Tuesday 30 June 2026
Spring Parliamentary Session Delivered for Canadians
by Yasir Naqvi, MP, Ottawa Centre
In my conversations with constituents this month, one thing keeps coming up: how proud Canadians are feeling about who we are right now. I could not be prouder myself. When things get hard, Canadians look out for each other. That is one of the things I admire most about our country.
We are currently living through a time of profound change where support has never been more important. Things are hard right now for many people, and our government is committed to support those who need it most.
As the House of Commons rises for the summer, it is a good moment to reflect on what the spring parliamentary session delivered for our community. We have taken steps to build more homes, expand trade, invest in clean energy, and provide direct support to families facing higher everyday costs.
Working Together on Housing
Access to affordable housing remains one of the top concerns raised by constituents. That is why we partnered with the City of Ottawa through Build Canada Homes, a $400-million partnership announced in December 2025 that is expected to deliver up to 3,000 mixed-income and affordable units.
We are already seeing results. In April, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced eight new housing projects providing 1,100 non-market units in Ottawa, surpassing the 1,000 initially projected. Two of these projects are right here in Ottawa Centre, at 384 Arlington Avenue and the 100 Block of Hickory Street. This deal will create thousands of new affordable homes on public land.
Standing Up for Canadian Trade
Strengthening and diversifying our trade relationships is essential to long-term economic growth. That is why, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, I have worked hard to advance our government’s ambitious agenda to double Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade.
This session, I worked on two important trade agreements. The Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will give Canadian exporters preferential access to the Indonesian market, benefiting sectors like wheat, potash, wood, and soybeans. In addition, the United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will expand opportunities for Canadian exporters across multiple sectors. As one of Canada’s closest allies and largest trading partners, the UK’s entry is a significant win for Canada.
This work is just beginning, and I look forward to continuing to stand up and deliver for Canadian workers and businesses on the world stage.
Energy for the Future
Our government is working hard to create a sustainable and independent Canadian economy, and controlling our own energy is vital to that plan. As our economy becomes more energy-intensive, electricity demand is expected to double by 2050, and electrification is key to meeting both that demand and our climate goals. In May, our government announced a new electricity strategy to match that growth, supplying clean, reliable, and affordable power across the country for decades to come.
Today, approximately 80% of electricity generated in Canada is non-emitting, giving us a strong foundation to build on. Of Canada’s 694 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, 74% came from energy production and use, and only 7% from the electricity sector. When we look at the numbers, the biggest opportunity for emissions reductions is in how we power our everyday lives. By doubling our clean electricity capacity, we could reduce Canada’s overall emissions by as much as five times what the electricity sector currently produces.
Supporting Canadians with the Cost of Living
While Canada continues to build long-term economic resilience, many families are still feeling the pressure of rising costs. That is why our government introduced the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, designed to help more than 12 million Canadians manage higher living expenses.
The benefit began with a one-time top-up equivalent to a 50% increase in the GST/HST Credit, delivered to Canadians at the beginning of June. Starting in July, the benefit will increase by 25% and be delivered quarterly for five years. Payments will be automatic for eligible Canadians who file their taxes and qualify for the GST/HST Credit.
As we head into the summer, I remain grateful for the privilege of serving our community. I look forward to continuing to work hard for Ottawa Centre and hearing from you about the issues that matter most at many community events, BBQs and farmers’ markets.