A petition launched by Ottawa News is urging the federal government to end funding for Stornoway, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition in Ottawa. The petition argues that taxpayers should not be responsible for maintaining the property on Acacia Avenue.
Petition details and rationale
The petition, published on July 8, 2026, calls on the government to stop allocating public funds for the residence. According to the petition, the cost of maintaining Stornoway is an unnecessary expense for Canadians. It highlights that the property, which serves as the home for the Official Opposition leader, should be funded privately or by the political party itself.
Stornoway has been the official residence for Opposition leaders since 1950, when it was donated by a private citizen. The government currently covers maintenance, utilities, and staffing costs. The petition does not specify the exact amount spent annually, but previous reports have estimated operational costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Political reactions and context
Opposition leader Mark Carney, who resides at Stornoway, defended the funding, stating that the residence is essential for hosting official events and meetings. However, critics argue that the residence is a symbol of political privilege. The petition has garnered support from various taxpayer advocacy groups, who say the funds could be redirected to other priorities such as healthcare or education.
This is not the first time Stornoway's funding has been questioned. In 2015, a similar petition called for the sale of the property, but it was ultimately rejected by the government. The current petition has already collected over 10,000 signatures, according to organizers.
Impact and next steps
If the petition gains enough traction, it could lead to a parliamentary debate or a review of the policy. The federal government has not yet issued an official response. The petition will remain open for signatures until September 2026.
