Ottawa votes on Monday, October 26, 2026, and we wanted to hear from the people on the ballot in their own words. So we sent the same six questions to every certified candidate in the city, with one promise: we publish what you send back, unedited.
Brian Paquette is running for councillor in Rideau-Vanier Ward. Here are the answers, exactly as they arrived.
Why are you running?
Because I believe our communities deserve better. I live and work in Ward 12, and I see the challenges firsthand. I've spent over 30 years coaching, mentoring and helping people improve their lives. Now I want to bring that same commitment, leadership and accountability to City Hall.
What is the single biggest issue facing the people you want to represent, and what would you do about it?
Public safety. Residents and businesses deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. We need visible policing, better enforcement, mental health and addiction treatment, and real solutions to homelessness. Compassion and public safety are not mutually exclusive. We need both.
Name one specific thing you would work on in your first year in office.
Establish a coordinated community safety initiative for ByWard Market and Lowertown, bringing together police, outreach workers, businesses and residents. Set measurable goals, improve response times and publicly report results. Less talking, more action.
What is something the City gets wrong today that you would change?
Too much bureaucracy, not enough accountability. We spend millions on programs without clearly showing taxpayers what results we're getting. I want measurable outcomes, transparent spending and City Hall that actually listens and responds to residents.
What should residents know about you that would not appear on a campaign flyer?
I've had my share of struggles and setbacks in life. I've made mistakes, learned from them and rebuilt. Coaching has taught me that you don't give up on people, but you also hold them accountable. I'm not a career politician. I'm a father, a coach, a small business owner and someone who genuinely cares about this community.
Anything else you would like voters to know?
I'm not running to build a political career or make promises I can't keep. I'm running to make a difference. I believe in safety, accountability, compassion, affordability and community. I won't pretend to have every answer, but I'll listen, do the work and stand behind my decisions. Ward 12 needs leadership that's present, accessible and accountable, not just during an election.
Who else is running in Rideau-Vanier
Rideau-Vanier is Ward 12: Downtown Ottawa, the ByWard Market, Rideau Centre and University of Ottawa, plus Lowertown, Sandy Hill and Vanier. 6 people are on the ballot here. Alongside Brian Paquette: Stéphanie Plante (incumbent), Lyra Evans, Julie Fiala Chartrand, Michael Karl Sewanaku and Eric Smith.
They have all had the same six questions. We publish each set of answers as it comes in.
When you can vote
Ottawa votes on Monday, October 26, 2026, with advance voting before then. The City's certified candidate list is the authority on who is on your ballot.
About this piece
These are Brian Paquette's own words, published as sent. We have not fact-checked the claims in them, and running them is not an endorsement. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.
Brian Paquette's ottown page: https://www.ottown.ca/elections/rideau-vanier/brian-paquette
