City council waiting for Sudds' resignation as Sudds awaits final vote tally in federal election
The City of Ottawa has not yet received Jenna Sudds' official resignation as councillor for Kanata North even after she was declared the winner of Monday's federal election in Kanata—Carleton.
The CTV News Decision Desk declared Sudds the winner of the tight race over Conservative Jennifer McAndrew. With 237 of 238 polls reporting, Sudds was leading McAndrew by 1,438 votes.
Speaking on Newstalk 580 CFRA's "Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron" on Tuesday afternoon, Sudds said she's still waiting for official confirmation of her victory.
"We actually are still waiting on some ballots, believe it or not. We are waiting on about 6,000 ballots that have not been counted for Kanata—Carleton," she said.
Elections Canada said it had received 6,192 special ballot kits in Kanata—Carleton. They are expected to be counted on Wednesday.
"Obviously, there's still a bit of flux. I feel confident, but there's still some work to be done to finalize the polling results for this riding. Once that's done and complete, I would expect to submit my resignation."
A memo from city clerk Rick O'Connor said since he had not yet received Sudds' resignation, she remains a member of council.
"Elections Canada has stated that the election results may not be known until Friday, September 24, 2021," O'Connor wrote. "At this time, I can advise that I have not received a written resignation from Councillor Sudds. As such, Councillor Sudds continues to be the elected representative for Ward 4 (Kanata North) and may remain active in her capacity as the Ward Councillor."
Sudds told CFRA she didn't know exactly when she would submit her resignation, but she expects to do it sometime this week.
Should Sudds be officially confirmed as a Member of Parliament, she would be unable to remain a city councillor. O'Connor says there are two options to fill a vacancy, either by appointing someone or holding a by-election.
"Should Councillor Sudds provide me with her written resignation, or if she is declared elected as a Member of Parliament, my Office will bring forward a report to City Council at the earliest opportunity outlining the above-noted options (i.e., holding a by-election or appointing a new Member) in further detail," O'Connor wrote.
"Lastly, and as is past practice, should a vacancy in Ward 4 (Kanata North) occur, staff will recommend that City Council approve interim delegations of authority with respect to Ward 4 (Kanata North) matters until such time that a new City Councillor is sworn in and takes Office."
Sudds told CFRA she's unsure which option would be the most appropriate.
"If it was an appointment, who is stepping forward and willing to do so?," she asked, "versus having an election at this point in time. We're not far out from the next election. I'll leave that in the very capable hands of our city clerk and our council... We do have to fill the seat. There's some important work to be done."
Sudds was elected as the councillor for Kanata North in 2018.
Two councillors have already departed city hall in the 2018-2022 term. Tobi Nussbaum, who was re-elected in Rideau-Rockcliffe ward, left to become the CEO of the National Capital Commission in 2019. He was succeeded by Rawlson King in a by-election later that year. Stephen Blais left his seat in Cumberland ward after becoming the Liberal MPP for Orléans in a 2020 provincial by-election. Catherine Kitts won the 2020 municipal by-election in Cumberland to replace him.
The next municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.