In 2022, voters elected Mark Sutcliffe as the new mayor of Ottawa. It is interesting to learn more about the path he has taken and his achievements up to this point, as Mark Sutcliffe is well known in Canada’s capital for his contributions and recognitions. More details can be found on Ottawa Yes.
Born and Raised in Ottawa
Mark Sutcliffe was born in the summer of 1968 at The Ottawa Hospital. Interestingly, his maternal grandfather was born into a Chinese family in Mauritius, while his maternal grandmother was French. After getting married, they moved to Shanghai, but during the Chinese Civil War (1927–1949), the family had to relocate to Canada.
Sutcliffe grew up with his older sister near McKellar Park in the western part of the city, where his mother still resides. He recalls being a shy child and the smallest in his class. After graduating from St. Pius X High School, he enrolled at Carleton University, focusing on journalism. However, after securing a job at the rock radio station Chez 106, he decided to leave his studies. Over time, he overcame his shyness.
While working at the rock station, he began reading news for CFRA (a news and talk radio station in Ottawa) and later became a reporter for Ottawa Business News. His next job was as an announcer for the Ottawa Lynx baseball team.
A significant milestone in his career was founding the regional business publication Ottawa Business Journal, serving the National Capital Region. This decision was also life-changing because it was during this time that he met his wife, Ginny, whom he married in 2008.
In several interviews, he has recalled growing up in a comfortable environment with loving parents, peace, and plenty of opportunities. Mark Sutcliffe lives in Wellington Village with his wife Ginny and their children: stepdaughter Erica, son Jack, and daughter Kate.
A Renowned Journalist, Entrepreneur, and Community Activist
These are the titles that best describe Mark Sutcliffe before his entry into politics. He worked as a journalist for nearly 30 years, serving as an executive editor and columnist for the Ottawa Citizen. Later, his experience allowed him to work as a coach, mentor, and advisor to some of Ottawa’s leading business and community figures through TEC Canada.
It is also important to highlight Sutcliffe’s work as a community activist. He has volunteered and participated in numerous fundraising efforts. His contributions to the city were formally recognized in 2016 when then-Mayor Jim Watson awarded him the Order of Ottawa. That same year, he was named United Way’s Ambassador of the Year.
First Business Venture
While studying political science at Carleton University, Sutcliffe launched his first business at just 19 years old. This venture stemmed from frustration—he, as a sports fan in the 1980s, disliked waiting for the morning newspaper to find out the results of baseball and hockey games.
One day, he decided to borrow $3,000 to launch a telephone service where he regularly updated the latest sports scores. He sold advertising space to local businesses. This idea was promising at the time, as news services and the internet had not yet become widely available.
Decision to Enter Politics
This decision did not come immediately. He initially worked as a journalist in his hometown, later became an entrepreneur, and was considered an influential figure. Eventually, he wanted to transition from an observer to an advisor and decision-maker.
At a certain point in his life, he realized he wanted to change politics rather than just complain about politicians’ decisions from the sidelines.
In 2022, Mark Sutcliffe was elected mayor of Ottawa. The residents of Canada’s capital chose an inexperienced candidate who pursued a safe and steady course. His opponent was Catherine McKenney, who promised to make Ottawa a “world-class city.” She already had experience and campaigned on promises of safety and fiscal responsibility.
Sutcliffe ultimately won just over 50% of the vote, beating Catherine McKenney by 14 points. Thus, in 2022, Mark Sutcliffe became the mayor of Ottawa after winning the municipal elections.
His political views and stance are described as centrist, meaning he supports balancing social equality with a certain level of social hierarchy. At the same time, he opposes political views that could lead to significant societal shifts. Sutcliffe was supported by many current Liberal and Conservative politicians.
As for his opponent Catherine McKenney, she was described as a progressive councillor whose views were backed by most representatives of the New Democratic Party and several Liberal figures.
It is worth noting that Mark Sutcliffe became Ottawa’s first Chinese-Canadian mayor and the first mayor in Canadian history from a visible minority group (a term referring to Canadians who do not identify as white or Indigenous).
During his victory speech, he thanked Ottawa voters for their support and acknowledged his opponent Catherine McKenney for her and her team’s efforts. Mark Sutcliffe called them innovators with remarkable ambitions for what the city could become.
A Mayor Who Loves Running
Mark Sutcliffe discovered running at the age of 30 and ran his first marathon in 2004. He was motivated by tragic events—the death of his older sister Diana in 2002 and his father’s passing from cancer in 2004. As a result, he dedicated his first marathon to fundraising for The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
By 2022, he had successfully completed 38 marathons and other races. Interestingly, he has even written four books on running, including Why I Run? and Long Road to Boston. He felt a responsibility to share his experiences and inspire others.
He has often stated that running and other activities have taught him many things. For example, he believes that energy is limitless—it either exists, or it does not.
Learning and a Large Budget
Almost half of Ottawa’s city council, including the mayor Mark Sutcliffe, were political newcomers. Their next step was to undergo training. Another challenge was carefully analyzing expenses before presenting the first budget. Despite the difficulties, Sutcliffe’s first budget proposal was completed.
Nonetheless, Mark Sutcliffe is already seen as an experienced politician. He fluently speaks both official languages, and in his speech, he promised to respect all parts of the city, including rural areas, suburbs, and urban neighbourhoods.
Ottawa residents themselves can be described as a mix of progressives, centrists, and conservatives from small parties who often clashed but ultimately reached a consensus in their choice.
Love for Ottawa
Mark Sutcliffe’s love for Ottawa is undeniable, and perhaps this motivated voters to support his candidacy. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. Sutcliffe is convinced that Ottawa offers many things that other cities do not, inspiring him for future initiatives. On the official city website, the mayor of Ottawa stated:
“There is no city in Canada like Ottawa. No other place is as great or has such a big heart. No other city combines the character of our rural villages with the culture of our historic downtown. No other community brings together French, English, and Indigenous people alongside descendants from all parts of the world in such a rich cultural space.”
