MEDIA ADVISORY: City-Wide Coalition to host rally next Tuesday to protest Sutcliffe's austerity budget, demand more supports

What: City-wide coalition, the Ottawa Coalition for a People's Budget consisting of organizations across the City of Ottawa, will be hosting a rally outside of City Hall to protest the 2023 City Budget.

They are urging City Councillors to vote against Mayor Sutcliffe's proposed austerity budget, which threatens to undermine critical services and exacerbate existing inequities. Specifically, they are calling on councillors to:

1. Support a freeze on the Ottawa Police budget, which has steadily increased every year since amalgamation, despite evidence that policing does not effectively address social problems and can perpetuate harm and violence against marginalized communities.
   
   
2. Oppose the $47 million in cuts being made to Ottawa's transit budget which will disproportionately affect low-income, and vulnerable residents who rely on public transit to access essential services, employment, and education. And instead, invest in a more accessible and reliable transit system that is intentional about meeting the needs of people with disabilities, seniors, and other community members who have mobility barriers.
   
   
3. Prioritize greater investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation, rather than expensive road widening and expansion projects like the Airport Parkway expansion. We must prioritize the health and well-being of our communities and the planet by supporting sustainable transportation options and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
   
   
4. Ensure that everyone has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing, regardless of their income or background. A $15 million investment is not a sufficient budget allocation that reflects the urgency and scale of the housing crisis in Ottawa.
   
   
5. Massive investment in improving and expanding social and community services, such as childcare, food security, and public health. We must prioritize the well-being of our communities and support those who are systematically repressed and most vulnerable, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
   
   
6. Support strengthening local municipal services and reject the Mayor’s proposal to create a working group meant to look into the possibility of contracting out public services to the private sector.

When: Tuesday, February 28th, at 530 PM

Where: 195 Elgin Street (outside of the Mayor's office)

Full list of speakers to be determined

For Media Inquiries:
Sam Hersh
613-663-7028
[email protected]