MEET ERICA
The choice for change
Above all, Erica is two things: she is a longtime active member of our Ottawa Centre community, and she is the prime choice for change in this provincial riding next election. Her wide expanse of experience has crossed the local politics, community activism, not-for-profit and small business sectors. She has worked with leaders at Queen's Park, Ottawa City Hall and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, as well as grassroots groups, parents and students, and at-risk populations here in Ottawa.
Originally from rural Manitoba, Erica moved to Ottawa in 2002 to pursue a master's degree in social work. Since then, Erica has:
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Been elected as Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trustee for Somerset/Kitchissippi ward in 2014 and selected to be vice-chair of the board by her trustee colleagues in 2017
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Served seven years as a board member of the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation
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Counselled youth with addictions for seven years through Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services
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Worked with and supported people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness for 10 years
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Successfully launched and co-managed award-winning craft beer company, Brown Van Brewing
Endorsements and Testimonials
Catherine McKenney
City Councillor for Somerset Ward
“I have known Erica for more than a decade and have seen first-hand how committed she is to leading progressive change for our community. As a school board trustee, she has proven herself to be a responsible leader and decision-maker. Her commitment to collaboration with the residents of our community is highly impressive.”
Jeremy Dias
Director and Founder of the Canadian Centre for Gender + Sexual Diversity
"I'm fortunate to have worked with Erica as a peer and as a friend. I admire her sincere drive to make this community inclusive for all. Erica has always been there to lend a hand and help everyone find their voice. Frankly, our community is better because of the work she does!"
Steven Langdon
Adjunct research professor, Carleton University department of economics and MP Essex-Windsor (1984-1993)
"To build a strong NDP that will be the best option for Ontario residents, we need leaders like Erica Braunovan working effectively and efficiently in our communities. Her experience and connections will serve Ottawa Centre very well."
Jennifer McKenzie
Leader of the New Brunswick New Democratic Party
Former chair of Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
"I know Erica is the candidate to lead the Ottawa Centre NDP to Queen's Park in the next election. Whether in her role as a school trustee, social worker, addictions counsellor, or as a mother of two, she has always demonstrated immense dedication to the welfare and well-being of others. Putting Erica on the Ottawa Centre ballot is putting the people of her community first."
Jeff Leiper
City Councillor for Kitchissippi Ward
"For the past few years, I've had the pleasure of working with Erica in developing strong and prosperous neighbourhoods. Above all her many qualifications and skills stands out her commitment to doing right by the people she represents."
Kerry Beckett
LGBTTQ+ Activist
"Erica has long been an ally for our LGBTTQ+ friends, a fact to which I can attest from our time together canvassing for Bank St. to be officially recognized as the Village. Having worked with her many times now, I can say she is the most consistently dependable person I know. Everyone can consider her an ally. Whether you're a person with a disability, a student, a refugee or just someone who calls Ottawa Centre home — you deserve a better ally in the provincial government and Erica will be that."