With the municipal election around the corner, the Charlatan breaks down what you need to know.
The role of the mayor and council
The municipal council in Ottawa is comprised of 23 councillors, with one representing each electoral district.
Their roles and responsibilities include developing policies and programs that will serve the best interest of their constituents. They also ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of senior management.
The mayor of Ottawa—currently Jim Watson—acts as the chief executive officer of that council. The mayor is responsible for presiding over council meetings to ensure they’re carried out efficiently and effectively, according to the City of Ottawa website.
The mayor and council work like a retail store. The council represent the employees of the store who are in the field, implementing practices, policies, and promotions, while the mayor represents the manager, an observer of the way the policies are running and who oversees the actions of each employee.
Who can be a candidate for mayor or councillor?
For an individual to be eligible to run in the election, they must be a resident in the city of Ottawa—specifically, the candidate must be a resident, tenant, or owner of land in Ottawa; a Canadian citizen; at least 18 years old; and a legally eligible voter.
New this year, along with meeting the eligibility requirements, each candidate must have endorsements from at least 25 eligible voters.
Candidates of Ward 17
Ward 17, the Capital Ward, covers the Carleton University area. This ward has five candidates running for council: Jide Afolabi, Anthony Carricato, David Chernushenko, Christine McAllister, and Shawn Menard.
Common ward issues addressed by the candidates include environmental sustainability, and creating safe and accessible, resident-oriented neighbourhoods.
Another common issue is affordable housing. Several candidates are calling for faster construction of affordable homes in Ottawa.
Who can vote?
To be an eligible voter in Ottawa, a person must be a resident, owner, or tenant of land in the municipality; at least eighteen years old; a Canadian citizen; and not lawfully prohibited from voting.
Corporations, executors, trustees, those who are imprisoned, and those who have committed an offence against the Municipals Election Act of 1996 are not eligible to vote.
Student voting
Ottawa is a highly student-populated town. With two universities and a college, there are many young, eligible voters in the area.
However, this does not mean students cannot vote. If a student is attending school in Ottawa yet their “‘home’” resides in another municipality, they are eligible to vote in both elections.
Alexander Barris, a second-year software engineering student at Carleton University, said it is important for students’ voices to be heard.
He said it’s a good idea to allow students from different municipalities to vote in Ottawa’s election.
“If they’re students, then they are probably voting for what’s good for students,” Barris said.
Photo by Aaron Hemens
