The Ottawa Citizen recently asked readers: “What’s the one issue that needs immediate attention from Canada’s next leader?” Hundreds responded, and we drew up what we’re calling the Citizen’s Agenda: Five questions for Ottawa-Outaouais candidates in the April 28 federal electin.
In Hull-Aylmer riding, we sent the questionnaire to candidates from the five major parties. Two responses, from Liberal candidate Greg Fergus, and the NDP’s Pascale Matecki, were received. In alphabetical order, here are their thoughts.
Greg Fergus, Liberal candidate
1. How do you hope to improve Canada’s and Quebec’s economic competitiveness?
Canada and Quebec thrive when we invest in innovation and support local businesses. Our government would introduce measures to simplify regulations, enabling our entrepreneurs to grow and compete globally. Strategic federal investments in green technologies and skilled workforce training will ensure Hull–Aylmer remains economically vibrant.
Our goal is clear: a competitive, sustainable economy that generates quality jobs and opportunities here at home. By working together — across government, business and communities — we’ll ensure that Canada and Quebec are positioned to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy, benefiting our residents right here in Hull–Aylmer.
2. What is one locally focused campaign pledge that will be your priority as MP?
My top local priority is tackling the housing crisis in Hull–Aylmer. Families in our community need affordable, accessible homes urgently. We are committed to accelerating housing construction by working with municipalities and leveraging federal funds. We’ll streamline approval processes, incentivize builders to construct affordable units, and expand supports for first-time buyers and renters.
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home, and I’ll make sure the federal government plays an active role. Addressing this issue means stability, dignity and prosperity for Hull–Aylmer residents.
3. What are your thoughts on the current size of the federal public service?
Our federal public servants provide crucial services to Canadians every day, especially here in Hull–Aylmer. Others are calling for across-the-board cuts. It’s not about doing more with less; it’s about equipping public servants with the tools they need to deliver to Canadians.
It’s our priority to ensure a balanced, responsive and efficient public service that meets modern demands and continues providing excellent service to Canadians.
4. How do you propose helping to fix the housing crisis in the Outaouais?
The housing crisis in Outaouais demands urgent action. We are working closely with municipalities, developers and community organizations. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining approvals and incentivizing affordable housing projects, we’re delivering homes families need.
5. What’s your favourite season, and why?
My favourite season is autumn. Nothing beats walking down Principale Street and seeing the trees explode with vibrant colours. Autumn brings our community together through many local festivals, markets and outdoor activities.
This season symbolizes what I love most about Hull–Aylmer: community warmth, natural charm, and the shared pride we feel living in one of Canada’s most beautiful regions. It’s truly unmatched!
Pascale Matecki, NDP candidate
1. How do you hope to improve Canada’s and Quebec’s economic competitiveness?
The NDP will build a resilient economy that puts working people first, for the long-term. Here are three features of this plan: work on an East-West clean energy grid that will deliver affordable, clean and secure energy to people and businesses in every region of the country; public investments that make Canada the most attractive place to work, including investment in public college, university and trades programs that make Canada the most attractive place to run a business; and, with the provinces, the elimination of inter-provincial barriers and the harmonization of environmental, health, and safety standards to the highest level.
2. What is one locally focused campaign pledge that will be your priority as MP?
The tramway plan. The Aylmer-Hull-Downtown Ottawa corridor needs an efficient rapid transit system. Over the last decade, consultations happened, early design plans circulated, Gatineau’s municipal authorities and the Québec government agreed. The federal government is … missing. The commuting, environmental, economic and societal values of this urban infrastructure are so obvious they cannot be exaggerated. Ottawa-Gatineau is still growing. Over and above all the reports already done, maybe we need a narrowly focused human resources study to explain to the area’s dominant employer, the Government of Canada, that improved and speedy commutes make workplaces attractive and green.
3. What are your thoughts on the current size of the federal public service?
When it matters, Canada’s federal public service is nimble and amazing. They don’t tell their stories: they do produce outcomes. Canada had no domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity when, late in 2020, there finally existed a useful vaccine against COVID-19. From the high echelons to bottom blue collars, the public servants mobilized. They found, ordered, shipped and delivered vaccines across 10 provinces and three territories. Seven months later, more than 80 per cent of eligible Canadians had received one dose and 56 per cent had been “fully vaccinated.” The size of the public service is not the question; they have shown their value for Canadians when it matters most.
4. How do you propose helping to fix the housing crisis in the Outaouais?
The Canada of our dreams, as New Democrats, provides adequate housing for everyone: housing is a right, not a privilege. In Hull-Aylmer, people are being pushed out of the neighbourhoods they love, while federal buildings sit empty. The federal government has many properties or lands it can offer to build good, truly affordable housing — like McConnell House and the former Jésus-Marie convent — to build non-profit, community-led affordable housing, not luxury condos.
I make the commitment to make it easier to find affordable, quality housing by building more housing faster and at more affordable prices; by helping those who want to finally become homeowners realize their dream of owning their own home; by protecting the housing market for individuals, not for large speculative landlords; and by helping those in greatest need find housing.
5. And finally, What’s your favourite season? Why?
Can you guess what it is with this whimsical poem? (Investing in culture and our environment is primordial, I figured I’d show it this way 🙂
The trees let go with quiet grace
A golden sigh across the land
Flames of amber, rust, and lace
Reminds us that other fires are to fear
But not this one, not this vibrant canopy
The trees are in their final dance
Of gold and red
In tune with the crisp air of the cedar’s song
And the geese singing farewell
Leaves fall soft, but warns us loud
If we want a spring to burst
We need to protect mother earth
In solidarity,
Pascale
