Serving Nepean: My First Months as Your MPP
Tyler Watt being sworn in as MPP for Nepean by Trevor Day, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, on March 18, 2025.
Column published in the August 14, 2025 edition of Your Barrhaven Independent — Community Voice.
By: Tyler Watt, MPP
It’s still hard to believe it’s only been a few months since February’s election, where I was elected to serve as Nepean’s Member of Provincial Parliament. Since then, life has been a whirlwind - but an incredibly meaningful one. I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the people of Nepean for placing your trust in me to represent you at Queen’s Park.
When I first ran for office in 2022, I promised I would never take this responsibility lightly if I were lucky enough to win. That commitment remains at the heart of everything I do. As your MPP, my job is to be your voice in the Ontario Legislature, to bring your concerns forward and hold the government accountable so that our community gets the attention and support it deserves.
Since officially being sworn in and taking my seat in April, I’ve hit the ground running. One of the most urgent issues facing our community is the family doctor shortage and access to health care. Right now, over 31,000 people in Nepean don’t have access to a primary care physician. That’s not just a statistic - it’s a crisis affecting real families, seniors, and children every single day.
As a Registered Nurse by training, I understand how deeply this shortage impacts our healthcare system. I’ve raised this issue in the Legislature and pushed the government to act. Our community cannot wait any longer.
I’ve also been a strong advocate for expanding the Queensway Carleton Hospital. This hospital serves not just Nepean, but over half of Ottawa’s population and many of our neighbouring rural communities. An expansion is not just overdue - it’s essential to meet the growing demands of our region.
Road infrastructure is another major concern for members of our community. Barrhaven is growing, but our roads haven’t kept up with that growth. The Barnsdale Interchange is one example of this. It’s a vital project that’s been repeatedly promised, but construction has yet to begin. I’m continuing to press the government to finally follow through and get shovels in the ground.
Now that the Legislature has recessed for the summer, I’ve been back in the community full-time. I’ve spent my days meeting with constituents, listening to local organizations, and attending events around our amazing community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to hear directly from so many of you about your hopes, your concerns, and vision for change.
What’s struck me most is how passionate and engaged our community is. Whether I’m at a community event, a town hall, or a visit with a local nonprofit, I’m constantly reminded of why I ran in the first place: to help people.
Public service isn’t about titles or photo ops. It’s about showing up, listening, and doing the work. I’m honoured to represent Nepean, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the issues that matter most to you.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. Let’s keep working together to build a healthier, more connected Nepean for everyone.
