BERNARD COUCHMAN: OTTAWA MUST GET ITS FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER — DEBT REDUCTION STARTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT

BERNARD COUCHMAN: OTTAWA MUST GET ITS FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER — DEBT REDUCTION STARTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT


BERNARD COUCHMAN: OTTAWA MUST GET ITS FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER — DEBT REDUCTION STARTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2026 — Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa cannot keep borrowing its way into the future without asking who will pay the bill.

Bernard Couchman, Candidate for Mayor of Ottawa, is calling for a comprehensive examination of the City's debt, liabilities, borrowing commitments and long-term financial obligations.

The City's published financial statements show net long-term debt rising from approximately $3.31 billion at the end of 2023 to $3.37 billion in 2024. An analysis based on the City's 2025 audited statements puts that figure at approximately $3.69 billion at the end of 2025.

The question is no longer simply how much Ottawa borrows. It is whether residents are receiving measurable, lasting value for every dollar of debt.

Couchman's approach is straightforward:

I WILL ELIMINATE OUR DEBT FROM THE INSIDE OUT — NOT THE OUTSIDE IN.

That begins with access to the City's actual financial position. Before making decisions, the next Mayor must understand:

  • Every outstanding loan, bond and borrowing commitment.

  • Principal and interest payments, including future repayment schedules.

  • Contractual obligations and capital commitments.

  • Departmental spending, procurement and avoidable operating costs.

  • Municipal assets that could generate revenue or reduce expenses.

  • Opportunities to refinance, restructure and pay down debt responsibly.

Couchman proposes a comprehensive financial and operational review, supported by a public debt-reduction dashboard and independent verification.

His objective is to put Ottawa on a measurable path toward eliminating avoidable debt and reducing its outstanding debt burden, while protecting essential services and meeting legal and contractual obligations.

“I cannot make an informed decision about Ottawa's financial future without knowing our actual financial position. Give me access to the books, the contracts, the liabilities and the numbers. Let me examine the City from the inside out. We will identify what is costing us, what is working, what can generate revenue and what can be paid down. We must stop treating debt as an automatic solution.”

"My experience 20 plus years running a debt free enterprise internationally headquartered in Ottawa is a testimony to my light, and my experience of lean, agile efficiencies in productivity for the future of Commonsense operations. Law, Business and Mass Communications, Ottawa needs someone that is multi talented well rounded in Geopolitical affairs now.

We are now talking about geodoming Ottawa from a possible incursion from Washington,  I have already prepared my security measures since 2010, I mentioned part of it on a Rogers TV interview in 2014, Oct 20 1:27 pm, at the time the CBC, Metro, News 500, reporters had asked me an important Question, they were trying  to trap me. I answered in a professional serious manner because I get premonitions, they ignored me and what happened on Oct 22 came after my warning,  that is proof of my premonitions. If you Find that reporter you will find the interview." They media continued to marginalized me throughout 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026, yet I am the only one that can see the future because of my Vision for a Greener Ottawa. 

On Monday, October 20, 2014, Rogers TV in Ottawa heavily featured regional municipal coverage under its "The Local Campaign" banner. This was a critical final week of broadcasting leading up to the Ontario municipal elections on October 27, 2014. 
Broadcast details for that specific morning included:
  • Mayoral Race Dynamics: The main mayoral debate featured incumbent Jim Watson, his primary challenger Mike Maguire, and Anwar Syed. The debate focused on economic development, city infrastructure spending, and preparations for Canada's upcoming 150th anniversary celebrations. 

 

Let me make one thing clear there is no mention of Bernard Couchman and what I said, it was all buried under political bias and racism but if you hear the answer you will know that Bibeau could have been avoided.  Wake up Ottawa,  Wake up,  Wake up Ottawa. 

Make me Mayor. Let me open the books. Let us get Ottawa's financial house in order, it's our National security interest.  We have our most important people living in our city and we must do our best to protect them. Our future belongs to our young.  

BERNARD COUCHMAN
Candidate for Mayor of Ottawa — 2026

KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE. PUT IT TO WORK. MEASURE THE RESULT.

 

H2OBoy.