Jim Watson (Canadian politician)

Jim Watson
Watson in 2013
56th Mayor of Ottawa
In office December 1, 2010 – November 15, 2022
Preceded by	Larry O'Brien
Succeeded by	Mark Sutcliffe
In office 1997–2000
Preceded by	Jacquelin Holzman
Succeeded by	Allan Higdon (interim)
Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa West—Nepean
In office October 2, 2003 – February 1, 2010
Preceded by	Garry Guzzo
Succeeded by	Bob Chiarelli
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
In office October 30, 2007 – January 12, 2010
Premier	Dalton McGuinty
Preceded by	John Gerretsen
Succeeded by	John Gerretsen
Ottawa City Councillor
In office 1991–1997
Preceded by	Lynn Smyth
Succeeded by	Inez Berg
Constituency	Capital Ward
More...
Personal details
Born	James Alexander Watson (1961-07-30) July 30, 1961 (age 62) Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Political party	Independent
Other political affiliations	Ontario Liberal (2003–2010)
Residence	Woodpark[1]
Occupation	Politician reporter
Signature

James Alexander Watson (born July 30, 1961) is a Canadian politician who served as the 56th mayor of Ottawa from 2010 to 2022. Previously, he served as an Ottawa city councillor from 1991 to 1997, and as mayor from 1997 to 2000.

Watson subsequently represented the riding of Ottawa West—Nepean in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2003 to 2010. He served in the Cabinet of Premier Dalton McGuinty in the portfolios of Consumer and Business Services (2003–2005), Health Promotion (2005–2007), and Municipal Affairs and Housing (2007–2010). He resigned in January 2010 to run for mayor in the 2010 Ottawa municipal election. He was re-elected mayor in 2014 and in 2018. On March 20, 2021, Watson became the longest serving mayor in the city's history, surpassing Stanley Lewis who held office from 1936 to 1948.^[2]