Liam McPherson, a fourth-year journalism student, is running for election as an Ottawa city councillor for River Ward in next year’s municipal election. The ward, which spans both sides of the Rideau River between Carling Avenue and Hunt Club Road, is home to just over 45,000 residents, according to the most recent census data available.
The Charlatan spoke with McPherson over Facebook Messenger to discuss his campaign and what he plans to do, if elected.
The Charlatan (TC): What made you decide to run for public office?
Liam McPherson (LM): Ever since I moved to Ottawa in 2014, I have been in love with this city. My decision to move here was initially based on the quality of Carleton’s journalism program. In the three years since, I have seen what a wonderful place Ottawa is to live and work. It’s a major hub for politics, one of my greatest passions. There is an abundance of biking trails when I’m feeling adventurous. It’s culturally diverse, and has a proud history of bilingualism (not to mention speakers of languages from all around the world). I am running for public office because I want to raise a family in this city, and I want my future kids, as well as my friends and neighbours, to know that they have all the tools they need to succeed. As of right now, I’m not sure that’s the case in River Ward.
TC: What experience do you have that would make you qualified for city councillor?
LM: I think the fact that I haven’t been steeped in bureaucracy as much as other candidates perhaps makes me a bit more attuned to the needs of everyday people. I’ve gained experience through my involvement with think tanks and two federal campaigns, as well as my time on Parliament Hill as a staffer, but my focus is more on the fact that I’m a fresh face to municipal politics. I haven’t grown long in the tooth; I want my platform to be based around what people really want, and I don’t have special interests pulling me one way or the other. I’m young with plenty of energy and enthusiasm, and I want to put that energy to work for the people of River Ward.
TC: What do you hope to change if elected?
LM: At the door, I’ve primarily been hearing about OC Transpo and bike lanes. River Ward is full of students like myself, and there’s a strong desire to see the 111 bus service improved. I’ve come up with a plan to launch a feasibility study on adding 111 express buses in the mornings and evenings so students can get to school a little faster. The express route would skip Billings Bridge, and instead turn onto Bronson after stopping at Confederation Station. There is also a concern about the safety of cyclists using the city’s bike lanes. We hear about a new biking accident multiple times a month now. I think the city should amend the ban on sidewalk biking to extend only to areas with high pedestrian traffic. That way, cyclists who aren’t comfortable using bike lanes, especially in areas where there is a lot of motor vehicle traffic, can feel safer. The risk of serious injury to pedestrians from a bike is certainly less pronounced than the risk that a cyclist will get doored or hit by a car.
River Ward could be doing more to address the needs of its low-income population as well. We’ve seen housing prices soar nationally as a result of the hot markets in Toronto and Vancouver, and that makes it hard for some people to find an affordable home. City council should be making more of an effort to work with our provincial and federal partners in order to secure increased funding for subsidized housing. Finally, I’m a strong supporter of Bilingual Ottawa, the campaign to enshrine the city’s French services in the provincial City of Ottawa Act. This would protect French services from cuts by a future city council, and it seems like common sense to me.
These are just some of the main points I’ve been making on the campaign trail. As the election comes closer, we’ll be releasing a detailed platform built entirely from student input and grassroots involvement.
TC: What traits do you think belong to a successful city councillor?
LM: I would say that the moment you forget where you came from, you’re finished. The moment you let your ego and personal desires keep you from your duty to listen to your constituents is when you should have a conversation with yourself about who got you there and who you should be serving.
TC: What advice do you have for students looking into being a city councillor?
LM: Give it lots of thought. I’m lucky timing-wise because the official campaign period starts next May, just after I finish my final exams, so I can give it my complete attention. You need to think about what a time commitment it’s going to be because you will literally be living and breathing the campaign for months. If you win, you’ll live and breathe council for years. If you feel for a minute that you’re in over your head or that you aren’t ready for public service, don’t go for it.
