2025 federal election candidate: Tristan Oliff

With the federal election just around the corner, the Manor Park Chronicle reached out to candidates, asking for answers to three key questions. The following are the responses from NDP candidate Tristan Oliff. 

1. The federal government has stated its desire for a multimodal bridge in the eastern part of the national capital region to alleviate truck congestion in the centre of Ottawa. It has taken initial steps toward the construction of a bridge that would cross Kettle Island, linking Montée Paiement in Gatineau with Aviation Parkway. What is your position on the bridge proposal? Do you have alternative solutions to help resolve the traffic issue?

I agree that a new bridge is long overdue, especially for residents along King Edward who are dealing with dangerous conditions and growing truck traffic every day.

That said, I have several concerns about the roll-out of the current plan to build the bridge over Kettle Island, as well as the lack of commitment to exploring at least one of the other viable alternatives.

I was disappointed to see that the recent federal government announcement around the 6th crossing only greenlit an impact study, design, and preliminary site preparation for only the Kettle Island location. despite the existence of other locations, like Lower Duck Island and McLaurin Bay, that were also deemed feasible in both 2013 and 2024 technical studies while not facing nearly the same level of pushback. 

Nothing was stopping the government from advancing a secondary option to the same stage of assessment. Doing so would ensure we’re still on the best path, especially if issues arise with the current plan that could bring us back to square one.

The concerns surrounding the current plan are not hypothetical. Montfort Hospital has raised serious concerns about vibrations affecting medical equipment. Environmental groups and Indigenous communities have spoken out about the ecological and cultural significance of Kettle Island — a natural space that supports wildlife crossings, Bald Eagle nesting, and has been a gathering place for thousands of years. 

Once concrete is poured, it’s permanent. These decisions deserve deeper scrutiny. Recent Liberal Party election campaign pledges included a plan to establish 15 national urban parks by 2030. Kettle Island could have been one of those locations, creating a unique attraction and commitment to preservation that our community could enjoy for decades to come. The success of the NCC River House showcases the importance of creating shared community spaces. This is a missed opportunity.

If Kettle Island is ultimately where the bridge will go, then our community deserves a clear explanation. We’ve heard from Gatineau MP Steve MacKinnon, from the mayor, and from city councillors. However, our MP, Mona Fortier, has remained silent, leaving neighbours, especially in Manor Park, completely in the dark about a decision that will impact our community for decades.

Leadership means showing up when it’s hard, not just when it’s easy. 

As our next federal MP, I’ll never shy away from the importance of community discussions, especially if I have to preside over a difficult decision. Instead, I’ll do everything I can to ensure I’m available to listen to my constituents, hear their concerns and explain why certain actions must move forward.

2. What do you view as the key issues/priorities in this election, both from a local and federal perspective?

We cannot bury the lede of this election — Donald Trump and his administration are trying to break our country economically, so that they can own us.

But as Canadians, we are strongest when we take care of each other.

The resilience of our community and the betterment of our neighbours’ lives must be one of the primary objectives of this next parliament. That’s what I’m fighting for.

We deserve a representative who shows up for our community every day and fights to make sure no one is being left behind — because this moment demands it. 

From housing affordability to crumbling transit, rising costs to climate anxiety, we need bold solutions and the political courage to deliver them. The truth is that the Liberal and Conservative governments have long upheld a system that works well for the wealthy and well-connected, but does little to address the very real and urgent issues we face.

Here in Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester, we’ve felt that failure deeply. Enough is enough.

I’m running to be your neighbour in Parliament, because I believe we can build something better.

With your support, I’ll champion the bold solutions we need to meet this moment. A New Deal for Housing that ends homelessness and protects renters. Permanent operational funding for OC Transpo, so buses show up when we need them. A Guaranteed Livable Basic Income to ensure everyone can live with dignity. And continuing the fight for true head-to-toe health care.

This is our moment to come together — not just to fix what’s broken, but to build something that truly reflects the values we share. I’m ready to work alongside you to make it happen.

3. How would you address these issues during your term as the Member of Parliament?

As your neighbour in Parliament, I’ll work hand-in-hand with our community to deliver real, lasting change — not just in policy, but in people’s lives. That starts with listening deeply, acting boldly, and making sure Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester’s needs are never sidelined.

I’ll fight to build thousands of affordable homes, secure reliable funding for our broken transit system, and support the community organizations already doing the hard work of caring for our neighbours. I’ll champion universal healthcare that includes dental, mental health, and pharmacare — and push for a livable income so that no one is forced to choose between rent, food, or dignity.

This won’t be a top-down approach. It will be rooted in collaboration — with local leaders, small businesses, young people, and those too often ignored. Because the best solutions are already here in our community — we just need someone in Parliament who’s ready to fight for them.

As your next federal MP, my office door will always be open. My team will focus on listening deeply to your stories, your struggles, and your hopes for the future. Together, we will do everything in our power to improve the lives of everyone in our community.

I bring years of experience working with non-profits, charities, and foundations across our nation to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing communities — from homelessness prevention to climate action and the healthy development of children and youth.

I’ve served on multiple community organization boards, including my local housing association, ensuring the voices of my neighbours are heard. As a small business owner, I’ve developed the skills to navigate bureaucracy, find practical solutions, and, most importantly, deliver results.

Real change happens when neighbours work with neighbours to solve the problems they see around them. This is the energy that will drive our success in Parliament.