Meaningful collaboration with provincial and federal governments key to city’s success

I am proud of the relationships we have maintained with our federal and provincial counterparts over the years, which have allowed our city to engage in meaningful dialogue to deliver on priority issues. To make real progress on important city-building initiatives, all three levels of government must work together with our residents and community groups.

Most recently, these strong partnerships have kept our residents safe and informed throughout the pandemic. Due in large part to our effective collaboration with the province of Ontario, Ottawa boasts one of the highest vaccination rates amongst large cities in Canada and across North America. With the federal election now behind us, we can once again look ahead to all the work the city has started with our partners at the provincial and federal levels.

The new year will be a great opportunity for us to roll up our sleeves and continue to make headway on key city-building projects like the following, just to name a few:

• adding hundreds of new, affordable housing units
• continuing dialogue and action to address ongoing public safety concerns
• building the “Ādisōke”, net-zero, central library
• committing to an upgrade of the Chief William Commanda Bridge for active transportation
• converting to electric bus conversion program
• improving Internet connectivity for our underserved residents
• introducing Stage 3 light-rail transit (LRT)

I also look forward to working with my former colleague on city council and the newly elected MP for Kanata‒Carleton, Jenna Sudds, to secure funds for Stage 3 LRT, which will bring train service to Kanata, Stittsville and Barrhaven, three of the fastest growing areas of the city. Congratulations on your election, Jenna!

Finally, I am keen to work with our partners at the federal and provincial levels to ensure that Ottawa makes a strong economic rebound in the coming months. Another big push on vaccines and a safe return to workplaces–especially in the downtown core–will give a boost to our small businesses, which have been so impacted during the last 19 months.