OTTAWA BOARD OF TRADE
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With LRT extension around the corner, discussions are underway for new east-end government workspace, PSPC says
rosa@obj.ca
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23 OBJ.CA
he promise of light rail is in the air – but Orléans business leaders say that without a major east-end employer, the trains won’t be enough to keep the borough up to speed with the rest of Ottawa. The Orléans workforce is highly educated and predominantly bilingual, says the riding’s MP, Andrew Leslie. As such, many work for the federal govern-
ment and commute elsewhere, such as downtown or the new DND headquarters at the Carling Campus. While the standard of living in Orléans is good, Leslie says what’s missing are jobs that match the demographics of the ward – a challenge being tackled by the community’s business and political leaders, many of whom see a compelling case for the federal government to establish a larger east-end presence. Continues on page 24
DECEMBER 2018
Business leaders push feds to rise in the east
BY ROSA SABA