PSCI 4506 Campaign Journal

Campaign Journal

CAMPAIGN JOURNAL

MEET ISABEL METCALFE

CAPITAL WARD CAMPAIGN

CANDIDATE CORNER

SOURCES

www.isabelmetcalfe.caCAMPAIGN JOURNALPolitical Science 4506 Campaign Journal Project: Isabel MetcalfeGreetings from Paroma Ray:Hi there, thanks for following my campaign journal! My professor had asked me to create a campaign journal in my Women and Politics in North America class. The assignment asked us to follow "a person or issue campaign in one of the three countries under study" (PSCI 4506 course outline). I chose to follow Liberal entrepreneur Isabel Metcafe's campaign for Ottawa City Council in Capital Ward. The reason I feel I wanted to study her campaign most is simply because I feel that I can connect well with her. Being a follow Liberal, a woman, interested in the male-dominated realm of politics, it wasn't until recently that I realized just how much we have in common. About two weeks ago - I did the unthinkable. I ran to be a Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA) Executive. Unlike the rest of my 'Students' First' slate-mates, my objective was not necessarily to win, but to advocate for change. My intention was to reach out to hundreds of students and get them to vote, so I campaigned in areas like the Loeb Building (filled with Arts students = MAJOR voter apathy), Saint Patrick's (Film Studies, Art History, and Journalism), and Minto (Engineers ... need I say more?). Similiarly, I recall the day Isabel came to the Carleton campus to talk to students and really get to know the issues that face them in hopes of encouraging them to vote on election day. Like me, I feel that Isabel makes a sincere effort to get to know Ottawa citizens and ask them of their opinions and what issues they would like addressed. More importantly, I feel that she takes the time to really listen to the concerns of others and that she makes for a good politician. Nowadays, it seems to me that politicians are not staying true to the description of their jobs. That is, to serve the people. Politicians are meant to be civil servants. And that's what I had wanted to see changed on my university campus. A student association that put students first and represented them with absolute professionalism. To me, Isabel represents just that. When I had contacted her, she was gracious enough to offer me help with this assignment, despite her hectic schedule as a businesswoman and philanthropic volunteer, she also plays multiple social roles as a mother of three, grandmother of two, a wife, and individual - that's what you call dedication. Here's to you Isabel. Thanks for being an awesome role model.Sincerely, Paroma RayMEET ISABEL METCALFEMeet Isabel Metcalfe

Personal Profile

Public Profile

Political Profile

Awards and Achievements

Personal Profile"A skilled advocate and businesswoman with a distinguished record of community involvement."Hometown: Almonte, Ontario, Canada Current City: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Education: Carleton University Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Toronto Conservatory of Music:: Grade 8 Piano and Grade 2 Theory Political Views: Liberal Party of Canada | Parti libéral du Canada Inspirational Political Leader: Margaret Duncan Brunton (her mother) Other People who inspire Isabel: Jacquelin Holzman and Bob Chiarelli Website: http://www.isabelmetcalfe.ca E-mail: isabel.metcalfe_sympatico.ca Public ProfileIsabel Metcalfe's BiographyPolitical ProfilePolitical Profile and InvolvementAwards and AchievementsNotable awards and accomplishments of Isabel Metcalfe’s includes: (1988 - 1997) Trustee, Board of Directors, the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group (1992 - 1997) Director, Hong Kong Canada Business Association, Ottawa(1994 - 2000) Founding Director, National Capital Dragon Boat Festival (1994 - 2006) Member, Board of Directors, National Screen Institute(1997 - 2000) Founding Chair, Famous 5 Foundation (Ottawa)(1998) Judy LaMarsh Women of Distinction Award(1998 - 2001) Trustee, Board of Directors, The Ottawa Hospital(1998 - 2003) Juror, Governor General’s Person’s Case Awards(1998 - 2003) Chair, Community Advisory Committee, the Ottawa Hospital(2001 - Present) International Election Observer for the Government of Canada(2001-Present) International Election Observer for the National Democratic Institute(2002) Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II(2004 - 2010) Member, Board of Directors, Ontario Trillium Foundation(2008 - Present) Founding Chair, Enbridge Famous 5 Ottawa Luncheons (2009 - Present) Member, Board of Directors, Aboriginal Media Education Fund(2010) Leading Women Building Communities Award, Province of Ontario(2010) Ontario Volunteer Service Award, Province of Ontario(2010 - Present) Member, Board of Directors, Weengushk Film Institute Metcalfe provides National organizations with public affairs counsel Metcalfe’s list of clientele includes : the Canadian Actor’s Equity Association, EDF EN Canada, the Canadian Solar Industries Association, the Writers Guild of Canada, and the Aboriginal People Television Network Metcalfe has been a guest lecturer at Ottawa University’s School of Management where she discussed the topic of lobbying and advocacy. In addition, Metcalfe featured in the Carleton University Equal Voice Chapter's Getting to the Gate Campaign Workshop held October 16th 2010.CAPITAL WARD CAMPAIGNCampaign for Ottawa City Council in Capital Ward

Ottawa Citizen Interview Analysis

Campaign Brochure

Key Issues in the Ward

Platform Points

Lansdowne and Heron Park Development

Transportation Programs

Financial Responsibility

Ideas and Aspirations

Press Release

Ottawa Citizen Interview AnalysisCampaign BrochureKey Issues in the WardKey Issues in the Ward:ssMetcalfe proves to be a leader in the Ottawa community. After having canvassed the ward and the people, Metcalfe defines the most important issues in her ward as: "Lansdowne Park Development and how that will affect our community; Transporation -- keeping a balance between getting around the ward efficiently and traffic calming; Effective and Efficient use of tax dollars" (Metcalfe, 2010).Inspired by the amalgamation of the City of Ottawa, Metcalfe strives to also unite the communities. She expresses that the amalgamation's key failures are made evident by Lansdowne Park and the Light Rail Transit Program. Metcalfe believs that there failure was in the "inadequate community consultation on key redevelopment issues" (Metcalfe, 2010).Metcalfe recognizes that in the methods used by past councillors are proving not to be effective. So, as an alternative, Metcalfe would specifically aim to both collaborate and cooperate "with others on council [because it] is fundamental to affecting change" (Metcalfe, 2010). She goes on to say "if elected, I will bring my ability to work effectively with anyone to the table -- a key benefit that will create the outcomes my community wants on important issues" (Metcalfe, 2010).Metcalfe demonstrates the importance of collaborative team effort when she says: "I support [the Light Tail and Transit Program] and will ensure that we can build a modern, effective and efficient transit plan for Ottawa" (Metcalfe, 2010). The key word that is important to note is "we". Platform PointsPlatform Points: 1) Lansdowne Park, Heron Park, and Brookfield Garden Development: - it is important that the community is consulted and feels involved in the process - it is important that the spaces serve the needs of the community - it is important that these spaces demonstrate a "truly united capital" (Metcalfe, 2010) as intended by the creation of the amalgamation - it is important that those affected by any changes made to the city are well-informed, and are comfortable about said changes (i.e. residents and how it will affect job opportunities in that area)2) Transportation / Light Rail Transit Program: - it is important that the community contribute their opinions and feedback - it is important that Ottawa builds a technologically advanced, modern, innovative, "effective and efficient transit plan" (Metcalfe, 2010) for Canada's capital - it is important that all citizens can get around the ward in the most safe and efficient manner - it is important that the transit plan works best for everyone and takes all methods of transportation into account: i.e. cars, bikes, skate boards, buses, trains, and walking - it is important to note that Metcalfe is the only candidate to openly support this initiative on her platform3) Financial Responsibility / Effective and Efficient use of tax dollars: - it is important that the budget is transparent - it is important that tax payers feel and see that their money is going to good useLansdowne and Heron Park Development Lansdowne Park, Heron Park, and Brookfield Garden Development:sswork to improve the current plan assist local business and improve the traffic and transportation systemscollaborate ideas with the community efforts to "push for something unique in this heritage space" (Metcalfe, 2010)enhance recreational activity build a cultural space to uphold community values Metcalfe's intent is to enhance the community by creating "a vibrant heart for the community and its many activities" (Metcalfe, 2010) form a footbridge that would connect the east [Old Ottawa South] to the west [Glebe] ; "facilitate access, bolster small business on both sides of the canal and contriute to a sustainable future for Capital Ward"Transportation ProgramsTransportation / Light Rail Transit Program:ssIn need of a transit system that will "work now and into the future, be flexible, [and] be financially responsible, and take the needs of its citizens and the environment into account" (Metcalfe, 2010).Public transpiration is an essential service to Ottawa's economy, it is crucial for keeping the city running and the community connected.Provide for safe routes for cyclists and pedestriansIt is important to "focus on restoring positive communications with OC Transpo drivers and management" (Metcalfe, 2010).The National Capital Commission identifies cycling as a priority in the operation of the city: "I have heard from my community how passionate people are about cycling as a form of alternative transport and a recreational activity. We need more dedicated cycling lanes, better connectivity and to make cycling easier and safer within Capital Ward and into the downtown core" (Metcalfe, 2010).Metcalfe makes use of Ottawa's transit system, she states that she takes the bus often "to Carleton on the weekend to exercise at the gym and have taken to O-train several times" (Metcalfe, 2010).Metcalfe feels that it is important to maintain the accessibility of the city. ss"Having a working and modern transportation system is of utmost importance for residents in Capital Ward and is critical for a city that is a national capital. I would have voted yes to the 2008 Transportation Master Plan update" (Metcalfe, 2010).Financial Responsibility Financial Responsibility / Effective and Efficient use of tax dollars: ssMetcalfe demonstrates her experience and qualifications when she says: "As a small businesswoman and also having served on several large public boards I know how to ask the tough questions and make the hard decisions" (Metcalfe, 2010).Metcalfe proves that she has nothing to hide when she says: "I believe candidates should strive for transparency, and would be happy to share and publish my donor list" (Metcalfe, 2010). Accordingly, Metcalfe has her list of clientelle posted on her website: www.isabelmetcalfe.caMetcalfe strives to have voters make an informed decision. When asked if she thinks that corporate and union donations should be banned, she answers: "Ensuring candidates and campaigns make thoughtful and transparent decisions is critical" (Metcalfe, 2010).On the issue regarding taxes, Metcalfe openly says that "the federal government and the provincial government are both facing deficit situations [and that] we need to be prepared to take some hard decisions as the fallout of the recent economic crisis necessitates that municipalities" (Metcalfe, 2010).By making the finances transparent, she can be held accountable to tax payers.Ideas and AspirationsIdeas and aspirations: ss* Canada's 150th Birthday in Ottawa (2017):sspush for infrastructure, and enhance our cultural and recreational spaces to seize this opportunity and make the Capital of Canada the place to be in 2017 (Metcalfe, 2010)demonstrate the unity amongst all citizens (i.e. the success of the amalgamation)community involvementbring "prestige and pride to our nation and city" (Metcalfe, 2010)implement a technologically advanced transit planclean rivers and parkspromote our significance in relation to Canada's historyopportunity to swim in the Rideau Canal and Rivermake it easier for the citizens to make the best use of what Ottawa has to offerss* Equal Representation:ssMetcalfe intends to do her best to encourage bright, young women to get involved in the political sphere as a candidate (Goar). Metcalfe encourages women to enter the political world in the same way as done previously with young men by courting and grooming them for Parliament (Goar).For Metcalfe, equal representation is more than gender. She "defends the leader's right to appoint candidates from under-represented groups" (Goar). Press ReleasePress Release:CANDIDATE CORNERCampaign for Ottawa City Council in Capital Ward

My Interview with Isabel Metcalfe

My Interview with Isabel Metcalfe SOURCESIsabel Metcalfe for Capital WardSources:As mentioned previously, Isabel was gracious enough to send me campaign materials, press releases, interviews she has saved on file, biographies, among other things. In conjunction with the materials Isabel has provided me with, I viewed her personal and professional facebook pages in addition to her website (www.isabelmetcalfe.ca) for more information. In addition to the sources I have researched (listed below) and those given to me by Isabel herself (this includes a print out copy of her campaign finances), I have decided to interview Isabel to ask her a couple questions with regards to her Campaign for Ottawa City Council in Capital Ward (please see 'Capital Ward Campaign'):- Copps, Sheila. "State of women's equality in Canada still sometimes very discouraging." Hill Times Online 17 Aug 2009: n. pag. Web. 26 Feb 2011. <http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/copps_corner-8-17-2009/>.- Goar, Carol. "Dion's candidate quota on course." Thestar.com 21 Jan 2008: n. pag. Web. 26 Feb 2011. <http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/295485>- Metcalfe, Isabel. Speaking Notes for Isabel Metcalfe, Chair, Ottawa Famous 5 Committee to The Ottawa Womens Canadian Club. 16 Feb 2010. Ottawa, Canada. 26 Feb 2010. Speech.<http://www.isabelmetcalfe.ca/OF5SpeechCanadianClub.pdf>- Metcalfe, Isabel. Survey: Isabel Metcalfe, Capital Ward. 29 Sep 2010. The Ottawa Citizen. 26 Feb 2011. Interview. <http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Survey+Isabel+Metcalfe+Capital+Ward/3597354/story.html>© Paroma Raychaudhuri 2011 | Carleton University | Women and Politics in North America (Political Science 4506) -- E-mail: praychau_connect.carleton.ca

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