FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE: Horizon Ottawa to file formal Integrity Commissioner complaint over Sutcliffe ads
PRESS RELEASE: Horizon Ottawa to file formal Integrity Commissioner complaint over Sutcliffe ads
OTTAWA - Horizon Ottawa will submit a complaint today at 830 AM to the Integrity Commissioner regarding what it believes may constitute election-related activity conducted using municipal resources by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Representatives from the organization will be available for comment outside of City Hall immediately after filing the complaint.
The complaint, being submitted by Horizon Ottawa Board Member, Sam Hersh, focuses on a series of advertisements published in community newspapers across Ottawa, including the Glebe Report, Kitchissippi Times and Mainstreeter. While earlier ads focused mainly on Sutcliffe’s role as Mayor, newer versions published in May 2026, shortly after the municipal election nomination period opened, included a list of political priorities and messaging that closely resembles campaign-style advertising. The list of priorities contains at least one item, “Doubling the budget for roads and sidewalks”, that seemingly has not yet been moved nor budgeted.
The complaint cites Section 14 of the Council Code of Conduct, which states that “the use of municipal resources, both actual municipal property and staff time, for election-related activity is strictly prohibited.” Section 14 also mandates adherence to the City’s Election-Related Resources Policy, which states that communications produced or funded using City resources must not be related to an election.
“Ottawa residents deserve confidence that taxpayer dollars and public resources are not being used, directly or indirectly, for campaign purposes,” said Tom Ledgley, Coordinator for Horizon Ottawa. “These rules exist so that incumbents don’t get an unfair advantage. If Sutcliffe wants to campaign, he should register just like everyone else.”
Horizon Ottawa is calling on the Integrity Commissioner to investigate whether these activities contravened the Council Code of Conduct and the City’s Election-Related Resources Policy.
The complaint was submitted through the City of Ottawa’s formal Integrity Commissioner investigation process.
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For Media Inquiries:
Tom Ledgley
613-663-7018
[email protected]
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