David J. McGuinty
Hon. David J. McGuinty
Member of Parliament for Ottawa South
Ensuring long-term predictable public transit funding for the City of Ottawa with over $180 million through the Canada Public Transit Fund
January 28, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario, January 27, 2025 — By working closely with its partners across Canada, the federal government is ensuring that more Canadians will be able to live near public transit, connecting them to jobs, services, and their communities.

Today, the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, alongside Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, announced a federal investment of over $18 million in annual transit funding for the City of Ottawa, providing predictable and long-term funding, tied to greater density near transit.

Through the new Canada Public Transit Fund’s Baseline Funding stream, Ottawa’s transit authority, OC Transpo, will receive an annual funding allocation amounting to over $180 million over 10 years. Funding will upgrade, replace, or modernize Ottawa’s public transit infrastructure, and maintain it in a state of good repair.

This investment, beginning in 2026 until 2036, will help increase the housing supply and affordability as part of complete, transit-oriented communities, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

Quotes

“I’ve heard loud and clear from our community about the challenges with public transit. That’s why we’re taking action to make it better, faster, and more reliable for everyone in Ottawa. We’re investing in transit improvements to ease congestion on our highways, keep our air clean, and ensure people can get where they need to go—whether it’s to school, work, or around the community—on time.”

The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Member of Parliament for Kanata—Carleton, Ontario

“Investing over $180 million over the next 10 years to improve public transit in Ottawa will make it easier for people across our city to get to work, shop, and visit family and friends. As we build more homes and grow our communities we need a strong public transit system now, and for generations to come.”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, and Member of Parliament for Ottawa South

“Public transit is an affordable, environmentally friendly, and essential option for many residents in our community. In principle, it should make life easier—but we all know Ottawa’s transit system needs improvement. Buses need to show up on time, and we need a reliable train system. That’s why the federal government is stepping up and working with the City of Ottawa to invest in real improvements—because you deserve a transit system that actually works when you need it.”

The Honourable Mona Fortier, Chief government whip and Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier

“This is a major step forward for Ottawa. With over $18 million in annual funding through the Canada Public Transit Fund—totalling more than $180 million over the next decade—we’re securing reliable, sustainable public transit for the future. This investment will modernize and maintain Ottawa’s transit infrastructure, reduce congestion, and drive affordable housing near transit hubs. A key investment in revitalization of downtown Ottawa.”

Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, and Member of Parliament Ottawa Centre

“The funding announced today will help Ottawa in a number of important areas, including closing the systemic gap in our transit budget. The transit funding ensures we can maintain and improve service for our rapidly growing city. We will continue to work with the federal government on a number of other shared priorities in the weeks ahead, as we continue to tackle financial pressures and strive to build a better city for all our residents”

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor, City of Ottawa

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