Vicky Smallman for Ottawa Center

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Vicky knows that positive change is possible.
And she knows the hard work it takes. How?
Because she's been a part of making it happen.

Getting good things done

Over three decades of professional, political, community, and advocacy work, Vicky has a solid record of bringing positive change to our community and country. She knows exactly what it takes to turn a policy recommendation into legislation.

Vicky has spent years leading campaigns, speaking truth to power, lobbying decision-makers, and brokering consensus — from grassroots projects to international governance bodies.

We know the political road ahead will not be easy. Vicky has the energy, experience, and ability to get the job done. She understands how to meet people where they are at, help everyone feel heard, then do the heavy lifting to bring people together and deliver results that make lives better.

Being an effective NDP member of parliament means fighting for the kind of concrete change that will make life better for people, our communities and our planet. This is what Vicky does every day.

Vicky has had a direct hand in:

A renowned leader in the labour movement

Vicky is a globally recognized expert on policy and politics related to a range of human rights issues.

As National Director, Human Rights, at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), Vicky leads a team responsible for the Congress' policy and campaign work on gender equality, anti-racism, Indigenous justice, 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and disability justice.

Working with labour, feminist and human rights allies in Canada and internationally, Vicky has helped shift national and global conversations on violence and harassment at work, the care economy, and more. She is currently a community research associate at Western University's Centre for Research and Education on Violence against Women and Children.

Prior to joining the CLC in 2010, Vicky:

A passion for representation in politics

Believing whole­heartedly that more women and gender-diverse people in office yields better social policy, Vicky was one of the earliest members of Equal Voice and has served on both its national capital region and national boards. As a volunteer researcher, she worked with all parties to track nominations for several federal elections. Vicky has trained, coached, and supported dozens of women and gender-diverse candidates running in every level of government and within the labour movement. Most recently, Vicky co-chaired Catherine McKenney's mayoral campaign.

A heart in Ottawa Centre

A resident of Ottawa Centre for 25+ years, Vicky has raised a family here while deeply involved in the local community and NDP.

After her eldest daughter was born, Vicky helped establish a parent-run daycare co-op in the neighbourhood that operated for over 10 years.

As board chair for Somerset West Community Health Centre, Vicky advocated for safer consumption services and for community and social services in municipal budgets; and helped secure the funding and location for a satellite community health centre at 30 Rosemount.

During Devonshire's accommodation review, Vicky coordinated parent engagement. And she helped found the Ottawa Witness Group to protect the right to protest.

A force in the NDP

Vicky will bring a long, solid reputation within the NDP as a builder and strategist to her next role as member of our federal caucus. Often called upon by the party to chair conventions and provide strategic input, she will be a trusted leader alongside Jagmeet and the federal caucus. Vicky will help the caucus accomplish even more — making things better and more affordable, especially for people who need help the most.

To help clarify the NDP's policy on federalism, Vicky worked with Alexa McDonough and her caucus to coordinate a consultation process in 1998: the Social Democratic Forum on Canada's Future. The ensuing report was instrumental in the development of the Sherbrooke Declaration, later adopted as NDP policy.

Vicky has been active in the NDP, having served as Ottawa Centre riding association co-president, riding representative on NDP Federal Council, and co-chair of the federal policy committee.

As your federal candidate, Vicky will out-work and out-organize the other parties — and win back this riding.