The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent at the end of August.
Latest News
Major Project Office to Open by Labour Day
At the First Ministers’ meeting in Huntsville, Ontario, in July, Prime Minister Carney and provincial leaders met to discuss trade negotiations with the US and efforts to protect Canadian steel and support domestic production. During this meeting, the Prime Minister announced that the Major Federal Projects Office and Indigenous Advisory Council will be operational by Labour Day to accelerate major infrastructure projects. This initiative flows from the recently passed Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. This law has significant implications for how infrastructure projects are planned, reviewed, and delivered. By centralizing project assessments under a “one project, one review” framework, the bill streamlines federal decision-making. However, CPWA is underscoring to federal officials the need for municipalities to be engaged early during the planning phase to ensure that local zoning, environmental conditions, and community needs are fully integrated.
Federal Approval of Saskatchewan Request for Wildfire Assistance
On July 23, the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, approved a Request for Federal Assistance from the Government of Saskatchewan. Canada will be providing Saskatchewan with additional firefighters to mitigate the wildfires, and helicopters to transport critical personnel. The wildfires burning across the province of Saskatchewan continued to pose a significant risk to many communities. The Government Operations Centre is working with the Canadian Armed Forces and other federal and provincial partners to deploy all necessary resources, and ensure the province of Saskatchewan has the support needed.
Canada–US Trade Update
The deadline for a trade deal remains uncertain as Canadian officials seek the best outcome for Canadian workers and businesses throughout trade negotiations in Washington. Senior officials in Mark Carney’s government are hesitant to confirm whether a trade deal will be reached by the August 1st deadline. Despite the deadline being pushed back twice, Minister of Canada–US Relations Dominic LeBlanc said as recently as July 24 that there is still a lot of work ahead before a deal can be struck. Minister LeBlanc, who has been heavily involved in trade negotiations, noted that they are continuing to work toward the August 1 deadline, but reminded Canadians that securing the best deal for workers will take time. Prime Minister Carney has also indicated that a deal with the United States is unlikely to be reached without some form of tariffs. Moreover, President Trump noted that his administration has not had a lot of luck with Canada, and Canada could be a country “where there’s just a tariff, not really a negotiation.”
ECCC Scientists Explore Human-Caused Climate Change Patterns
Environment and Climate Change Canada is investing in advanced climate research to better understand how human-caused emissions are affecting extreme weather events. Using the Rapid Extreme Weather Event Attribution system, scientists found that all 37 major heat waves analyzed in 2024 were likely due to climate change. This summer alone, two Canadian heat waves, one in Yukon and one in Alberta, were made at least two to 10 times more likely because of human influence. Scientists are also expanding their work to examine cold weather patterns as extreme cold becomes less frequent.
Federal Funding Awarded
Canada Invests in Clean Energy Projects
Canada has announced over $13.3 million in funding for five clean energy and emissions-reduction projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories through the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF). Three projects will receive funding from the Challenge stream to implement low-carbon technologies. Indigenous-led projects will receive support from the Indigenous Leadership stream to improve energy efficiency and expand solar power. These investments aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foster clean economic growth, and advance climate resilience in Canada.
Canada and Yukon Invest in Fire Management
More than $17 million in joint federal and Yukon government funding will help reduce wildfire risk in the southern Yukon communities of Whitehorse, Teslin, and Haines Junction. The investment will support the Yukon government’s Wildland Fire Management branch in implementing both new and retreatment fire mitigation strategies. These include creating fuel breaks, thinning vegetation, and removing flammable materials in line with FireSmart Canada standards. The initiative aims to better protect residents, infrastructure, and property in a region prone to aggressive wildfire activity.
Canada to Establish a Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada
The Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, announced that the federal government is investing $11.7 million over four years to establish the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC), a national hub for wildfire innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. This initiative will strengthen Canada’s wildfire resilience by supporting prevention, mitigation, and preparedness efforts through science, technology, and traditional Indigenous fire stewardship. The WRCC will also advance international cooperation under the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter and help communities adapt to increasing wildfire risks driven by climate change. With wildfire activity projected to remain high across much of the country, this investment enhances Canada’s ability to respond to current threats and build long-term climate resilience.
Canada Supports Green Infrastructure in East Gwillimbury
East Gwillimbury will receive a joint investment of $7.6 million from the federal government and York Region to expand its active transportation network. The project will build 1.5 kilometres of multi-use path along Yonge Street, connecting key trails and enhancing the downtown core with landscaping, benches, and signage. This initiative aims to promote walking, cycling, and other sustainable transportation options. It will improve accessibility, reduce traffic congestion, and support environmental and community well-being.
Canada Invests in Clean Transportation Infrastructure
The City of Whitehorse will receive over $7.8 million in joint federal and territorial funding to enhance its public transit system. This investment will support the growth of the fleet, allowing for the fleet to grow by 10 busses between 2026 and 2028. Canada is also investing $429,453 to establish Galiano Island’s first-ever transit system. The funding will support the purchase of two electric minibuses, improving access to local services for all residents. Public transit infrastructure is also growing in Peterborough thanks to an investment of $42.9 million from the federal and provincial governments. This funding will support the construction of a new transit garage and maintenance facility, which will house up to 110 busses. Simcoe Country is also receiving $221,116 to develop a strategy that supports the transition to zero-emission transit.
Canada Invests in Clean Technology in the Maritimes
The federal government is investing $16 million in clean energy projects across Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The funding will support grid modernization, renewable energy expansion, and clean technology development, including in Indigenous and remote communities. This investment aims to lower energy costs, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s clean energy economy.
Fredericton Receives Funding to Support Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The City of Fredericton is receiving over $7.9 million in federal funding to strengthen its infrastructure against the impacts of climate change. The projects will include upgrading culverts and water systems, naturalizing shorelines, and burying power lines to reduce storm-related outages. These efforts aim to protect homes, businesses, and essential services from increasing natural hazards.
