‘An extension of public service’: bureaucrats seek political careers in Ottawa municipal election

More than 100 civil servants have asked the Public Service Commission to run in local elections across the country this fall. Three local public servants spoke to The Hill Times about what inspired them to seek elected office.

Ottawa City Hall as seen from the Lisgar Street entrance. At least nine public servants have confirmed they're running in Ottawa's municipal election this fall, though more sought authorization to do so.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY MARLO GLASS

September 4, 2026

Federal public servants in Ottawa are setting their sights on City Hall ahead of this fall’s municipal election, with job losses, new government priorities, and return-to-office mandates possibly prompting lifelong bureaucrats to pursue greener pastures in electoral politi...

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