The provincial government is pledging over $80 million in new funding to improve public safety on transit and address the increased number of asylum seekers and people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement on Tuesday during a speech to the Economic Club of Canada at downtown Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier. The money is part of the province’s “new deal” with the city — announced earlier this year — that commits $543 million to Ottawa to address priorities like homelessness, transit, road development and housing.
Of the newly announced money, $48 million over three years will be allocated to addressing public safety on transit and in the downtown core. This money will be used for, among other things, hiring OC Transpo safety offers. The remaining $40 million will be used to support the increased number of asylum seekers and people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.
Ford said the announcement is “a clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to Ottawa’s success” and called on the federal government to “step up” as an “active partner” and help contribute.
Ford also acknowledged election day in the United States, and said his government is ready to work with whoever forms the next American government.
“It’s not an overstatement to say that this election — and the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement — is more consequential than anything else on the horizon to our economy.”
Following the premier’s remarks, he sat down with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for a fireside discussion on the issues facing the city, during which Sutcliffe pushed the premier on issues like the closure of safe injection sites, harm reduction and the province’s plan to support people facing addiction.
“I believe in a different approach,” said Ford. “My heart breaks for these people. They need help — not more drugs.”
Speaking to reporters after the event, Sutcliffe was asked why he didn’t advocate for more transit funding during the fireside chat. In October, Ottawa city council unanimously approved a motion signalling Ottawa’s support for a province-wide push for more aid from the federal and provincial governments to address homelessness and addictions issues.
“Well, you didn’t see all the conversations I had with the premier today,” Sutcliffe said. “We talk all the time, the premier understands the situation the City of Ottawa is in, he understands our concerns, and we’re working together on a number of things that could be very positive for the city in the future.
“We don’t have anything to announce yet, but our conversations are continuing, and our conversations with the federal government are continuing as well,” he continued. “These things don’t happen quickly, but I’m continuing to work with other levels of government to ensure Ottawa gets our fair share of transit funding so we can continue to invest in public transit in our city.”
