Ottawa’s mayor hoping for funds for newcomers in federal budget

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe continues to push for funding from the Trudeau government to help asylum seekers, ahead of the unveiling of the federal budget.

Sutcliffe was asked for his wish list during a provincial funding announcement Friday.

“Our conversations with the government continue on a number of areas including the future of downtown Ottawa, the future of public transit in Ottawa,” He said.

But, he said one of the biggest areas of concern is housing.

“The rising number of new arrivals in Ottawa — people who are arriving in Ottawa seeking asylum,” Sutcliffe said.

“So, we’d love to hear from the federal government on funding for a welcoming centre for those individuals who are arriving in the city.”

In February, Sutcliffe posted a video after touring a temporary shelter in the city.

He said the majority of people living in Ottawa’s shelter system were new arrivals to Canada:

Sutcliffe says even if the money doesn’t come through, they will continue to work with their federal partners on what Ottawa needs going forward.

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to deliver the federal budget in the House of Commons on April 16th.

Freeland has said the budget will focus on affordability for Canadians.