O’Brien and Haydon pledge to fight tax increases
All candidates opposed, silent or undecided on democratic reform proposals
Doucet and Haydon promise open books on campaign contributions

Ottawa Survey Results

Ottawa, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released the results of a five-question survey sent to each of the four leading candidates running for the mayor’s office in the October 25th municipal election. The results are based on direct responses to the survey, interviews with campaign representatives and information found in platforms. (Photo: Flickr/Douglas Sprott)

When asked if candidates support limiting annual property tax increases to the rate of inflation, Andrew Haydoen gave a qualified yes - depending on Ottawa’s debt situation – and Larry O’Brien gave a qualified no, promising “zero-based” increases while negotiating with council. The Clive Doucet campaign promised direct property tax increases beyond inflation as well as looking to other levels of government to fund his spending promises. While refusing to answer the survey, Jim Watson’s platform includes a 2.5 percent annual property tax increase.

“Larry O’Brien and Andrew Haydon have both put forward plans to limit property tax increases, but the proof will be in the pudding as to how seriously and skillfully they negotiate with council,” said CTF National Research Director Derek Fildebrandt. “Jim Watson has promised annual tax increases of 2.5 per cent - or 10 per cent over the span of a four-year term – while Clive Doucet is asking for a blank cheque, making no commitments on maximum increases and promising to go cap-in-hand to the federal and provincial governments.”

All candidates were either opposed, silent or undecided on CTF democratic reform proposals including required referendums for tax increases and the ability of citizens to ‘recall’ elected officials.

“Ottawa has serious accountability issues and unfortunately, none of the four candidates surveyed support the measures we have put forward.”

When asked if candidates will disclose a list of who donated to their campaigns and in what amount prior to the October 25 vote, Andrew Haydon and the Clive Doucet campaign gave an unqualified “yes.” Jim Watson refused to answer the question while Larry O’Brien answered in the negative, adding, “Systems must be in place to ensure equal disclosure and transparency by all candidates.”

Jim Watson refused to participate in the CTF survey, as well as a survey from the Ottawa Taxpayers Advocacy Group (OTAG), a separate and unaffiliated local taxpayers group.

“As a serious contender for mayor, it is disappointing that Jim Watson has now refused to participate in surveys from two different taxpayer groups.” Concluding, Fildebrandt added, “Voters need to know more about his intentions beyond a promised 10 per cent hike.”

A chart of candidate responses can be found here:
/media/Ottawa Mayoral survey Responses.pdf

For more information contact:

CTF National Research Director Derek Fildebrandt

1-800-265-0442 (office) or 613-794-6554 (mobile)

[email protected]