The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent at the end of November.
Latest News
PFAS Phase 1 Consultation
The Government of Canada is consulting on Phase 1 of its proposed risk management plan for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), excluding fluoropolymers. This phase focuses on restricting remaining unregulated uses of PFAS in firefighting foams, a major source of environmental contamination. Canada is also advancing complementary efforts to reduce PFAS releases under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and through updates to existing regulations and monitoring programs. Together, these actions aim to limit PFAS pollution, protect ecosystems, and safeguard human health. The consultation invites feedback from industry, experts, and the public until November 25, to help shape future regulations.
Minister Joly Highlights Canada’s Industrial Strategy
Minister Joly has outlined Canada’s industrial strategy built on three pillars: Protect, Create, and Attract. The Protect pillar focuses on safeguarding key industries in the short term while strengthening Canada’s long-term industrial base through defence-related investments, a “Buy Canada” policy, and major national projects. The Create pillar emphasizes generating jobs and building new industries by leveraging defence as a central driver, including domestic production of ships, AI systems, and other critical capabilities, acquiring essential equipment like submarines, and using procurement strategically to support Canadian companies and innovation, with coordination from agencies like BDC, EDC, and CSA. Finally, the Attract pillar aims to bring talent and investment to Canada by supporting research, protecting academic freedom, and reducing barriers for investors, ensuring that defence-focused initiatives also bolster technological leadership and economic growth.
Finance Canada Amends Duties Remission Orders
Finance Canada has announced changes to the relief provided to Canadian businesses impacted by counter tariffs and surtaxes. Key changes include the government expanding its relief measures for businesses importing goods from the US and China that:
- Are subject to counter tariffs or surtaxes; and
- Meet strict conditions such as demonstrating short supply or existing contractual obligations.
The government also extended for another two months the temporary relief on imports of goods from the US that are used to support public health, health care, public safety, and national security objectives. These goods were subject to a temporary remission order that expired on October 15.
Parliamentary Business
The PBO Projects the Cost of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program
The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) has released a report on the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program, which provides federal funding to provincial and territorial governments to respond to and recover from disasters caused by natural hazards. Since 1970, the program has provided more than $14 billion, mainly for floods, wildfires, and storms, and federal costs are projected to rise from an average of $881 million per year (2010–2024) to $1.8 billion per year (2025–2034) due to increasingly frequent and severe disasters. The DFAA acts as a backstop for uninsured losses, reimbursing provinces after they provide direct relief, with funding subject to a per-capita threshold and previously an escalating cost-share based on disaster severity.
Private Member’s Bill on Flood and Drought Forecasting
Private Member’s Bill C-241, the National Strategy on Flood and Drought Forecasting Act, was introduced by Liberal MP Tatiana Auguste (Terrebonne). It reintroduces a similar bill from MP Francis Scarpaleggia (now Speaker), given that it died on the order paper with the call of the last election. The Bill proposes a national strategy to improve flood and drought forecasting in Canada. The Bill notes that damages from floods and droughts are rising due to climate change, disproportionately affecting communities and agriculture, while current forecasting is fragmented across provinces with limited federal support. The strategy would provide key stakeholders with timely, accurate information using advanced hydrological and water-resource models, building on Canadian expertise and aligning with international best practices. The Bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons.
Environment Committee Studies the Canada Water Agency
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development reviewed the mandate of the Canada Water Agency. The meeting addressed the agency’s goal to provide federal leadership, enhance collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples, and address national and regional transboundary water challenges. Participants highlighted that freshwater is recognized as a vital resource for the economy, communities, and the environment, but it is increasingly threatened by climate change, land-use changes, and pollution.
Witnesses emphasized key priorities such as the use of science and data to inform decision-making and developing a national freshwater data strategy for storing, organizing, and sharing information. The need for effective flood and drought forecasting integrating detailed hydrological models with meteorological data and on-the-ground observations was a key takeaway. The committee’s review of the agency underscored that freshwater governance in Canada is complex, highlighting the need for coordinated national strategies.
Senate Committee Study on Wildfire
The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry is conducting a study on the growing issue of wildfires in Canada and their impacts on the forestry and agriculture industries. Over the course of several meetings, the committee has heard from a wide range of witnesses, including experts from the University of Saskatchewan, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the National Research Council, and the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Drawing on this testimony, upcoming meetings will consider a draft report on the topic, which CPWA will be reviewing.
Federal Funding Awarded
136 New Buses for Brampton Transit
The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Brampton are investing more than $183 million to purchase 136 new buses for Brampton Transit, expanding local transit capacity, safety, and user experience. Brampton Transit is one of the fastest-growing providers in Canada. Expanding its fleet with new, modern vehicles will encourage more residents to ride the bus, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The investments will be used to purchase a variety of vehicles to help Brampton meet the growing demand for public transit. New vehicles include 60-foot diesel articulated buses (buses split into two sections by a flexible joint); 40-foot diesel/hybrid buses; 40-foot conventional diesel buses; 40-foot zero-emission battery electric buses; and 40-foot zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. Forty new buses are already in service.
Federal Government Invests in Road Infrastructure
The federal and provincial governments are investing more than $5.8 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to expand housing-enabling infrastructure in Bathurst, New Brunswick. These improvements will help attract developers, revitalize the community, and accelerate home construction. The initiative supports Canada’s broader effort to address the housing crisis through innovation, public-private collaboration, and investment in essential infrastructure.
The Canada Water Agency Supports Lake Winnipeg Projects
The Government of Canada is investing $1.6 million in 10 new projects to protect and restore Lake Winnipeg, supporting freshwater health, ecosystem restoration, and Indigenous engagement. Funded through the Canada Water Agency’s Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, the projects target nutrient reduction, wetland protection, and sustainable land-use practices to combat algal blooms and climate-related pressures. Key recipients include the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the University of Winnipeg, which will advance research, habitat restoration, and phosphorus runoff mitigation. These initiatives aim to sustain fisheries, restore habitats, and support local communities and farmers, while enhancing Canada’s broader freshwater security and climate resilience efforts.
The Federal Government Invests to Support Municipal Infrastructure in Nova Scotia
The federal and provincial governments are investing up to $2.9 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to upgrade water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure in Sydney Mines and Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. These improvements will benefit 52 existing housing units and enable further residential development in the Church Street and Brookland Street areas. The projects support Canada’s broader housing strategy, complementing the new Build Canada Homes agency, and aim to accelerate home construction, foster public-private collaboration, and create skilled trades employment.
Canada and Manitoba Partner on Renewable Energy
The federal and Manitoba governments are committing up to $32 million to help lower energy costs for Manitobans while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the province toward a low-carbon, net-zero future. This includes $23 million for the new Manitoba Climate and Economy Solutions Program, which funds projects in energy efficiency, fuel switching, renewable energy, and industrial or commercial vehicle retrofits. Previous investments have supported 18 projects, including agricultural operations and institutions like Canadian Mennonite University, which is installing Manitoba’s first underground geothermal system on a post-secondary campus. These initiatives demonstrate strong federal-provincial collaboration to advance climate goals, promote clean energy, and foster a greener, more prosperous economy.
The Federal Government Invests to Build Strong Communities in Saskatchewan
The Government of Canada is investing more than $69.5 million in Saskatchewan to strengthen communities and support growth. Funding will improve essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems, as well as recreational facilities, such as Saskatoon’s Circle Drive North Bridge and Jans Bay’s outdoor skating rink. The Canada Community-Building Fund gives communities flexibility to address current and future infrastructure needs.
Canada Strengthening Climate Resilience through Space Innovation
The federal government is investing more than $5.4 million in Quebec-based ABB Inc. and Honeywell Canada to advance the HAWC satellite mission, which will study Arctic atmospheric conditions. The mission will improve understanding of polar weather patterns, helping communities adapt to extreme events like heatwaves, floods, and wildfires, thereby strengthening Canada’s climate resilience. HAWC will also advance space technologies, support system design, and create 160 high-paying jobs while providing valuable data for researchers and decision-makers nationwide.
