Ottawa’s transit and downtown revitalization were on the agenda, as Mayor Mark Sutcliffe met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Thursday morning.
“This is the first time ever that the sitting prime minister of Canada has come to Ottawa City Hall for a meeting with the mayor,” Sutcliffe said.
Trudeau told reporters good relations with cities is fundamental for his government.
“Nowhere more so than the city that is the host of the federal government, so how we can work together on big issues that matter for the people of Ottawa and the growth into the future we are going to create is a great thing.”
“The work we’ve already done over the past times together — lots of great initiatives on housing, on transit on other things that we’re continuing to do,” Trudeau said.
In a post on X, Sutcliffe said the pair talked about working together “to address Ottawa’s unique and immediate challenges including the future of downtown and public transit.”
The meeting also follows the unveiling of the federal budget this week.
The Liberals have earmarked $ 1.1 billion to help provide housing for newcomers across Canada.
Sutcliffe has stressed the need for funding for a welcome centre for asylum seekers in Ottawa, as the city sees a huge percentage of refugees in its shelters.
The Community Services Committee will discuss a proposal next week to Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada — asking for $ 31.6 million for a newcomer reception centre.
City staff are reportedly working on updates to that proposal.