BIO | Vote 4 Elsa

I am running for City Councillor in Alta Vista because this community has been the backdrop of my life long before I ever considered entering the political arena.

In 2015, my father’s life and career were suddenly altered by a tumor diagnosis. In 2019, I moved to Canada to dedicate my life to his care. I didn't want him to face his health struggles alone.

At that time, I was a student. I also had to navigate the hallways of The Ottawa Hospital, coordinating my father's care around my studies. The medical staff became an extension of my family.. They were remarkable in every way. Their support allowed me to maintain my academic goals, continue working, volunteer locally, all while knowing my father was receiving the best possible care.

Everyday, I took the 44 or 46 bus toward Hurdman through the Alta Vista greenbelt to get to the hospital.

The bus ride gave me time to reflect- to look out the window at the trees and the snow. to take in the calming effect of nature. It was also a time to meet new people to chat about the community.

Meeting a neighbor for a conversation during the commute brightened my entire day.

During those rides, I promised myself that I would work tirelessly to eventually own a home in Ottawa South, near Alta Vista, so I could stay connected to these streets and preserve the sense of community.

When my father passed away in 2020, I watched my neighbours, friends, colleagues, professors, doctors and nurses stand beside me. I will never forget their kindness.

Today, Alta Vista is woven into my everyday life. My place of worship is here. My sister and her children live here. These are streets I know, the people I care about, and the community I want to serve.

I am proud to be a bilingual member of the Franco-Ontarian community. I had the privilege of working within the federal government, with the Prime Minister's office, Canadian Heritage and most recently as the Press Secretary and Communications Advisor to the Secretary of State for Children and Youth.

I hold a bachelor's dregree in Public Relations and a Master's degree in Communications from the University of Ottawa.

My story brought me to Alta Vista. My experiences taught me the value of service, resilience, and community. Now, I'm ready to give back to the community that has given so much to me.