Sutcliffe names four former mayors among campaign co-chairs

Mark Sutcliffe is seen here announcing his campaign for mayor of Ottawa. (CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe has released a list of 24 honorary co-chairs on his campaign featuring a host of current and former politicians—including four former mayors—and business and community leaders.

The Sutcliffe campaign issued a news release Friday touting the co-chairs’ political and geographic diversity, adding that “all agree that it’s time for a fresh perspective at Ottawa city hall.”

“I’m proud to be supported by a growing coalition of people who want less politics and more results,” Sutcliffe said in the release.

Former Ottawa mayors Jim Durrell and Jackie Holzman are on the list, along with former Cumberland mayor Brian Coburn, who was also an Ontario cabinet minister, and former Gloucester mayor Claudette Cain.

Two city councillors who aren’t running for re-election—Eli El-Chantiry and Jean Cloutier—are on the list as well.

“As mayor, I intend to represent all of Ottawa, so I’m grateful to have the support of a broad coalition of amazing leaders from across our large and diverse city,” said Sutcliffe.

Retired senator Marjory LeBreton, a former government leader in the red chamber, is also an honorary co-chair. So are two members of Parliament: Jenna Sudds of Kanata—Carleton and Marie-France Lalonde of Orléans.

“All of these leaders have contributed to building our city and many have worked directly in municipal politics,” Sutcliffe said. “These Co-Chairs clearly demonstrate that there’s a broad consensus from across the political spectrum and throughout rural, suburban, and urban Ottawa that I can deliver results.”

Mayor Jim Watson is not running for re-election this fall. Former mayor Bob Chiarelli, city councillor Catherine McKenney and Sutcliffe are among the candidates to replace him.

The municipal election is Oct. 24.

Here’s the list of Sutcliffe campaign honorary co-chairs: