1 week Ago By Christian Proulx
The Citizen invited Ottawa candidates from the four main parties to write a short article explaining what they will do for their local riding if elected. Some chose to participate; others did not. Today, Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester Green party candidate Christian Proulx: As a lifelong resident of Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester and a proud franco-Ontarian, I am committed to fostering sustainable and dynamic communities.
The choices we make today will have enduring effects on our neighbourhoods for future generations, influencing our economy, prosperity, health and environment. Given the current challenges posed by new tariffs, economic instability and shifts in the global economic landscape, we must swiftly implement measures to protect Canada: our sovereignty, democracy, economy and communities. Alongside enhancing our national defence and security frameworks, we must address the needs of workers facing layoffs, support small businesses and assist families in distress.
My priorities for our riding include emergency preparedness, and the creation of quality jobs within a green economy. In Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester, we have encountered prolonged power outages during severe storms; face flooding risks in certain areas; and can expect an increase in heat waves over time. In addition to several national measures, such as establishing a national civil defence corps, I support initiatives to empower communities to prepare for extreme weather events.
These include strengthening local emergency response networks and promoting home retrofit programs to enhance energy efficiency and resilience to climate change. Economic transformation for Canada presents an opportunity to equip individuals with skills for well-paying jobs in emerging clean energy sectors. I would increase grants to post-secondary institutions such as Collège La Cité and University of Ottawa to be offering programs with this overall goal.
I support our trade unions in related initiatives. Implementing a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI) can provide a safety net during economic transitions, be efficiently administered and avert more costly problems, as demonstrated by various pilot projects. Our riding is a diverse one economically: In some areas, child poverty remains a challenge, as do homelessness and addiction issues.
The affordability of childcare; the ability to take leave to care for ill family members; young individuals struggling with student debt and high living expenses; are significant concerns for many. Caring for Canadians and enhancing health care are key priorities for me. I firmly believe that mutual support strengthens our communities and fosters resilience amid rapid changes.
I will advocate for increased funding for childcare centres staffed by qualified early childhood educators; initiatives to train individuals as care workers; and the expansion of home care services for seniors. Our health-care system currently faces understaffing and insufficient funding. Too many people in Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester lack access to a family doctor, and thus timely support and early treatment.
I will advocate for measures that support the doctors, nurses, personal support workers, frontline health-care workers and hospitals we rely on daily. And measures which attract more health professionals to Canada and our local hospitals and care centres. Our environment always needs protecting: It’s our source of air, water, food and the key to the well-being and existence of future generations.
Vote Green for our future! Christian Proulx is the federal Green Party candidate in Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester. RelatedHow to vote in the 2025 federal election in OttawaFederal election 2025: Everything you need to know about voting in Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester.
