What Lisa MacLeod's departure means for Ottawa provincial politics

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Good morning!

It seems summer has made another return. As someone who isn’t a fan of the heat, I was a bit disappointed by how hot it was. Regardless, it was a great weekend to check out the 613Flea Market at Lansdowne Park and watch Greta Van Fleet perform at City Folk. It amazes me how some people think Ottawa is a boring city. There is so much to do here, you just need to find it. 

This will be another big week at Ottawa city hall, as councillors debate over whether or not to keep reductions to the city’s light rail transit system. Officials find themselves in a tough position as they try to weigh the need to find efficiencies while keeping commuters happy. 

Also in big political news, longtime Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod has announced she won’t be seeking re-election when voters head to the polls by 2026. The surprising announcement will certainly change the city’s political map as there are renewed calls to put pressure on the province for more support.  

Let's dive into the news of the day. 

— Charlie Senack, [email protected]

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Monday: 29 🌡️ 14 | ⛅

Tuesday: 28 🌡️ 15 | ⛅

Wednesday: 27🌡️ 16 | ☁️

PROVINCIAL POLITICS

Longtime Nepean representative Lisa MacLeod announces she won’t seek re-election

Passing the torch: In a sudden move on Friday, Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod announced she would not seek re-election when provincial voters head back to the polls. The Nova Scotian native served the riding for 19 years. Up until 2018, her district also included Carleton. 

• “I started as the youngest person in two Parliaments and I'm leaving as the longest-serving woman in this term," MacLeod said in a video posted to social media. "It's been an honour to serve you at Queen's Park and in our community as a local representative, opposition critic, and cabinet minister."

Premier weighs in: On X, formally known as Twitter, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said: “Lisa is a true champion who served the people of Ontario for nearly two decades. I most admire her bravery in sharing her journey to mental wellness and her dedication to always standing up for what she believes in. Lisa will forever be a part of our Ontario PC family.”

Changing tune: MacLeod said the decision came after a “summer of reflection” with family and friends, and it appears to be a shift in tune. In April during a celebratory event with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, MacLeod said she wasn’t going anywhere, reported the Barrhaven Independent. Then, in a surprising moment of vulnerability, the former Ontario cabinet minister released an email to supporters where she hinted it would be a tough election, saying she decided to run. 

• “My seat is at risk, and it’s going to be a difficult fight in the next election. We just lost Kanata-Carleton – a seat we haven’t lost in decades. Every riding association in Ottawa is underfunded and they all need our help if we’re going to elect more Ontario PC candidates,” wrote MacLeod in June. 

Celebrating accomplishments: In her two-and-a-half-minute video, MacLeod referenced a number of her accomplishments, including funding for the Strandherd Armstrong Bridge (now known as the Vimy Memorial Bridge), the Barnsdale interchange, and the future Barrhaven Downtown Centre. 

• MacLeod served in cabinet, first as the minister responsible for children, community, and social services, and Minister Responsible for women's issues. The five portfolios also covered immigration and anti-racism. 

A complicated legacy: But her time in those positions came with much controversy. The Ontario Association for Behavioral Analysts said they received a threatening voicemail from the Nepean representative’s office and there were countless protests outside MacLeod’s then Fallowfield office when there were cuts to the autism funding program. 

• That led to a cabinet shuffle in 2019, where MacLeod was named as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, a position she held until the 2022 election. 

Also in 2019, MacLeod came under fire after allegedly calling former Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk a number of profanities. After the former Sens owner complained personally to Ford, MacLeod apologized for using “blunt language.” The apology was not accepted. 

Controversial donations: When MacLeod ran again during the 2022 election, the NDP revealed the Nepean PC riding association had paid MacLeod $44,000 as a housing subsidy. That was in addition to the $26,000 housing allowance MPPs receive, reported the Barrhaven Independent. 

Who will MacLeod’s replacement be? It’s unclear when a PC nomination race will take place, but the Nepean MPP has endorsed Jay Chadha to be the provincial Nepean candidate. Chadha, a longtime local businessman and project manager of rail operations for the City of Ottawa, ran unsuccessfully for council in 2022. He came in third place in Barrhaven West with about 15% of the vote, according to the Barrhaven Independent. The NDP still doesn't have a candidate, but Tyler Watt, who ran for the Nepean Liberals in the last election, is putting his name forward again. 

MacLeod also intends to stay in the position until the next provincial election is called.

How will this impact the Progressive Conservatives in Ottawa?

Dwindling number: When the Progressive Conservatives first won Queen’s Park with a majority government in 2018, they had four seats in Ottawa: Lisa MacLeod in Nepean, Goldie Ghamari in Carleton, Jeremy Roberts in Ottawa-West Nepean, and Dr. Merilee Fullerton in Kanata-Carleton. Now they are down to only one, which is MacLeod’s. 

• Roberts narrowly won his seat in 2018, beating incumbent Bob Chiarelli. He took over the spot with less than 200 votes over NDP candidate Chandra Pasma, who then won the riding in 2022, beating Roberts by about 1,000 votes. 

Goldie Ghamari was ousted from the PCs by the Premier earlier this year after unintentionally meeting with Islamophobic figure Tommy Robinson. Ghamari apologized and said she didn’t know who he was before the brief phone call, not Ford said it was one of many errors in judgement. 

Background: Fullerton, who has a background in healthcare, won over Kanata-Carleton in 2018 and took the riding over from Jack MacLaren, a former PC politician who was ousted from the party's caucus and then ran under the Trillium Party banner.

Fullerton won Kanata-Carleton in 2018 and quickly climbed the ranks and served in three ministerial roles, winning again in 2022. But in 2023 Fullerton said she had enough and abruptly resigned from the role. During a by-election in 2023, the riding was won by the Liberals. Karen McCrimmon, who used to serve the riding federally, won with 34% of the vote — about 800 votes more than PC candidate Sean Webster. 

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OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

🎰 $1 Million: The prize of a lotto ticket sold in Ottawa. [CTV]

🚉 5: The number of years Ottawa’s LRT system has been open. Here’s a look at how it’s changed. [CTV]

🚘 2: The number of people killed in Outaouais collisions Sunday night. [CBC]

CITY HALL

City council to debate cuts to LRT service this week

The issue: At a transit committee meeting last week, OC Transpo continued to defend its decision to make further cuts to Ottawa’s already problem-plagued light rail transit system. 

Renée Amilcar, general manager of the transit organization, said while the cuts did not come lightly, they were necessary due to severe financial woes. OC Transpo is currently looking at a $25 million shortfall this year, and $120 million next year. 

• "Let me know where I can find that. I will be so happy to deliver the service. I don't have any efficiencies [to find] anymore. This is the only thing that we can do to be able to have a balanced budget,” said Amilcar, according to CBC. 

Amilcar said many of the trains are only about 19% full. 

What are the changes? During off-peak hours, train service would run every 10 minutes instead of every five minutes. Between the peak hours of 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 3 pm and 6:30 pm, the trains would continue to run every five minutes. By doubling a commuter’s wait time when there are fewer passengers, OC Transpo would save $600,000 this year. While not a huge difference in the grand scheme of things, Amilcar said, “each penny counts.”

Reversing change: Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper stated his concerns that the reduction in service would further turn passengers away at a time when they were needed more than ever, especially for non-commuting purposes. Leiper’s then introduced a motion aimed to reverse the service cuts, justifying by noting the city had a projected budget surplus, reported CTV. 

• “It (the LRT) should be the showcase of our system, showing Ottawa residents what the future of denser cities can be. Why would we diminish the one bright spot in our system?” Leiper asked. 

The motion had the support of 12 delegates who spoke at the Thursday Transit Committee meeting. Aidan Kallioinen from the Carleton University Students' Association said the five-minute reduction in service could result in 10-15 minute delays during passengers' commute, which could make them late for class, work and other activities. Amalgamated Transit Union 279 President Noah Vienberg said time and money needs to be invested instead of defunded. 

Are other options available? Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney asked if a shorter headway — the amount of time between transit vehicle arrivals — could result in savings while having less of an impact on commuters, but Amilcar said only five or 10-minute intervals were recommended. Anything in between would create scheduling conflicts. 

Next steps: The matter will go before city council on Wednesday, which includes Leiper’s motion to reverse the change. If it’s decided to keep service at its normal intervals, the reversed change won’t come into effect until the Trillium Line opens.

• At this time there's no clear answer as to when that will be, but it’s still over a month away. When that happens, one of OC Transpo’s biggest overhauls to its bus system will also come into effect. While it’s being labelled as a reduction in service, the transit organization said it’s about finding efficiencies and believes it will lead to fewer cancellations and, therefore, better service.

NEW LOCAL JOBS

Check out the new open positions in Ottawa:

1. Talent pool - sales & customer success at Invest Ottawa

2. Communications and social media officer at Oxfam [Sponsored]

3. Personal home and support worker at YSB employment services 

4. Bilingual sales coordinator at ATCO group

5. Graphic designer at Solink

THE AGENDA

🍦 Popular local dessert shop Moo Shu Ice Cream is moving to West Wellington. Owner Liz Mok said the business had faced rapid expansion since first opening in 2016 but was facing a “slow death” at its Centretown location. It takes over a storefront which formerly housed Stella Luna, which closed its Kitchissippi location in December after laying off all its staff. [Ottawa Citizen]

🚦 A week after federal public servants returned to the office three days a week, the transition has not been smooth. Increased traffic and issues with the city’s transit service have further wilted emotions. [CBC]

🖼️ Jeffrey Wood, 43, has been named as the person who stole a missing portrait of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill from the Chateau Laurier Hotel. While police initially said a publication ban prevented his name from being released, it appears that’s actually untrue. Wood was released on $5,000 bail after agreeing to 24-hour GPS monitoring. Three sureties also posted $5,000 bonds to secure his release. The alleged portrait stealer will appear in an Ottawa courtroom later this month and will be represented by high-profile criminal defence lawyer Lawrence Greenspon. [CBC]

🚔 After a fatal attack occurred near a Kingston care hub encampment, the mayor of the city says he wants it closed. The men, identified as Taylor Wilkinson, 38, and John Hood, 41, died of their injuries. Another woman who was attacked remains in hospital with injuries. Mayor Bryan Paterson said while he supports services to drug users, he “would not stand by and wait until more people die.” [CTV]

💰 Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden has launched his campaign to be the federal NDP candidate for the riding. If he wins the nomination race, the two-term provincial politician could again go up against Yasir Naqvi, who Harden beat in 2018.  Naqvi would not say whether or not he thought Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step down as the Liberal Party leader, but admitted life is becoming unaffordable for many. [Kitchissippi Times] 

💼 Mayors or rural communities near Ottawa are concerned over how a return to in-office work could impact their communities. For employees who moved outside of the city, they are facing severe gridlock which results in a lot of time spent in traffic. Businesses are also feeling the pinch as fewer people are on the main streets. [Ottawa Citizen]

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EVENTS

What to do this week

🎥 Twilight Cinema, Sept. 18: Enjoy outdoor film screenings under the stars, to watch with family or friends. At Terrasse du Square, 248 Old Chelsea, in Chelsea. Cost is $12.

🌽 Harvest - a Feast of Fall, Sept. 18: Harvest - A Feast of Fall is a multi-chef food and beverage experience celebrating Ottawa’s amazing culinary community of award-winning chefs, artisanal beverage producers and self-proclaimed foodies. Chefs will use local butchers and farmers to serve inspired food and drink selections in homage to the bounty of the fall season. At Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave. Tickets are $125. 

🍻 Dominion City Oktoberfest, Sept. 21: bierhalle, covered outdoor seating and standing room. Delicious German-style food available for purchase by North & Navy and Almanac Urban Mill & Bakery. Prost! At Dominion City Brewing Co., 15-5510 Canotek Rd. Tickets are $17.31. 

🌺 Ottawa Flower Market Collective at the Parkdale Public Market, Sept. 21: Stop by and create your own stunning bouquet at the build-your-own bouquet bar. Or choose from a selection of ready to go bouquets carefully crafted by our florists. At 366 Parkdale Ave. Tickets are free. 

🍽️ Taste of Wellington West, Sept. 21: More than 50 Hintonburg and Wellington Village restaurants and shops will be offering free food samples, discounts, sales and entertainment in Wellington West neighbourhood. Along Wellington St West from Island Park Drive through Bayswater. Free. 

👕 Orange Shirt - Beading Workshop, Sept. 21: Learn how to make ancestral Indigenous beadwork. Create a beaded orange-shirt pin, guided by Ojibway artist Kelly Nahwegahbow Marsolais. Reflect upon the poignant significance of this design, in light of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. At Canada Science and Technology Museum, 2421 Lancaster Rd. Prices vary. 

🍁 Autumn Treasures Market, Sept. 21: Embrace the vibrant colours and crisp air of fall at our beloved local market, a seasonal celebration that unites the community! At Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd. Free. 

🍺 Orleans Oktoberfest, Sept. 21: Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and live entertainment! You will not want to miss this event full of draws and prizes. At Orléans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd. Tickets are $38. 

🚶 Walk for Dementia, Sept. 21: Enjoy a family-friendly Saturday, with age-friendly activities. Join us at The Walk for Dementia, help ensure that no one in Ottawa and Renfrew County faces dementia alone. The Dementia Society Centre, 2327 St. Laurent Blvd. By donation. 

🏃 Canada Army Run, Sept. 22: country. From the cannon used as a starter's pistol to the "dog-tag" medals all participants receive when they cross the finish line, Canada Army Run is military in flavour from beginning to end. Military bands and Army equipment displays make for a weekend you won't soon forget! At 2 Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Prices vary. 

🎶 OperOttawa Classical Cabaret & Silent Auction, Sept. 22: Limited tickets at the door. Coffee, Tea, and Sweet snacks are provided during intermission. At First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Ave W. Tickets are $25. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• The NCC has given a sneak peak of what the revitalised Westboro Beach will look like. [Ottawa Citizen]

• Here’s why our food editor has been raving about this Indo Nepalese restaurant.

• Take a look at how Ottawa residents enjoyed this weekend's warmer weather. [Ottawa Citizen]

• The Brockville Fall Home & Trade Show raised money for the Ontario SPCA Humane Society. [CTV]