water quality in collaboration with regional and Indigenous partners.
Canada Supports Housing Projects in the North
The federal government is investing over $2.3 million in three Yukon projects to boost construction capacity and help meet growing housing needs. The funding will help First Kaska Construction upgrade its home building facility, support NGC Builders in constructing a new prefabrication plant, and enable Northern Windows and Doors to expand its aluminum operations. These investments aim to strengthen northern businesses and support community growth across the Yukon.
