Farah Gulzar
"Ottawa should take its commitment seriously by aligning municipal policies, investments and procurement decisions with the goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
The City should focus on areas where it has direct influence, including municipal buildings and fleets, transportation planning, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and procurement. Major decisions should consider both their climate impact and their long-term financial costs.
Ottawa should also work collaboratively with other municipalities, residents, businesses and higher levels of government, because the transition away from fossil fuels cannot be achieved by municipal government alone.
At the same time, the transition must be practical and fair. Climate policies should not disproportionately burden low-income households, seniors, people with disabilities or residents who have limited transportation and housing choices.
Ottawa should turn its commitment into measurable municipal action, with transparent reporting so residents can see what progress is actually being made."
Shawn Menard
"The city must phase out the use of fossil fuels; in our buildings, through retrofitting, and in our fleet—buses and equipment. New city buildings should not rely on fossil fuel infrastructure, but should be built with features such as air source heat pumps, electric generators, and other energy-saving, emissions-reducing technology.
We should work with other levels of government to offer support to residents in retrofitting their existing homes - this is something that people really want to do but the financial burden is significant.
It is also important that our progress in this regard is being monitored and measured. We can’t allow these commitments to be merely symbolic. Ottawa has to do its part in addressing the existential threat presented by climate change. I commit to continuing to lead on this issue if I am re-elected to Council in October."