Ottawa Today: Top 5 Stories for Monday, February 23, 2026

Good morning, Ottawa. Here are your top five stories for Monday, February 23, 2026.

1. Conservatives Push for Review of Asylum Seeker Health Benefits

The Conservative Party plans to introduce a motion in the House of Commons on Tuesday calling for a comprehensive review of health benefits provided to asylum seekers under the Interim Federal Health Program.

The motion comes as the program's costs have surged dramatically over recent years. According to government projections, the program's budget has grown from $211 million in 2020 to $896 million in the current 2024-25 fiscal year. Federal estimates suggest costs could reach $1.5 billion annually by 2028-29 if current trends continue.

The Interim Federal Health Program provides temporary health coverage to asylum seekers, refugees, and other groups who are not eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. The program covers basic medical services, prescription medications, and certain supplementary benefits during the period before permanent residence status is granted.

Conservative MPs are expected to argue that the escalating costs require parliamentary scrutiny and potential program reforms. The motion will be debated in the House on Tuesday, with a vote expected later in the week.

Government officials have not yet commented on the proposed motion, though Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has previously defended the program as necessary to meet Canada's humanitarian obligations and public health requirements.

2. Senate Building Eyed as Future High-Speed Rail Hub

A proposal to transform the historic Senate Building on Wellington Street into a high-speed rail terminal is gaining traction among federal transportation officials.

The plan would see the Senate Building, which currently houses parliamentary offices, converted into a major transportation hub serving the proposed high-speed rail corridor connecting Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City.

According to documents obtained by local media, construction on the Ottawa-Montreal section could begin as early as 2029, with the line potentially opening to passengers in 2037, pending project approval and funding commitments from both federal and provincial governments.

The Senate Building's location in the heart of downtown Ottawa makes it an attractive option for a central station, though the proposal has raised questions about the preservation of the historic structure and the relocation of parliamentary functions currently housed there.

Transportation experts note that a downtown terminal would provide better connectivity to existing transit infrastructure, including the LRT system and bus rapid transit routes, compared to alternative suburban locations.

The high-speed rail project has been in various stages of planning for over a decade. The latest proposal envisions trains traveling at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between Ottawa and Montreal to approximately 90 minutes.

No final decision has been made on the station location, and parliamentary officials continue to evaluate several sites across the National Capital Region.

3. Ottawa Senators Extend Winning Streak to Seven Games

The Ottawa Senators defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 at Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday night, marking their seventh consecutive victory and solidifying their position in the playoff race.

Captain Brady Tkachuk scored twice, including the game-winning goal in the third period, while goaltender Anton Forsberg made 34 saves to secure the win. The victory moves the Senators to within two points of a playoff spot with 24 games remaining in the regular season.

The current winning streak is the team's longest since the 2021-22 season and has energized fans who packed the arena for Sunday's game. The Senators have won 12 of their last 15 games, dramatically improving their playoff chances after a difficult start to the season.

Head coach Travis Green credited the team's recent success to improved defensive play and strong goaltending. "The guys are playing for each other right now," Green said in his post-game press conference. "We're getting contributions from all four lines and our special teams have been excellent."

The Senators will look to extend their streak when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night in what promises to be a highly anticipated Battle of Ontario matchup.

4. City Council to Vote on $850 Million Transit Expansion

Ottawa City Council will vote Wednesday on a proposed $850 million expansion of the city's light rail network, including a controversial extension to Barrhaven and upgrades to existing stations along the Confederation Line.

The proposal, developed by city staff and transit officials over the past 18 months, would add 12 kilometers of track and six new stations to the southern suburbs. Construction would begin in late 2027, with completion targeted for 2032.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has indicated support for the expansion, calling it necessary to accommodate Ottawa's growing population. The city's official plan projects an additional 400,000 residents by 2046, with significant growth expected in suburban areas currently underserved by rapid transit.

However, the proposal faces opposition from some councillors concerned about cost overruns following issues with the original LRT construction. The expansion would be funded through a combination of federal infrastructure grants, provincial contributions, and increased property taxes.

Transportation advocates argue the expansion is essential to reduce traffic congestion and meet the city's greenhouse gas reduction targets. Business groups have expressed support, noting improved transit access could attract new commercial development to southern Ottawa.

The vote is expected to be close, with several swing votes still undecided. Public delegations will be heard at Tuesday's planning committee meeting before Wednesday's council vote.

5. Shopify Announces 200 New Tech Jobs in Ottawa

Shopify revealed plans Monday to create 200 new technology positions at its Ottawa headquarters over the next 12 months, a significant boost for the city's tech sector.

The e-commerce giant said the new roles will focus on artificial intelligence development, cloud infrastructure, and product engineering. The positions are part of Shopify's broader expansion strategy and represent approximately $30 million in new payroll investment in the National Capital Region.

Shopify President Harley Finkelstein made the announcement at a morning press conference attended by federal Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

"Ottawa has always been home to Shopify, and we remain committed to growing our presence here," Finkelstein said. "The talent pool in this city is exceptional, and we're excited to create these high-quality jobs for Ottawa's tech community."

The announcement comes as Ottawa's technology sector shows signs of recovery following a difficult 2024 that saw several local companies implement layoffs. Invest Ottawa estimates the new positions will generate approximately 400 additional jobs in supporting industries.

Shopify currently employs roughly 2,500 people in Ottawa across multiple office locations. The company has maintained its hybrid work model, allowing employees flexibility to work remotely while maintaining collaborative office spaces downtown.

Applications for the new positions will open on the company's careers website starting next Monday, with hiring expected to continue throughout 2026.

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