In an effort to provide fair coverage of the municipal byelection in Cumberland Ward, the Orléans Star sent a series of questions to each of the eight candidates in the race. The answers to those questions are being published in the lead-up to the Oct. 5 vote.

Candidate: Yvette Ashiri
Age: 38
Education: Bachelor Degree in Public Relations
Occupation: Chief Administrator for Justice Michel Bastarache
# of Children: 2
Bilingual: Yes

Question # 1 – How will your past experience make you an effective city councillor?

I believe that my strongest personal trait is my empathy. Advocating for positive change and social equity have naturally led me to present my candidacy for city councillor for Cumberland Ward 19. I am compassionate and caring while also being tenacious and resilient. I walk the talk and do not give up until the job is done. I know how to listen to people’s needs and become their voice to address concerns that matter most to them. I am ready to bring positive change for my ward.

Question # 2 – Please list some of your volunteer activities.

• President of the School Council at École Élémentaire Publique des Sentiers;
• Montfort Hospital Governance Committee board member;
• Collège La Cité board member;
• Horizon Ottawa board member;
• Junior Chamber International Canada executive vice president;
• Canadian Centre for Women’s empowerment collaborator;’
• Unique FM Radio board member;
• Vice-president Congolese Community Canada Ottawa-Gatineau

Question # 3 – What is your position on whether or not the rural part of the ward should be merged with Osgoode Ward?

I think that the Ottawa Ward Boundary review is an essential activity for the city. It is also critical that the constituents’ voice is heard during the process. With COVID-19, people have been focusing on adjusting to a new reality and taking care of their loved ones. It is very unfortunate that these conversations have not fully reached the intended population. In the end, I think that the decision to rethink the boundaries should consider having the right balance between population sementation and respect-ing the history of the community.

Question # 4 – Please list your top three priorities should you get elected; and B) Why is the first issue on your list your number one priority and what do you plan to do about it?

1. Social equity: we need to invest in family-oriented programs that support our communities during and post-COVID19.

2. Re-boosting the local economy: we need to support employment and creative business opportunities during and post-COVID19.

3. Caring for our environment: we can promote innovative and environmentally friendly projects in our urban and rural areas.

We all agree that having a strong economy is essential to the community. We definitely feel it today with the changes brought by COVID19. Just as essential is having a strong community, that is healthy and thrive in a safe environment. Taking care of the most vulnerable like our youth, women, and our seniors will ensure that they contribute positively to the betterment of our community. As a united community, we can become more innovative and create great opportunities for the Ward. This is why social equity is my first priority.

For more information about the candidate visit www.yvetteashiri.ca.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)