The Citizen invited Ottawa candidates from the four main parties to write a short article explaining what they will do for their local riding if elected. Some chose to participate; others did not. Today, Orléans Liberal candidate Marie-France Lalonde:
I’m Marie-France Lalonde, the Liberal candidate running for re-election in the riding of Orléans. I’ve lived in Orléans since 1999 and been the member of Parliament (MP) for Orléans since 2019. I am a former business owner, and a social worker who is an advocate for seniors, families and small businesses.
I understand the needs of my community and I have a proven track record of delivering results.
I have been a strong advocate for the expansion of public transportation to Orléans, recognizing the needs of our local community to have easy and affordable means of transportation across the Ottawa region. The second phase of Light Rail Transit (LRT) from Place d’Orléans to Trim was 100 per cent funded by two Liberal governments.
Additionally, I understand the need to expand the federal footprint in Orléans, which is why I have worked to bring the Ottawa East Service Canada Centre and Passport Services office to Orléans, as well as 105 federal GCcoworking spaces to Place d’Orléans.
I am also a proud Franco-Ontarian and strong defender of Francophone minority linguistic rights. I was proud to announce $36 million for the construction of the new Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) building to further foster and enhance French language community events and programming in Orléans.
If re-elected, I hope to build on these achievements and continue the important work our Liberal government has been doing in Orléans. This includes expanding and making permanent the federal GCcoworking space at Place d’Orléans to ensure our public servants are able to carry out their important work from right here in our community.
I will also work in partnership with all orders of government to ensure the construction of the pedestrian bridge at the Trim LRT station. I have heard from many folks in our community about the need to accelerate this project to enable easier access to the LRT, especially for seniors, young families, students and individuals with mobility needs.
I will also advocate for young families and individuals as they purchase their first home. This includes eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes under $1 million. Orléans is growing rapidly, and we need to do more to support those who choose our community as their home.
I know our community is increasingly concerned about U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats and unjustified tariffs. I’m proud that our Liberal government has put forward a suite of new measures to support our local industry and workers, especially those in the auto sector, to diversify our international trading partners, and to rebuild, reinvest and rearm our Canadian Armed Forces. Our Liberal government is the only one capable of working to ensure our national security and defend our sovereignty.
I have a proven track record of delivering on my commitments to the people of Orléans. I am asking for your vote and would be honoured to have your support.
Marie-France Lalonde is the Liberal candidate in Orléans riding.