Toronto, Ontario - Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa, met today Tuesday with senior ministers of the Ontario government to discuss Bill 23 of 2022, the More Homes Built Faster Act, ongoing pandemic-related pressures and the impact of transit, the Social Services Relief Fund, the need for recovery assistance resulting from the May 2022 storm, and the need to address the zero level of availability of paramedic services.

These meetings come after a discussion held by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe with Premier Doug Ford in October and a meeting with Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy last week.

Sutcliffe said: "I am pleased with the open and productive nature of the conversations I had today with senior members of the Ford government."

Adding, "As I said during the election, it is important that all leaders work together to achieve the priorities of Ottawa residents, as this approach includes not only City Council but also provincial and federal governments."

On the other hand, the mayor met with Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Merilee Fullerton.

Sutcliffe also said: "Collaborative work with the provincial government is inevitable to make Ottawa a safer, more dependable, and affordable place to live."

Adding, "I will follow up with provincial ministers and the Premier to ensure that our goals are achieved and to address our ongoing challenges in the City of Ottawa."