fter great consideration, I have made the decision to accept the position of President of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) as of August 14.
This public-private partnership is about to become a Federal Crown Corporation with a mandate to promote Canada to both Canadians and international visitors as a tourist destination.
It is with mixed emotions that I leave public office. While I am very excited about this new challenge, I am also sad about leaving my position as Mayor. My nearly nine years on Ottawa City Council have been extremely rewarding for me and I want to thank you for your support over the years.
I have strived to live up to a favourite saying of Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the Scouts movement. He put it simply "always leave the campsite in better shape than you found it." I believe that my two terms as a Councillor and three years as Mayor have allowed me to say that I will leave our city in better shape, both socially and financially. On the eve of amalgamation, I amsatisfied that our city is in great shape and I am confident that Ottawa taxpayers will be treated fairly in the transition process.
I am proud of the fact that we are finally going to a one city - one tier government. I campaigned on this platform and I am glad that we enter the new millennium with the promise of a more accountable and less confusing system of government.
I am also proud to have presided over a council that stopped living beyond its means and did not issue any new debt for the first time in decades. We have frozen taxes for the past six years, while maintaining and building on our commitment to strong communities and basic services. I have tried through my terms on Council to bring local government back to the people. I believe this style of grassroots government was and is right for the times.
On a personal note, I want to thank you, the people of Ottawa, for giving me the honour of serving you as Mayor. I look forward to staying involved in our community as a private citizen and as a local taxpayer.