Small business advocate Michael Wood running for council

By Anil Jhalli

Michael Wood, who became the voice of small business owners over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, is officially running for office. 

The 46-year-old small business advocate is vying to become the next city councillor for the Knoxdale-Merivale ward. Wood officially registered on Aug. 15. 

Wood is one of seven people registered to run in the Knoxdale-Merivale ward. 

The ward's current councillor, Keith Egli, is not seeking re-election. 

“I was able to give people a voice over the past two years,” said Wood on The Rob Snow Show with guest host Derick Fage on Monday, Aug. 15. “People need a voice and they want a voice.”

While he lives in the Barrhaven area, Wood grew up in Craig Henry, which falls in the ward he is running in. His father still lives there, and has always considered the Knoxdale-Merivale ward his home. 

“I'm there all the time,” said Wood about his decision to run in the Knoxdale-Merivale ward. “I live in Barrhaven, but Craig Henry will always be home to me and the way I see it, I'm coming home.”

Wood said he would like to prioritize a review of the city's transit system, from OC Transpo to light rail transit (LRT), which has been plagued with issues over the past few years. 

“We need to go back and take a review and find out what is the most efficient way to make the system run,” he added. 

Wood would also like to tackle issues of homelessness and affordable housing, and just wants to make a difference for residents across the capital city. 

“The main reason I put my name forward is I just want to help,” he said. “Everyone at the council table needs to work together and I understand the needs, requirements and wants in each ward are different. But our goal is to work together and represent the people of Ottawa.”

Listen to the full interview with Michael Wood below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today