Mayor Jim Watson’s questionnaire was sent the following Ottawa region Federal elections candidates and their party leaders on September 24, 2019. Below are the unedited submitted responses:

Liberal Party of Canada

Chris Rodgers, Carleton

Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton

Chandra Arya, Nepean

Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans

Catherine McKenna, Ottawa Centre

David McGuinty, Ottawa South

Mona Fortier, Vanier

Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

Green Party of Canada

Gordon Kubanek, Carleton

Jennifer Purdy, Kanata-Carleton

Jean-Luc Cooke, Nepean

Michelle Petersen, Orléans

Angela Keller-Herzog, Ottawa Centre

Leslie P. Schram, Ottawa South

Oriana Ngabirano, Vanier

David Stibbe, Ottawa West-Nepean

New Democratic Party of Canada

Kevin Hua, Carleton

Melissa Coenraad, Kanata-Carleton

Zaff Ansari, Nepean

Jacqueline Wiens, Orléans

Emilie Taman, Ottawa Centre

Morgan Gay, Ottawa South

Stéphanie Mercier, Vanier

Angella MacEwen, Ottawa West-Nepean

Conservative Party of Canada

Pierre Polièvre, Carleton

Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton

Brian St. Louis, Nepean

David Berts, Orléans

Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre

Eli Tannis, Ottawa South

Joel Bernard, Vanier

Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean

Transit and active transportation

1. Long-term transit funding certainty provided by a permanent, direct, allocation-based federal transit funding mechanism will allow for the continual build-out of major transit expansions in urban areas, building on transformative projects currently underway. Dedicated federal transit investments through the Investing in Canada Plan total $23.2 billion over the 2018-19 to 2027-28 10-year period.

$34 billion is required over the subsequent 10-year period to maintain a consistent level of dedicated federal investment in public transit. Canadian cities, through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, are asking the federal government to commit to these investments. If your party forms government, do you commit to the creation of this permanent fund dedicated to public transit projects?

Yes No

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidates Chris Rodgers, Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton, Chandra Arya, Nepean, Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans, David McGuinty, Ottawa South, Mona Fortier, Vanier, Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

Strong public transit systems across Canada are a key part of our Climate Change plan “Clean Canada”. Making sure that people have choices in the way they get to work, go shopping, and serve their daily needs means less time spent in traffic and a cleaner environment for everyone. We want to encourage people to choose cleaner ways of getting around which is why in government, we introduced $28 billion in infrastructure for over 1,400 public transit projects across the country. For the first time, every transit system in Canada was given 10-year allocations for public transit funding to support local transit priorities, as it is doing in Ottawa with the investment of $1.15 billion in Stage 2 LRT.

The historic transit investment we have put forward has already delivered concrete results across the country providing 3,600 new buses, building and upgrading 15,000 bus stops and shelters, and upgrading over 200 transit stations. These investments are making communities better places to live, creating good middle-class jobs and ensuring that we can all spend less time commuting and more time with our families.

And we will go further. If re-elected your Liberal government will continue to help cities get the stable, predictable transit funding they need to plan the expansion and maintenance of their public transit systems by permanently investing at least $3 billion per year in public transit, on top of the federal Gas Tax Fund. In addition, Liberal MPs Catherine McKenna and Karen McCrimmon in Ottawa have committed to ensuring the federal government is a partner in the City of Ottawa’s Electric Bus Pilot Project and in the larger goal of transitioning from diesel-fueled to electric buses.

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidate Catherine McKenna, Ottawa-Centre

Strong public transit systems across Canada are a key part of our Climate Change plan “Clean Canada”. Making sure that people have choice in the way they get to work, go shopping, and serve their daily needs means less time spent in traffic and a cleaner environment for everyone. We want to encourage people to choose cleaner ways of getting around so our government has invested $28 billion in infrastructure for public transit across the country.

And we will go further. If re-elected we will help cities get the stable, predictable funding for transit they need to be able to plan expansion and maintenance of their public transit systems by investing $3 billion per year in public transit, on top of the federal Gas Tax Fund. The City of Ottawa is planning to pilot an electric bus program with 2 buses; I will make sure the federal government works with the City to support this program.

Green Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

The Green Party of Canada has always been supportive of municipal mass transit infrastructure and we continue to be. As part of moving to zero-carbon transportation, cities will need good mass transit infrastructure and the federal government will need to play a significant role in funding these projects.

New Democratic Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

When it comes to getting around, people in Ottawa should be able to count on public transit that’s convenient and affordable. We’re committed to making the investments needed to make your commute easier, all while taking cars off the road, cutting emissions, and reducing gridlock. New Democrats understand that getting our communities moving is critical for our economy and our quality of life. That’s why we’ll put in place a permanent, direct, allocation-based funding mechanism for modern public transit across Canada for the long run. We’ll also step up investments now to help cities transition their bus fleets to electric and to expand affordable rail and bus options in all parts of the country. And for municipalities that make it a priority, a New Democrat government will work with them towards reducing fares and fare-free transit to ease commutes and make life more affordable.

Conservative Party of Canada



Candidates Pierre Polièvre, Carleton, Brian St. Louis, Nepean, David Berts, Orléans, Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre, Eli Tannis, Ottawa South and Joel Bernard, Vanier, did not provide a response.

Candidates Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean and Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton, provided the following response:

Thank you for reaching out with this questionnaire. The questions asked are of importance to all Ottawa residents.

As the Campaign continues the Conservative Party will continue to release exciting new pieces of the platform that will help Canadians get ahead, not just get by. My campaign and I will be more than happy to discuss the questions your questionnaire posed after the platform is out, and I look forward to continue to engage with and meet the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean over the next few weeks.

2. After the Stage 2 LRT project is complete, the City of Ottawa plans to extend the LRT west to Kanata/Stittsville and south to Barrhaven. Do you commit to funding 50 per cent of Ottawa’s Stage 3 LRT project ?

Yes No

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidates Chris Rodgers, Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton, Chandra Arya, Nepean, Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans, David McGuinty, Ottawa South, Mona Fortier, Vanier, Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

The first phase of LRT has been a huge success since its launch. It is revolutionizing the way the residents of Ottawa are moving around and, when you consider that by 2030 it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city by 100 000 tonnes, it is the equivalent of taking 25 000 cars off the road. This is the single largest reduction in CO2 emissions in the city’s history.

Our government invested $1.15 billion in phase 2 of LRT to build on this success. We understand the importance of extending the LRT system via the Stage 3 project which will give residents of Stittsville and Barrhaven more convenient and cleaner options when they want to travel around Ottawa to work, shop and play. We believe strongly in local decision making through historic investments in public transit and we will continue to support local priorities.

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidate Catherine McKenna, Ottawa-Centre

LRT has been a huge success. It is revolutionizing the way the residents of Ottawa are moving around and, when you consider that by 2030 it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city by 100 000 tonnes, it is the equivalent of taking 25 000 cars off the road. Our government invested 1.1 billion in phase 2 of LRT to build on this success. I will advocate for federal support of the construction of phase 3, so that residents of Stittsville and Barrhaven have more convenient and cleaner options when they want to travel around Ottawa to work, shop and play.

Green Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

Through some combination of ⅓ direct funding of Stage-3 of the Ottawa LRT and the federal portion of the gas tax, Green MPs want to see the LRT complete to its full objectives – to reach deep into the suburbs. Municipalities are where investments like this make the greatest reductions in traffic congestion and increases in quality of life.

New Democratic Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

Expanding LRT is an important way to improve transit in Ottawa. Municipalities are already investing in making their transit systems better and more environmentally friendly – it’s time that they had a federal partner that was there to help.

New Democrats understand that getting our communities moving is critical for our economy and our quality of life. That’s why we’ll put in place a permanent, direct, allocation-based funding mechanism for modern public transit across Canada for the long run.

A New Democrat government will also modernize and expand public transit in communities across Canada, and ensure that federal transit funding flows with an emphasis on scaling up low-carbon transit projects, like zero-emissions buses and electric trains, with the goal of electrifying transit and other municipal fleets by 2030.

Conservative Party of Canada



Candidates Pierre Polièvre, Carleton, Brian St. Louis, Nepean, David Berts, Orléans, Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre, Eli Tannis, Ottawa South and Joel Bernard, Vanier, did not provide a response.

Candidates Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean and Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton, provided the following response:

Thank you for reaching out with this questionnaire. The questions asked are of importance to all Ottawa residents.

As the Campaign continues the Conservative Party will continue to release exciting new pieces of the platform that will help Canadians get ahead, not just get by. My campaign and I will be more than happy to discuss the questions your questionnaire posed after the platform is out, and I look forward to continue to engage with and meet the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean over the next few weeks

3. A recent study by Ville de Gatineau for its structuring public transit project in the city’s west end found that the Prince of Wales Bridge does not have the capacity to be the main rail link between the train systems in Ottawa and Gatineau. This presents an opportunity to convert this bridge into a pedestrian and cyclist crossing, which would cost approximately $10 million. Given that the Prince of Wales is an interprovincial bridge, do you commit to funding the full cost of the work required to make the bridge suitable for pedestrians and cyclists in the area ?

Yes No

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidates Chris Rodgers, Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton, Chandra Arya, Nepean, Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans, David McGuinty, Ottawa South, Mona Fortier, Vanier, Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

One of the great things about the National Capital Region is that people live, work and play on both sides of the river. We also benefit from a wide network of multi-use pathways that make it easier to walk and bike for fun or just to get around.

To make moving across the Ottawa River safe and more secure by foot or by bicycle, our Liberal government will champion repairing the Prince of Wales bridge for the use of cyclists and pedestrians and will work with all orders of government to secure the funding to make the necessary changes.

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidate Catherine McKenna, Ottawa-Centre

One of the things I love about the National Capital Region is that people live, work and play on both sides of the river. We also benefit from a wide network of multi-use pathways that make it easier to walk and bicycle for pleasure and to get around in our daily lives without increasing carbon emissions. In the last election, I promised put a bridge across the Rideau Canal at Clegg Street; today, people are using the Flora Footbridge to move back and forth across the canal without having to jump in a car, relieving traffic on the roads and reducing carbon emissions. To make moving across the Ottawa River safe and secure by foot or by bicycle, I will champion repairing for the use of cyclists and pedestrians the Prince of Wales bridge and will work with all levels of government to secure the funding necessary to make the necessary changes.

Green Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

Increased investments in active transportation are absolutely necessary. Working together with municipal and federal government we will work towards solutions to increase and optimize our active transportation infrastructure. The Privy Council decision on the 5th of April brought some clarity to the Prince of Wales bridge situation. It is unfortunate that a rail link could not be established between our two cities. The development of a bridge suitable for pedestrians and cyclists aligns with our priorities.

New Democratic Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

We will work with Ottawa and Gatineau to encourage active transportation throughout the National Capital Region. Better commutes include promoting smart community planning and active transportation like walking and biking, helping people in Ottawa make choices that are healthier and more affordable for everyone. We believe that with the right investments in infrastructure, we can encourage more Canadians to choose active transportation as their mode of transportation. That’s why a New Democrat government will work with other levels of government to support community planning and design that makes travel safe, convenient and comfortable for everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation.

Conservative Party of Canada



Candidates Pierre Polièvre, Carleton, Brian St. Louis, Nepean, David Berts, Orléans, Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre, Eli Tannis, Ottawa South and Joel Bernard, Vanier, did not provide a response.

Candidates Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean and Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton, provided the following response:

Thank you for reaching out with this questionnaire. The questions asked are of importance to all Ottawa residents.

As the Campaign continues the Conservative Party will continue to release exciting new pieces of the platform that will help Canadians get ahead, not just get by. My campaign and I will be more than happy to discuss the questions your questionnaire posed after the platform is out, and I look forward to continue to engage with and meet the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean over the next few weeks

Infrastructure

4. Municipalities own 58 per cent of Canada’s infrastructure, yet receive only 8 per cent of the tax revenue. In its budget 2019, the federal government announced a one-time doubling of the federal gas tax transfer, which would allow cities and towns to make the necessary investments to properly maintain municipal infrastructure. Do you commit to support the proposal to double the gas tax transfers on a permanent basis and index it to the cost of living?

Yes No

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidates Chris Rodgers, Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton, Chandra Arya, Nepean, Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans, David McGuinty, Ottawa South, Mona Fortier, Vanier, Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

The federal Gas Tax Fund provides predictable funding to municipalities to support a wide variety of local initiatives. Our Liberal government doubled the Gas Tax Fund in Budget 2019 as a one-time measure to address an infrastructure deficit after a decade of neglect, and ensure that projects were moving ahead in cities across Canada. We will continue to work with all orders of government to ensure that the necessary investment is there to build stronger and more resilient communities across Canada. This includes providing a permanent and ongoing investment in public transit, in addition to the federal Gas Tax Fund.

A re-elected Liberal government will also require that all provinces and territories identify and approve all of their long-term infrastructure priorities within the next two years. Funds that aren’t designated for specific projects by the end of 2021 will be reinvested directly in communities through a top-up of the federal Gas Tax Fund.

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidate Catherine McKenna, Ottawa-Centre

See Question 1.

Green Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

The Green Party sees municipalities as vital partners in the transition needed to avert the worst parts of climate change – we would give municipal governments a seat at the policy-making table through the Council of Canadian Governments.

We need “All hands on deck” to tackle climate change and municipal infrastructure will be a key part of our nation’s transition.

Green MPs will also institutionalize federal transfers to municipalities through the creation of a Municipal Fund, renaming the Gas Tax funds, which were delinked from gas tax revenue years ago. Ensure a doubling of current funding to ensure predictable and reliable funding to municipalities.

New Democratic Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

New Democrats believe that Canadians should be able to count on the federal government to sustainably and predictably invest in infrastructure to make a real difference in communities, not pad the bank accounts of investment firms as the Liberals have done with the Infrastructure Bank.

Our vision is one where communities can plan for the long term and afford to build the infrastructure they need to thrive, from roads and bridges to community centres and child-care centres, and everything in between. These investments will create good

jobs in every part of the country.

To get there, we will partner with the provinces, territories, First Nations, and municipalities to deliver reliable public infrastructure funding that puts people – not profit – first. By using Community Benefit Agreements, we will guarantee that good jobs, training, apprenticeships and support for local businesses are part of every infrastructure project.

Conservative Party of Canada

Candidates Pierre Polièvre, Carleton, Brian St. Louis, Nepean, David Berts, Orléans, Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre, Eli Tannis, Ottawa South and Joel Bernard, Vanier, did not provide a response.

Candidates Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean and Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton, provided the following response:

Thank you for reaching out with this questionnaire. The questions asked are of importance to all Ottawa residents.

As the Campaign continues the Conservative Party will continue to release exciting new pieces of the platform that will help Canadians get ahead, not just get by. My campaign and I will be more than happy to discuss the questions your questionnaire posed after the platform is out, and I look forward to continue to engage with and meet the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean over the next few weeks

Affordable Housing

5. The City of Ottawa is working towards the goals of our 2018 Ten Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. The City will continue to implement the Plan’s key initiatives through a variety of funding opportunities and programs to increase the availability and affordability of housing through new development, the provision of housing subsidies, and to ensure that people are able to access the supports they need to find and maintain housing. Will your party commit to tackling housing affordability by funding access to social and affordable housing for low-income residents? Will your party engage directly with municipalities to tackle the specific municipal context which impacts rents, home prices and income levels?

Yes No

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidates Chris Rodgers, Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton, Chandra Arya, Nepean, Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans, David McGuinty, Ottawa South, Mona Fortier, Vanier, Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

We believe that all Canadians have a right to housing. That is why, in Budgets 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, the Trudeau Government made significant new investments in housing. That is also why we introduced Canada’s first-ever National Housing Strategy, a landmark 10-year $55 billion plan to provide homes to hundreds of thousands of Canadians who need them. Our plan will build a new generation of housing in this country.

Our plan is working. In the last four years, the Trudeau Government committed more than $13 billion to specific housing projects, which will result in more than 40,000 new units, nearly 230,000 units being repaired, and hundreds of thousands of families benefiting from rental support.

Because of the National Housing Strategy, and associated investments, housing providers across the country will be able to build on these results. From 2018 to 2028, the National Housing Strategy is expected to reduce housing need for more than 500,000 families, protect affordability for 385,000 housing units, build 125,000 new homes, and repair another 300,000. This level of ambition in housing has not been seen at the federal level of government in generations.

In Ottawa alone, we’ve invested more than $135 million in housing, in projects like those at 70 Gloucester Ave. and the Passive House near the Catherine Street bus terminal.

But, we know there is more work to do. That is why we are committed to the implementation of the new Canada Housing Benefit— starting in 2020—, as well as Phase II of the Federal Community Housing Initiative— also starting in 2020. It is why the Trudeau Government launched the new First-Time Home Buyer Incentive in September 2019; and why we recently committed to an expansion of the initiative. The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is a bold effort to help Canadians achieve home ownership. The Incentive allows homeowners to lower their monthly mortgage payments without increasing down payments. We also recently committed to address the impact of foreign speculation, which drives up housing costs, by putting in place a consistent national speculation and vacancy tax for non-resident, non-Canadians.

We are committed to developing a distinctions-based urban Indigenous strategy, which will help to close major infrastructure gaps in addition to other investments already being made as part of the NHS. We will co-develop this strategy in collaboration with communities, and Indigenous housing providers.

And finally, we are committed to further the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing, which thanks to our hard work over the past four years, now has the backing of federal law. This includes the appointment of a Federal Housing Advocate as well as the creation of a National Housing Council.

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidate Catherine McKenna, Ottawa-Centre

Housing affordability has been a concern of our government from when we first formed government. Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Our National Housing Strategy will do just that. With an investment of $40 billion over 10 years, it will bring 530 000 Canadians out of housing need by building 100 000 new housing units and repairing or renovating 300 000 more housing units. Starting in 2020, Canadians who are renting will be benefitting from an average of $2500 a year from the Canada Housing Benefit. Our government has invested $220 million in affordable housing for Ottawa Centre.

In Budget 2019, we introduced legislation recognizing the right of Canadians to have access to adequate housing. This will make the federal government’s commitment to providing Canadians with affordable housing permanent, whichever party may be in power.

We will continue our investment in affordable housing through the National Housing Strategy for the residents of Ottawa and for all Canadians.

Green Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

The current government has made the rash decision to use the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (an insurer of residential mortgages) to co-own first time home buyers up to 10% of the value of their home. The CMHCs original mandate was to use some of the excess profits from insurance premiums to fund non-market affordable/rent housing. The Green Party would restore this mandate and give to municipalities and provinces towards affordable housing.

New Democratic Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

Canada is facing a housing crisis, and New Democrats believe that it’s time to help people now. We have an ambitious plan that will make a difference in every community in our country – because finding a good, affordable place to live shouldn’t be like winning the lottery. It’s time to relieve the stress and worry that people feel making it easier to affordably rent or buy a home.

A core component of our approach is enshrining the right to housing in law and starting work now with a goal of ending homelessness in Canada within a decade. In a country as wealthy as Canada, there is no excuse to leave any Canadian living in poverty without a safe roof over their head.

A major part of the long-term solution to the problem is to ensure that more social housing and affordable rental homes are built across the country. One in three Canadians is a renter. In many cities, the few affordable apartments available get snapped up quickly, and people end up living in either inadequate housing or forced to spend a huge chunk of their income on rent.

The Liberal housing plan invests 19% less in affordable housing as a proportion of GDP than the ten years previous, and is simply inadequate compared to the scale of the crisis Canadians are facing.

People need real help. That’s why a New Democrat government will create 500,000 units of quality, affordable and social housing in the next ten years, with half of that done within five years. This will be achieved by working in partnership with provinces and municipalities, building capacity for social, community, and affordable housing providers and co-ops, and meeting environmental energy efficiency goals.

This ambitious plan will create thousands of jobs in communities all across the country, and help Canadians get the affordable housing they need. Our federal investment will begin with $5 billion in additional funding in the first year and a half of a New Democrat government.

In order to kick-start the construction of co-ops, social and non-profit housing, we will also set up dedicated fast-start funds to streamline the application process and help communities get the expertise and assistance they need to get projects off the ground today, not years from now.

A New Democrat government will also spur the construction of affordable homes by waiving the federal portion of the GST/HST on the construction of new affordable rental units – a simple change that will help get new units built faster and keep them affordable for the long term.

These measures will help address the housing crisis at the source, but we also need to make sure that families who are hurting get help now. That’s why we’ll

provide immediate relief of up to $5,000 per year for families struggling to afford rent in otherwise suitable housing, while we bring forward long-term solutions to the housing affordability crisis.

Conservative Party of Canada



Candidates Pierre Polièvre, Carleton, Brian St. Louis, Nepean, David Berts, Orléans, Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre, Eli Tannis, Ottawa South and Joel Bernard, Vanier, did not provide a response.

Candidates Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean and Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton, provided the following response:

Thank you for reaching out with this questionnaire. The questions asked are of importance to all Ottawa residents.

As the Campaign continues the Conservative Party will continue to release exciting new pieces of the platform that will help Canadians get ahead, not just get by. My campaign and I will be more than happy to discuss the questions your questionnaire posed after the platform is out, and I look forward to continue to engage with and meet the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean over the next few weeks

6. In 2015, more than 25,000 Syrian refugees settled in communities across Canada, where they were welcomed with open arms. Since then, the City of Ottawa and its residents have hosted thousands of refugees and refugee claimants, which has added to existing pressures on the City’s temporary and emergency lodging resources. Do you commit to continuing to financially support the City of Ottawa in its efforts to accommodate refugee claimants ?

Yes No

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidates Chris Rodgers, Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton, Chandra Arya, Nepean, Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans, David McGuinty, Ottawa South, Mona Fortier, Vanier, Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

Ottawa has a proud history of supporting refugees in their time of need, and our Liberal Government’s resettling of 25 000 Syrian refugees is a story of Canadians coming together quickly and effectively to help people in need. This is what we do as a country. We are committed to helping those fleeing persecution to find a safe place to live. In Canada, we provide support to refugees through the Resettlement Assistance Program in their first few weeks in the country while they are linked up with other federal and provincial assistance programs as well as private sponsors.

When it comes to providing shelter for asylum seekers, municipalities need solutions, and above all else a provincial partner. We have now reached cost-sharing agreements with Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba, and remain willing to work with affected provinces, including Ontario. Despite repeated requests the Ford government has simply refused to collaborate, and would rather put the politics of fear and division over meaningful solutions. In the absence of a provincial partner, we have worked with municipalities such as Ottawa and will continue to work with them to ensure they have the resources they need.

We recognize the tremendous work that officials and Mayor Watson are undertaking to provide temporary housing for those seeking Canada’s protection. This work is essential to who we are as Canadians and our country’s role on the international stage. We will continue working with everyone who helps welcome refugees to Canada.

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidate Catherine McKenna, Ottawa-Centre

The resettlement of 25 000 Syrian refugees is a story of Canadians coming together quickly and effectively to help people in need. This is what we do as a country. We are committed to helping refugees across the world find a safe place to live be that in other countries or in Canada through our commitments to the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees. In Canada, we provide support to refugees through the Resettlement Assistance Program in their first few weeks in the country while they are linked up with other federal and provincial assistance programs as well as private sponsors.

This work is essential to who we are as Canadians and our country’s role on the international stage. We will continue working with everyone who helps welcome refugees to Canada.

Green Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

Our Syrian friends have been enormously brave, surviving their conflict at home, and coming to a different country in search of a better life. The Green Party wants to support the integration of refugees into our society by funding language and skills training, as fluency in our official languages is imperative to ensure that they are able to join the workforce and provide for their families. Most refugees had careers in Syria, and were doctors, lawyers and engineers, whose credentials are not recognized in our country because of barriers set by professional societies. The Green Party will press professional societies to remove unnecessary barriers hindering the recognition of professional credentials of immigrants.

Canada’s multiculturalism is one of our greatest assets, we will invest to make sure no one is left behind.

New Democratic Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

Immigration makes Canada stronger. Welcoming new talent and energy from around the world builds our communities and boosts our economy. Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world and we are richer and stronger for it.

Ottawa has a long and proud tradition of welcoming refugees, from Marion Dewar’s Project 4000 in 1979, to the thousands of Ottawa families who have warmly welcomed Syrian and other refugees today. As the world experiences an unprecedented refugee crisis, New Democrats will continue to provide support to make sure that those fleeing persecution and danger can find a safe home in Canada.

Conservative Party of Canada



Candidates Pierre Polièvre, Carleton, Brian St. Louis, Nepean, David Berts, Orléans, Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre, Eli Tannis, Ottawa South and Joel Bernard, Vanier, did not provide a response.

Candidates Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean and Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton, provided the following response:

Thank you for reaching out with this questionnaire. The questions asked are of importance to all Ottawa residents.

As the Campaign continues the Conservative Party will continue to release exciting new pieces of the platform that will help Canadians get ahead, not just get by. My campaign and I will be more than happy to discuss the questions your questionnaire posed after the platform is out, and I look forward to continue to engage with and meet the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean over the next few weeks

Environment and climate change

7. The National Capital Region experienced record flooding in 2017 and 2019 as well as tornadoes in 2018 that impacted residents and municipalities at considerable expense. A permanent funding source will help Ottawa fight and adapt to climate change and support to local projects that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Do you commit to providing a permanent, flexible, long-term increase the current funding of $2B for cities to protect residents from climate change and extreme weather events by investing in municipal adaptation projects?

Yes No

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidates Chris Rodgers, Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton, Chandra Arya, Nepean, Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans, David McGuinty, Ottawa South, Mona Fortier, Vanier, Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

We are dealing with the effects of climate change every day. Here in Ottawa, we’ve recently experienced extensive flooding and powerful tornadoes. Climate change adaptation presents extra costs to both governments and individuals – we know that well.

We introduced the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation fund with an initial investment of $2 billion. We are committing to increasing this fund by $1 billion, if elected, as well as investing in other conservation and adaptation projects as part of an additional $1 billion investment in nature-based climate solutions. This will include important investments in watershed management and other steps to make our natural environment more resilient to climate change. More needs to be done.

For example, Steven MacKinnon, MP for Gatineau, along with Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin announced funding for a project to make essential improvements to the stormwater and runoff management systems in the Wabassee Creek watershed. Once completed, this work will increase the community’s flood resilience and better protect over 12,500 people. It will also reduce by 91% the number of residents who go without essential services during floods, reduce the local economic impact by 80% and save long-term recovery and replacement costs.

We will work to complete mapping of flood plains across Canada so that people will have this information when deciding to build and buy real estate. We will create a new national flood insurance pool to keep insurance affordable for those who are at high risk of flooding and we will introduce an EI Disaster Assistance Benefit – when people’s lives are hit by natural disaster and they need to take time off work, this benefit will help when they need it most.

A re-elected Liberal government would help Canadians adapt to climate change by:

protecting homeowners who are at high risk of flooding and don’t have adequate insurance protection, by creating a low-cost national flood insurance program;

helping Canadians better understand the risks they face when they buy a home, by working with provinces and territories to complete all flood maps in Canada;

developing a national action plan to assist homeowners with potential relocation for those at the highest risk of repeat flooding; and

helping Canadians whose jobs and livelihoods are affected when disaster strikes, by working with stakeholders and experts to design an E.I. Disaster Assistance Benefit.

These measures will build on four years of climate action by our government, including:

a new Canadian Centre for Climate Services, giving everyone better access to climate science and information.

In connection to the CCCS, the government has supported the creation of ClimateData.ca, a new climate data portal, which equips public health professionals, engineers, planners, and others with detailed climate change data to help Canadians understand and adapt to climate change

a Climate Lens to ensure that future climate impacts are considered and addressed in federally funded infrastructure projects.

stronger codes and standards to ensure that the buildings and infrastructure of the future can withstand the impacts of climate change.

We’re also working with Indigenous communities to better understand our changing climate through the Indigenous Community Based Climate Monitoring Program.

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidate Catherine McKenna, Ottawa-Centre

Climate change is real and we are dealing with its effects every day. Here in Ottawa, we have recently experienced extensive flooding and powerful tornados. Climate change adaptation presents extra costs to both governments and individuals – we know that well.

We introduced the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation fund with an initial investment of $2 billion. We are committing to increasing this fund by $1 billion, if elected. More needs to be done.

We will work to complete mapping of flood plains across Canada so that people will have this information when deciding to build and buy real estate. We will create a new national flood insurance pool to keep insurance affordable for those who are at high risk of flooding and we will introduce an EI Disaster Assistance Benefit – when people’s lives are hit by natural disaster and they need to take time off work, this benefit will help when they need it most.

Green Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

The Green Party’s plan for climate change also includes responses to the increasing number of extreme weather events. Our MPs would direct the Canada Infrastructure Bank, revamped to exclude private profit in infrastructure, to invest in climate-proofing essential infrastructure, prioritizing upgrades to drinking water and wastewater systems to protect against flooding, droughts and contamination

One small but significant change the city can make is by having compostable burlap or similar bags stocked and ready to replace the plastic sand bags we recently used.

New Democratic Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

Canadian families are already living with the impact of climate change – for too many, climate-related disasters like flooding have turned their lives upside down, destroying homes and neighborhoods – with no end in sight. New Democrats have a bold climate plan that will confront the climate crisis and help our communities protect themselves from the impacts of climate change, like flooding and forest fires. We won’t leave Canadians to deal with these disasters by themselves – it’s time to step up.

We’ll expand federal funding by $2.5 billion to help communities respond to disasters and strengthen infrastructure to withstand floods and other extreme weather events. We will sit down with provinces, territories and local governments to ensure that the Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund meets the needs of communities.

Conservative Party of Canada



Candidates Pierre Polièvre, Carleton, Brian St. Louis, Nepean, David Berts, Orléans, Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre, Eli Tannis, Ottawa South and Joel Bernard, Vanier, did not provide a response.

Candidates Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean and Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton, provided the following response:

Thank you for reaching out with this questionnaire. The questions asked are of importance to all Ottawa residents.

As the Campaign continues the Conservative Party will continue to release exciting new pieces of the platform that will help Canadians get ahead, not just get by. My campaign and I will be more than happy to discuss the questions your questionnaire posed after the platform is out, and I look forward to continue to engage with and meet the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean over the next few weeks

Public Safety

8. The City of Ottawa supports a multi-faceted strategy to combat gun violence, including a comprehensive approach that includes issues like housing, education, poverty and social infrastructure. Guns and gang related violence remains a top operational priority of the Ottawa Police Service, and Ottawa has a refocused strategy to address these issues . Is your party committed to a comprehensive strategy that includes additional funding for front line police officers to combat gun and gang violence and legislation to strengthen gun control? Will your government invest in programs and supports for youth and families at risk and other measures for building an inclusive city?

Yes No

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidates Chris Rodgers, Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, Kanata-Carleton, Chandra Arya, Nepean, Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans, David McGuinty, Ottawa South, Mona Fortier, Vanier, Anita Vandenbeld, Ottawa West-Nepean

Our Liberal government is committed to keeping our communities safe by strengthening Canada’s gun laws. We will ban all military-style assault rifles, supported by a two-year amnesty to facilitate a buy-back program to make sure these weapons are out of the reach of criminals. We will also work with the provinces and territories to give municipalities the ability to ban handguns should they choose to do so. To keep guns out of the hands of criminals we will make sure that the RCMP and Canadian Border Services Agency have the resources they need to detect and stop the flow of guns at our borders.

Ending gun violence doesn’t stop there. To help deal with gang violence, we are investing an additional $50 million a year over five years to help municipalities deal with the needs of communities at risk, and we will expand successful diversion programs to keep at-risk-youth out of the criminal justice system.

This is part of our proposed $400-million investment over the next four years that will go towards multiple initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence, which also includes a $200-million to begin the work next year on for the buyback for all legally purchased assault rifles.

Liberal Party of Canada – Candidate Catherine McKenna, Ottawa-Centre

We will start by making our gun laws stronger. We will ban all military-style assault rifles, supported by a two-year amnesty to facilitate a buy-back program to make sure these weapons are out of the reach of criminals. We will also work with the provinces and territories to give municipalities the ability to ban handguns should they choose to do so. To continue making it more difficult for criminals to get guns we will make sure that the RCMP and the Canadian Border Services Agency have the resources to detect and stop the flow of guns at our borders.

Ending gun violence doesn’t stop there. To help deal with gang violence, we are investing an additional $50 million a year for five years to help municipalities deal with the needs of communities at risk, and we will expand successful diversion programs to keep at-risk-youth out of the criminal justice system.

Green Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

We know cities such as Ottawa realize gun and gang violence does not come from a single source but a wide range of problems: poverty, social support systems access to weapons, etc., and . The Green Party is determined to eliminate poverty through a Guaranteed Livable Income; replacing a plethora of programs and applications with a simpler safety net. Also we would ban the sale and possession of handguns and assault guns except when stored at certified shooting ranges. Finally, we would increase funding for the CBSA and other enforcement agencies, federal and municipal.

New Democratic Party of Canada – All candidates

Yes

Expand youth gang prevention programs.

Everyone in Ottawa deserves to feel safe in their community. Prevention is a critical component of community safety. To that end, we will create a $100 million

fund dedicated to helping keep young people out of gangs with a boost to community programs. New Democrats also support allowing municipalities to ban handguns and cracking down on gun smuggling at the border.

Conservative Party of Canada



Candidates Pierre Polièvre, Carleton, Brian St. Louis, Nepean, David Berts, Orléans, Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Centre, Eli Tannis, Ottawa South and Joel Bernard, Vanier, did not provide a response.

Candidates Adul Adbi, Ottawa West-Nepean and Justina McCaffrey, Kanata-Carleton, provided the following response:

Thank you for reaching out with this questionnaire. The questions asked are of importance to all Ottawa residents.

As the Campaign continues the Conservative Party will continue to release exciting new pieces of the platform that will help Canadians get ahead, not just get by. My campaign and I will be more than happy to discuss the questions your questionnaire posed after the platform is out, and I look forward to continue to engage with and meet the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean over the next few weeks