Ottawa's mayoral candidates weigh in on speaking French in a bilingual capital

Ottawa's next mayor will be expected to tackle transit, housing and property taxes — but the job also carries a responsibility unique to leading Canada's capital: serving a population with two official languages.

Nearly 15 per cent of Ottawa's population uses French as their first official language. The mayor regularly speaks at public events, represents the city outside Ottawa and faces questions from local reporters in both English and French. Fabien Hébert, president of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario, said the ability to communicate with francophone residents matters for anyone seeking the job.

"They are the level of government closest to residents and the one responsible for many of the services people rely on every day," Hébert said. "Municipal leadership sends a strong message about the place of French in public life." That responsibility carries extra weight as Ottawa will host the 2028 Sommet de la Francophonie, a major international event.

The Ottawa Citizen asked the four leading mayoral candidates about their French abilities. Incumbent Mark Sutcliffe's campaign describes him as bilingual, saying he communicates in French and English at all public events and in his speeches and social media posts. Sutcliffe previously acknowledged losing some French through lack of use and worked with a tutor during his first campaign.

City councillor Jeff Leiper said he's comfortable having conversations in French after returning to practice. He attended French immersion until Grade 5, completed intensive one-on-one training before a federal public service language exam, and speaks French several times a week with constituents and his francophone wife's family. However, his French has faced public tests during the campaign — at a recent press conference, he apologized multiple times in English while struggling through answers to questions posed in French.

Homebuilder Alex Lawson said he is not fluent in French, with education only to high school level. He said he regrets not becoming fluent younger and committed to making learning French a priority if elected, with hopes of being conversational within the first year. He pledged "no cuts, and wider availability" for French-language city services.

Economist Neil Saravanamuttoo said his French is "pretty good" and comparable to Prime Minister Mark Carney's proficiency. He has recently conducted media interviews in the language and said he expects to use French regularly for public speeches, news conferences and conversations with residents if elected. He has not yet released a francophone-specific platform.

Former mayor Larry O'Brien did not speak French, while his successor Jim Watson regularly worked in both official languages. French fluency has not always been considered essential for the position.