The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent Monday, November 4.
Latest News
Cabinet Shake-Up Expected Amid Liberal Woes
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to introduce significant changes to his cabinet soon on the heels of four long-standing ministers announcing that they will not stand for re-election. This includes National Revenue Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandel, Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, and Southern Ontario FedDev Minister Filomina Tassi.
While recent inflation data show the good news of a drop in the inflation rate to 1.6 percent last month, Prime Minister Trudeau faces continued low approval ratings and increasing pressure not just from the opposition parties, but also from his own Liberal backbenchers, who are expected to call for him to resign during the next caucus meeting on Wednesday, October 23. It remains to be seen how the prime minister will respond. Amid a leadership challenge, there is also speculation that the prime minister could prorogue the Parliament, but official sources from the Liberal government are downplaying this scenario so far.
Stand-alone Canada Water Agency Launches
The Government of Canada officially launched the Canada Water Agency as a stand-alone entity, with its headquarters in Winnipeg. Initially, the agency operated as part of Environment and Climate Change Canada, where it played a central role in implementing key components of the Freshwater Action Plan. The move to make it a stand-alone organization was initiated by the 2023 Federal Budget and formalized through the passing of Bill C-59 (the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023). The agency was officially established on October 15, 2024, following the Canada Water Agency Act coming into force.
As a stand-alone body, the Canada Water Agency will oversee critical restoration and protection initiatives across eight major water systems in Canada. Its primary mission is to ensure the sustainable management of the country’s freshwater resources. The agency will also administer grants and contributions to support local, regional, and national projects focused on freshwater conservation and restoration efforts.
The agency aims to enhance collaboration with provincial, territorial, Indigenous, and other key partners to improve water management. In addition to continuing the Freshwater Action Plan, it will develop comprehensive strategies for freshwater protection and address transboundary water challenges, ensuring that Canada’s water resources remain resilient and sustainable for future generations.
Parliamentary Business
Fall Economic Statement Watch
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland is expected to table a Fall Economic Statement (FES) before the House rises in December. While no date has been set yet, this would be the last FES before the next election. Given that the Conservative Party forced procedural delays to the 2023 FES that kept it from passing until June 2024, it is uncertain if the upcoming 2024 FES will pass before the next election. As a confidence vote, the FES will also be an opportunity for the opposition parties to join to bring down the government should they see fit. However, a prorogation of Parliament this fall could also have an impact on the FES, depending on how long the prorogation lasts.
Federal Funding Awarded
$150 Million to Strengthen Quebec’s Trade and Transportation Infrastructure
On October 17, 2024, the federal government announced a $150 million investment in seven projects across Quebec under the National Trade Corridors Fund. This funding aims to modernize transportation infrastructure, reduce supply chain bottlenecks, and improve the flow of goods to both domestic and international markets.
The projects include upgrades to rail and port infrastructure, improvements to road access, and the development of more efficient trade corridors. These enhancements will help Quebec’s businesses become more competitive while contributing to economic growth in the region.
By targeting key trade routes and logistics hubs, this investment is expected to improve supply chain reliability, boost international trade, and create long-term opportunities for local industries and communities.
Infrastructure Funding $2.3 Million Federal Transit Investment in Nova Scotia
Announced on October 16, the federal government announced an investment of more than $2.3 million for transit upgrades in the Cape Breton Municipality. The investment will buy two new traditional buses, two new hybrid accessible mini buses, and build five new bus shelters.
The federal government is investing $2,380,000 in this project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, and Cape Breton Regional Municipality is contributing $595,000.
$1.5 Million to modernize and upgrade public space in Cape Breton
On October 17, the federal government announced a non-repayable contribution of $1.5 million to Cape Breton University (CBU), through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund, to revitalize the Canada Game Complex.
This investment will help CBU purchase equipment to establish a multi-functional event and conference space, including electric vehicle chargers; audiovisual, digital and sound equipment; stage lighting; floor covering; mobile television screen units; and catering equipment for serving large events. The upgrades will help the Canada Games Complex attract more national and international events, including academic conferences, bringing in more year-round visitors and boosting the regional economy.
Federal Green Energy Investment Announced
Through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, the federal government announced an investment of over $2.3 million to upgrade the Crawford Lake Visitor Centre in Milton, Ontario.
This project will include the replacement of windows, doors, and insulation. Upgrades to the HVAC systems will help to decrease the centre’s energy requirements and improve climate control to preserve and protect its artifacts. Finally, the funding will also help expand the facility with a new entrance space that will contain an accessible elevator. Overall, these upgrades will help the centre reduce operating costs and lower carbon emissions.
The federal government is investing $2,390,960 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, and Conservation Halton is contributing $5,099,040.
Federal Investment Announced to Improve Public Space in Quebec
The municipality of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, received a federal investment of over $2.4 million for projects that involve redesigning and rehabilitating public roads, sidewalks, bike-paths and other accessibility features.
The funding is coming from the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities’ Active Transportation Fund, and the municipality is contributing about $1.8 million in addition to the federal investment.
