Former Councillor Mathieu Fleury Supports Rawlson King for the 2026 Municipal Election

OTTAWA, ON — Former Rideau-Vanier Councillor Mathieu Fleury today announced his endorsement of Rawlson King in the 2026 Ottawa municipal election, highlighting their longstanding friendship, close collaboration and shared commitment to building stronger communities.

I have known Rawlson for more than a decade. We were friends before becoming colleagues, and our friendship has always extended beyond politics. Rawlson and his wife, Linda, and my wife, Lai, and I genuinely enjoy spending time together, often over breakfast, talking about our families and our communities. Our conversations frequently begin with "Imagine if..."—imagining a better city, stronger public systems, more responsive governments...

On City Council, Rawlson and I represented neighbouring wards and worked closely together. We challenged and motivated one another, collaborated on difficult issues and remained focused on delivering investments for residents and advancement for Ottawa.

Our collaboration also extended to Ottawa Community Housing, where I served as Chair and Rawlson served as a Board member. Together, we worked to support tenants, strengthen mixed-income communities and advance investments in affordable housing.

I witnessed first hand Rawlson's passion for the mixed-income community at Wateridge Village and his determination to ensure that residents benefit from the continued investments in parks and public amenities in their neighbourhood.

I have also seen Rawlson bring neighbourhoods together around the places and priorities they share. He understands that strengthening our mainstreets means more than investing in infrastructure. It means improving transit, supporting local businesses, and creating welcoming public spaces.

Rawlson's ability to connect residents, community organizations and local businesses around shared priorities reflects his belief that every neighbourhood and every resident should thrive, and that we must remove the barriers preventing families and children from fully participating in community life.

Rawlson is an experienced and highly respected member of City Council. He approaches issues with passion, a steady drive for change and a deep respect for thoughtful policy advancement. He listens carefully, does the work and understands that lasting progress comes from bringing people together.

He brings experience, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service. I am proud to call him a friend, and I am equally proud to endorse him in the 2026 municipal election.

— Mathieu Fleury, Former Councillor, Rideau-Vanier Ward