FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guelph ON – March 18, 2026
Guelph residents came together on March 18 to attend a Town Hall hosted by Member of Parliament, Dominique O’Rourke. Participants were eager to engage in important conversations on the economy, jobs and affordability. The event was the latest in a series of events, meetings, webinars, business visits, roundtables and discussions the new MP has held since last April to hear how government can support the Guelph residents, businesses and local government.
“Guelph’s economy is potentially one of the most vulnerable in Canada to US tariffs and the uncertainty they create”, said O’Rourke. “That’s why my focus in my first year in Parliament is on a strong Canadian economy, supporting industry and Canadian jobs and highlighting opportunities for local businesses, particularly in the automotive and agri-food sectors.”
During the discussion, O’Rourke highlighted the government’s success in attracting investment and programs to support industries and tariff-affected workers through business supports including the Buy Canadian Policy, Strategic Response Fund, and the Regional Tariff Relief Initiative. She also shared information on a number of initiatives that help with everyday cost of living challenges.
“I want to make sure everyone in Guelph knows about the federal government programs that could help their business or their family,” O’Rourke said. "Our new government has made generational investments in Canada that create stability, encourage investment, and make daily life more manageable for people in Guelph and across the country.”
Speaking with young people locally, MP O’Rourke understands the challenges of youth unemployment and affordability. That’s why trades training, Canada Summer Jobs and the Youth Climate Corps were all topics of conversation during the meeting. This year, Canada Summer Jobs will create 100,000 jobs across the country, including hundreds here in Guelph.
Supporting youth and families provides opportunities and allows for healthy, prosperous communities. From early childhood care and permanent school nutrition programs to dental plans and tax cuts, MP O’Rourke recognizes the real need to increase affordability efforts in Guelph.
The National School Nutrition Program and the Groceries and Essentials Benefit will help more than 18,000 people in Guelph. Federal policy decisions like these directly help support the well being of children and families in Guelph. Other policies and programs like the PSW Tax Credit, Early Learning and Child Care Agreements, Canadian Dental Care Programs, and Build Canda Homes were highlighted at the Town Hall as the continuation of policies that support Canadians while maintaining strong economic growth.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lianne Cassidy
Chief of Staff to Dominique O'Rourke
Member of Parliament for Guelph
519-837-5170