2026 Pre-Budget Consultation: What I heard from you
by Yasir Naqvi, M.P.
Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre
It is not trite to say that we are living in uncertain times. The unprecedented and unjustified tariffs by the Trump Administration have a significant impact on Canadian economy. That is why federal government’s Budget 2026, to be released this fall, is very important. In August, I sent a questionnaire to each household and business across Ottawa Centre to gather your views about what you want to see in the budget. Thank you for taking the time to share your views. Below is an excerpt of the letter I have sent to the Minister of Finance, which summarizes what I heard from you.
Dear Minister Champagne,
Budget 2026 offers an opportunity for the federal government to strengthen our plan to Build Canada Strong and address complex challenges facing our country. The following is a summary of the feedback I received from a pre-budget consultation in my community, along with specific requests that would benefit Ottawa Centre.
How can the government build a strong economy today and for the future? The responses I received made it clear that constituents want the government to continue to expand trade with partners and allies around the world. Equally, the community wants to see incentives to stimulate investment in clean technologies and reduce emissions. There was also support for continued investment to bolster recruitment and training for the skilled trades.
What actions are the most important for the Government of Canada to help Canadians to get ahead? A strong majority of responses indicated the need for the government to improve access to health services, including mental and dental health. Constituents also want the government to continue increasing the number of new homes being built while investing in affordable housing. Lastly, responses highlighted the need for the government to lower the cost of everyday essentials for Canadians.
How can the Government of Canada set younger Canadians up for success? We heard clearly that constituents want the federal government to help young Canadians by investing in more affordable housing to bring down rent. There is also a strong desire for the government to take measures to increase opportunities for young people to join the skilled trades, and to increase funding for student loans and grants.
I was fortunate to host another special pre-budget consultation with participants from Youth Ottawa, the Canada Summer Jobs program, and the Ottawa Centre Youth Environmental Council. I heard that young people in Ottawa Centre want investment in community-oriented initiatives to create inclusive spaces for youth to gather safely. They also want continued investment in green public transit that is reliable and affordable. Like other constituents, our young people are concerned about accessible and affordable housing. In addition, they would like more funding for student loans and grants and for initiatives like Canada Summer Jobs that support youth entering the workforce.
Ottawa Centre has three requests for Budget 2026:
- Accelerate the construction of affordable housing on federal lands, like Tunney’s Pasture and Confederation Heights, while supporting the conversion of surplus federal office buildings, including the Jackson Building, into housing. Deliver at least 40% of new units as deeply affordable housing through partnerships with non-profit providers like Ottawa Community Housing and the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation.
- Strengthen investments in health and dental care, with a focus on mental health, addictions, and community-based supports delivered by organizations like Operation Come Home, the Centretown Community Health Centre, and the Somerset West Community Health Centre. This measure will improve health outcomes while tackling the root causes of major community safety challenges.
- Invest in community infrastructure that supports tourism, youth, and local businesses, improving quality of life for all. This includes a new 50-metre aquatic facility at Carleton University, a first in the National Capital Region that would attract major events, as well as the revitalization of the Mooney’s Bay Pavilion, a key recreation space in our community.
As you work to prepare Budget 2026, I know you will be taking the views of Canadians, including the constituents of Ottawa Centre, into consideration. I believe that Ottawa Centre shares the government’s priorities for our country, and I will be eager to see those expressed in the upcoming federal budget.
Yours sincerely,
Yasir Naqvi, M.P.
I appreciate all the feedback received, and will keep the community informed when Budget 2026 is released to build Canada Strong for all.