The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent at the end of April.
Latest News
Canadian General Election Underway
On March 23, newly minted Prime Minister Mark Carney called a snap election, which will fall on Monday, April 28, the shortest possible duration allowed. Time may be short, but the Carney team leveraged the communications power of government before Parliament dissolved and caretaker mode was entered. This included:
- Scrapping the consumer carbon tax.
- Committing to eliminate the GST for first-time home buyers.
- Signaling security policy direction through a trip to France, the UK, and Nunavut, including a $6 billion NORAD announcement and a defence agreement with Australia.
- Scrapping the capital gains tax inclusion rate increase.
- Announcing, if the Liberals form government, a decrease of the personal income tax rate.
- Convening a meeting with the Premiers to address the American trade threat, including announcing key worker and business supports.
- Committing to a “one window” review process for national-interest infrastructure projects.
Trade War Update
The United States is anticipated to impose additional reciprocal tariffs on April 2 after placing a 25 percent tariff on non-CUSMA compliant products on Canada in March. In response, Prime Minister Carney underscored that Canada will retaliate, but did not offer details on the nature of Canada’s response, only noting that “we have many options and will use them judiciously. You act when you act; you don’t pre-commit.” Carney noted that he considers France and the UK to be Canada’s “longstanding and reliable partners” and underscored that Canada would be re-evaluating its security and trade relationship with the United States.
Carney said that Canada will transform by doing things “at speeds we have not seen in generations.” Following the US update on the April 2 tariffs, President Trump and Prime Minister Carney held what was reported by both sides to be a productive call, although without a resolution.
CPWA Pre-Budget Submission
CPWA submitted a briefing to the Department of Finance in advance of the 2025–26 budget. CPWA’s recommendations suggest that Canada should ensure municipalities have the resources they need to respond quickly to US tariffs with a focus on renewing existing infrastructure in the case that the Canadian economy requires a stimulus program to counteract economic damages. CPWA also emphasizes the need for support in emergency management and disaster mitigation, and support in the development of climate and water-resilient infrastructure.
Canadian Infrastructure Bank Invests in Sustainable Energy
The Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) will invest $217 million in a new transmission line linking Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. This line will improve the reliability of the power grid across the provinces and support the expansion of renewable energy production. The CIB has also invested $117.4 million to support a 94.4-megawatt wind farm on the east coast of Nova Scotia. Additionally, the CIB is supporting the Enoch Cree Nation in developing its reserve near Edmonton, Alberta. This includes a $100 million investment that will support an elders’ facility, a cultural and medical centre, and more than $1 billion in commercial and residential development.
World Water Day 2025: Indigenous Approaches to Freshwater Management in North America
The Commissioner for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has launched a new portal on Indigenous Approaches to Freshwater Management in North America. This portal highlights diverse Indigenous approaches, relationships, and challenges with freshwater management and will provide recommendations on how to better consider Indigenous rights and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) when making decisions on water management. The portal includes case studies that showcase various contexts of Indigenous support with freshwater projects, best practices curated by Indigenous knowledge, and content from a tri-national forum on Indigenous approaches to freshwater management.
Federal Reports
Building Consensus: A Governance Framework for a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN)
Last year, CPWA responded to a consultation seeking feedback from industry on the potential of the implementation of a nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN). Public Safety Canada has recently released a what we heard report, which brings together stakeholder feedback on the topic into one cohesive report.
CPWA is pleased to report that several of our recommendations have been reflected in the report, including aspects such as:
- Leveraging existing resources and infrastructure where possible to reduce costs and accelerate implementation timelines.
- Drawing lessons from international experiences, such as the US FirstNet rollout, to avoid service disruptions and address challenges early.
- Regardless of the chosen model, there was a common view that the governance structure should be established promptly and include all stakeholders to balance the interests in both the nationwide PSBN and the unique regional needs of public safety users.
- Many stressed the need for public safety entities, including emergency responders, to have a strong voice within that structure.
The next steps will include implementing a governance framework that will designate a PSBN authority responsible for leading the development of the network. The insights presented in the report will function as guiding principles for the governance framework.
Federal Funding Awarded
Federal Government Continues to Support Public Transit Across Canada
Following last month’s announcements of investments in public transit, the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities has continued to announce funding for several municipal transit authorities. Federal funding to municipalities is intended to support accessibility across cities, fleet maintenance, and the transition to green transit options. For the next 10 years starting in 2026, Cape Breton will receive $8 million in funding, Charlottetown will receive $2.8 million, Fredericton will receive $8.29 million, Moncton and Dieppe will receive over $11.5 million, Barrie will receive $11 million, Winnipeg, Brandon, and Selkirk will receive $12 million, and Halifax will receive $55 million. Metro Vancouver is expected to receive $1.5 billion over 10 years through the creation of the Metro-Region Agreement, a new stream under the Canada Public Transit fund.
The Federal Government Supports Transit Initiatives in Quebec
Canada is investing $3 million through the Environmental Damages Fund to support five active transportation projects in Quebec. These projects will increase sustainable transport options such as bike lending, bike sharing, and cargo bike awareness campaigns. This will support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, mobilize active transportation options, and engage participants in transportation projects. Additionally, the federal government is investing $17 million through the Active Transportation Fund to support 13 active transportation projects in Quebec. These projects will help develop sustainable transportation infrastructure to support green transportation options and climate-resilient options.
Federal Government Invests in Whitby Infrastructure
The federal government is investing $800,000 in restoration to a senior’s center in Whitby, Ontario. This project will upgrade equipment of the facility and will include high-efficiency windows for heat loss and improve energy efficiency. This investment will make the facility more accessible for users while extending its lifespan and reducing its impact on the environment.
Lachute Revitalizes its Heritage with a Modern and Eco-Friendly Library
The conversion of the United Church into a library in Lachute presents a unique opportunity to celebrate heritage, promote culture, and support sustainable development. The revitalization of the structure will allow the library to serve the needs of the community while addressing environmental concerns through energy-efficient measures. This transformation is backed by $5,613,116 from the Federal government.
Canada Invests in New Active Transportation Trail and Shoreline Protection in Mahone Bay
The federal government is supporting sustainable infrastructure with a $1.4 million investment for a shoreline revitalization project in Mahone Bay. This project includes 450 metres of an additional active transportation trail and will offer coastline protection. The shoreline will be protected from erosion through armour stone.
Climate Change Resiliency on Lake Ontario
The federal government is partnering with the Town of Coburg to develop a seawall that will protect the town from shoreline erosion and flooding. This infrastructure is expected to sustain wave action and storm surges for decades to come. Limestone and granite used in this project will be sourced locally, utilizing old stone where possible to reduce risk. This project will be backed by $5 million from the federal government and $14.5 million from the Town of Coburg.
Federal Government Invests in Cromwell Area Sewer Separation and Flood Mitigation Project in Sarnia
Canada is supporting the revitalization of the wastewater collection system in the town of Sarnia by investing $11,990,000. This project will address the increased risk of basement flooding and sewer overflows due to more frequent and intense storms. It will separate previously combined sewers to enhance the waste collection system, replace the water main, and repave sidewalks and roads. These measures will reduce economic losses and protect the community from future climate-related disasters.
Canada Invests $25 Million in the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The current facility for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection will be renovated and expanded to meet net-zero carbon building standards. This $25 million investment from the federal government will help the building meet current accessibility standards and create space for Indigenous art and teaching. Funds for this project are allocated through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program.
Canada Invests in Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Initiatives Across New Brunswick
The federal government is investing in sustainable infrastructure in New Brunswick to better support Zero-Emission Vehicle initiatives. Through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, the federal government is providing $1.2 million in funding for Irving Oil to install 16 EV chargers at various retail locations and along highways in New Brunswick, and an additional $190,000 in support for the power commission of St. John to install 10 EV chargers at publicly available locations. Through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, Canada is providing $1.5 million for the “Estop Plus Electric Vehicle Charging Service Stations” project that will engage local Indigenous communities with the construction of EV charging stations on Indigenous-owned land in New Brunswick.
Canada Invests in Climate Change Adaptation in the North
Through the Climate Change Adaptation Program and the Climate Resilient Costal Communities Program, the federal government is investing $12.1 million in funding for 13 projects in the North and across Canada. These projects will support various Canadian regions and sectors by developing tools and resources to implement actions to reduce climate change and build adaptation capacity.
Canada Invests in Climate Resilient Spaces in London, Ontario
The Government of Canada will be investing $2.7 million through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Fund. These funds will be allocated to the Perth Centre for Community Forestry. This transformation will support an energy-efficient, solar-powered, climate-resilient facility for community members to enjoy. The facility upgrades will minimize energy loss and update mechanical systems to reduce environmental impact and provide a more eco-friendly community center.
Federal Government Invests in Climate Resilient Infrastructure Across Canada
Canada is investing over $153.8 million through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program to support more than 70 climate-resilient, energy-efficient and accessible community spaces. This investment supports the transition to net-zero building standards and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives while fostering local economic growth through job production.
