Former Ottawa Centre MP Catherine McKenna endorses McKenney as mayor

Former Ottawa Centre Member of Parliament (MP) Catherine McKenna is endorsing Catherine McKenney as the next mayor of Ottawa. 

McKenna, who served as the minister of environment and climate change as well as the minister of infrastructure and communities, made the announcement on Saturday, Oct. 15. 

McKenna said McKenney has a smart and costed financial plan which maintains the current three per cent approach to property taxes and invests in more affordable housing, reliable and better transit, extending operating hours for libraries and outdoor pools in summer, and building retrofits to reduce carbon emissions and save in energy costs.

McKenna highlighted McKenney's leadership during the occupation of Ottawa, adding the city needs someone who will stand-up and fight. 

“We need someone who is going to stand up for our city,” said McKenna. “We saw how tough it was when Ottawa was occupied. Catherine McKenney was on the streets, standing up for vulnerable residents. Standing up for small businesses. One of the few officials who was out there. And we need someone who is tough. I know that politics requires leadership. And I believe that Catherine McKenney represents real change for Ottawa and that's why I am supporting them.”

McKenney said they are thankful to have McKenna's support. 

“Catherine McKenna's leadership as an Ottawa MP and minister of the environment and climate change are well known,” they said. “For six years, in our respective roles as MP and councillor, we worked closely together to make progress on priorities for our constituents.”