TCMV

Neil Saravanamuttoo

Executive Director CitySHAPES

Spent his career in public finance at the department of Finance and as the G20 Global Infrastructure Hub’s Chief Economist
Host of Better Ottawa podcast and author of two Substacks: Fix Your City and the 613
Received the King Charles III Coronation medal for distinguished service to Canada and the local community
Public advocate on a range of issues including Tewin, Sprung Structures, income tax clinics, and environmental action
Launched the ‘Better Ottawa’ petition to call for a city wide referendum on Lansdowne 2.0 and its use of city funding

Neil Saravanamuttoo’s Priority Issues

A new era of responsible city spending:

Transparency, accountability, and value for money through a 5 point plan: Open books 100 days, zero-based budgeting, stop the sweetheart deals, lower the burden on future taxpayers, lead a new deal for cities

4-Point transit plan:

Buck a ride citywide, truth in transit, complete network redesign, and new ways to fund transit.

Buck a ride citywide:

Reliable, frequent, and affordable transit. Reducing fares at no cost to taxpayers, saving commuters over $1000/year

Open books, 100 days:

Identify savings, establish real accountability fo major projects, rebuild public trust with full fiscal transparency, follow tax-dollars, allow communities to evaluate local priorities

Accountability on Lansdowne:

Hold a public inquiry into Lansdowne 2.0, end bail outs to OSEG, require a referendum on any discretionary spending that exceeds $250 million going forward

Source: neilformayor.ca

Neil’s Answers: Muslims & Islamophobia

How will you strengthen relationships and trust between police services and Muslim communities?

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Priorities include holding open awareness sessions where families can share their lived experiences and share their needs, providing community-informed training to Ottawa Police Services on Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and profiling on a regular basis, and encouraging the recruitment of more Muslim police officers.

How will you work with mosques, Islamic schools, and Muslim organizations to improve community safety and emergency preparedness?

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As Mayor, I am committed to continued close engagement with mosques, Islamic schools, and Muslim organizations, connecting them with emergency services, sharing accessible preparedness information, and supporting emergency planning so they are well informed and prepared when a disaster or emergency occurs.

What steps will you take to address Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination?

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I will use the mayor’s platform, including social media, to celebrate cultural traditions – including Muslim ones, to educate the public, and challenge harmful stereotypes. I will raise the Palestinian flag on the national holiday as we do with other nations. Finally, I will take a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination.

How will you ensure Muslim residents and community organizations have a meaningful voice in municipal decision-making?

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As part of my platform, I’ve committed to hold regular town halls where citizens can hold me publicly accountable for my promises. I will ensure these town halls regularly occur in mosques and other Muslim community spaces.

How will you support Muslim organizations that provide community services, settlement support, youth programming, food assistance, and other essential services?

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I am committing to significantly increasing the social service funding we provide to community groups who provide essential services such as settlement support, youth programming and food assistance. Using the Rideau Hub model, I will roll out other social hubs across the city to help ensure vulnerable residents have supports close to home.

How can the city provide a more nuanced approach to zoning for religious institutions (such as mosques) given their practices, cultures and needs differ?

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I will make it easier for mosques and other religious institutions to navigate city planning by providing clear guidance, connecting them with existing planning staff, and encouraging early discussions about their needs.

What do you think is the greatest problem the ward is facing, and how do you plan to address it?

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I believe homelessness is Ottawa’s greatest challenge. As mayor, I will work to develop tiny-home communities with wraparound services, drawing on the approach in Gatineau. These communities would offer a safe place to live alongside mental health care, addiction support, and help securing permanent housing.

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