1. Early Life and Education
2. Municipal Politics
3. First Term as Mayor
4. Provincial Politics
5. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
6. Second Term as Mayor

Early Life and Education

Born in Lachute, Quebec, Jim Watson attended Laurentian Regional High School from 1974 to 1978. He later moved to Ottawa and pursued a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communications at Carleton University, graduating in 1983.

Municipal Politics

City Councillor

In 1991, Watson was elected to Ottawa City Council for Capital ward and was re-elected in 1994. He campaigned against excessive spending, donating a portion of his salary and severance pay to charities. During his tenure as councillor, Watson reduced his own salary by 13%.

First Term as Mayor

In 1997, Watson was elected Mayor of Ottawa with an overwhelming 83% of the vote. He focused on implementing a balanced fiscal policy, freezing property tax increases, and reducing the city's debt.

Provincial Politics

MPP and Member of Cabinet

In 2003, Watson was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Ottawa West-Nepean. He served as Minister of Consumer and Business Services and Minister of Health before becoming Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in 2007.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

As Minister, Watson implemented a policy to redirect property tax-based programs from Ontario municipalities to the provincial budget, resulting in significant savings for Ottawa. He also signed the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Agreement in 2008.

Second Term as Mayor

In 2010, Watson returned to municipal politics, winning the mayoral election. He has served as Mayor since then, focusing on issues such as economic development, affordable housing, and transit expansion.

Politics