The workshop is structured around a series of facilitated small-group discussions and activities, that lead to the creation of personalized "elevator pitches" for each advocate to use with their elected officials during public consultations.

With the 2026 municipal budget process underway, our city is making decisions that will affect our community for days to come. This is the one of the most effective times to make our voices heard.

Can't make it?

Send your councilor a letter, and demand investment in the upstream solutions that prevent homelessness and food insecurity in our neighbourhoods: ottawamission.com/action/

Bookmark our Advocacy page to access key talking points on homelessness prevention, recent studies, and action calendars. ottawamission.com/tools

The upcoming city budget is an opportunity to put our resources into the evidence-based programs to build a healthier city for all.
It takes less than 60 seconds to tell your councillor to invest in these solutions. Send a letter now.
ottawamission.com/action/

A Canadian study found that for every $10 spent on housing supports, our community saved $21.72 on emergency services, hospital stays, and justice system costs (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).

That’s why we are advocating for City Council to 👉 support the expansion of not-for-profit housing 👈
Investing to prevent homelessness is more effective, and less costly than managing it after the fact.

ottawamission.com/action/

It takes less than 60 seconds to make your voice heard. Use our simple tool to send a letter to City Council and demand a smarter, more compassionate budget for our city.
ottawamission.com/action/

This isn't a report card we can afford to ignore. This provincial failure is a key reason why our municipal services are at a breaking point and why the upcoming city budget is so critical. It's our city's most important opportunity to invest in the local, upstream solutions that we know will work.

The report highlights what we see every day: a social safety net that is unravelling at the seams. With social assistance rates that leave people living 64% below the poverty line, it's no wonder that homelessness and food insecurity are at record highs.

The Ottawa Mission reaffirms its commitment to listening, to learning, and to advocating for the culturally safe, Indigenous-led housing solutions that are essential for healing and building a more just community for all.

When the government refused to act on his findings and suppressed his report, he published it himself, at great personal and professional cost. Reconciliation is not just for one day, it's a commitment that must be woven into the fabric of our daily work.

A powerful moment was visiting the grave of Dr Peter Bryce (1893 - 1932). His official report documented the horrific and preventable death rates of children in residential schools, particularly from tuberculosis, due to unsanitary and overcrowded conditions.

We also participated in a moving guided tour at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, leady by the youth from the Assembly of Seven Generations. We walked the grounds to learn more about Ottawa's residential school history.