Joel Harden MPP / Député, Ottawa Centre

As I said in the Legislature this week, happy Capital Pride 2022!  This week Ottawa celebrates and values 2SGLBTQi+ neighbours. There are terrific events, art installations, and performances to att... More

I’m writing you these words from St. John’s, Newfoundland.  It's a foggy morning, but Frank, a local guide I met here, thinks that description is “fake news”. It’s an adjective for cynics who can’t... More

As I took Ottawa Centre’s seat in the Ontario Legislature this week, the scene was intense. Ontario’s 43rd Parliament had no shortage of drama. The week began with the election of the Speaker, a pr... More

In Ottawa Centre, we love our ice cream. More specifically, we love the many local ice cream businesses that offer delicious tastes and flavours.   That’s why it was a shock to see The Merry Dairy ... More

I’m writing from Site 2B at Parc Régional Poisson Blanc, about a 90 minute journey from Ottawa Centre. I’m here on my own for two nights of canoe camping.  The south-facing view here is stunning:  ... More

* Warning: this week’s column is about gender-based violence (GBV). Help is available if you or someone you know is at risk. Contact the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa for 24/7 confidentia... More

This week our Mayor opposed a study into free transit that city council requested in April 2022. This sentiment was quickly amplified by two mayoral candidates insisting “we can’t afford to make tr... More

As promised, our Ottawa Centre “thank you BBQ”  tour starts next week — at noon on July 16. The first stop is 507 Riverdale Avenue in Old Ottawa South.  507 Riverdale, also known as the “Lexington”... More

What’s coming will be a Canada Day weekend unlike any we’ve ever seen.  Our city is bracing for a return of “Freedom Convoy” groups, including one veteran, James Topp, who is marching to the Nation... More

It’s been a while since my last MPP update, I hope this finds you well.  We’ve just been through an election where politicians get thanked, but that work is a collective effort. I’d like to thank o... More