Endorsements
Our campaign is bringing together people who believe in experienced, serious, compassionate leadership and a positive vision for our city's future.
We're honoured to have the support of these community leaders, advocates, and residents who share our commitment to building a city we can be proud of.
Lloyd Longfield, MP Guelph 2015-2025
"Leanne is an experienced connector within Guelph and provincially through her work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Leanne’s depth of knowledge comes from serving Guelph around the City Council horseshoe, her numerous Town Halls, and her MA Leadership from the UofG. She is well placed to collaborate with staff and Council to lead Guelph in these complex times."
Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik, Family Physician and Founder of Bracelet of Hope
“As a physician, I know that a healthy community begins long before someone walks into a doctor’s office. It begins with a safe place to live, clean water, a healthy environment and the support we need when life becomes difficult. It begins with knowing that we belong and that our wellbeing matters. These are the things I want our elected leaders to care about.
I’m supporting Leanne Caron for Mayor because I believe Guelph needs experienced, compassionate leadership that brings people together. Her commitment to housing, affordability, environmental protection and a more open City Hall reflects the kind of community I want us to build.
We are facing difficult challenges. We need leadership that listens carefully, respects evidence and recognizes the people behind every decision. Compassion must be reflected in our priorities and in the practical work of making life better.
I believe Leanne brings the experience and commitment to help move that work forward. I’m proud to support her for Mayor of Guelph, and I encourage you to consider supporting her, too.”
Donna Jennison, Board Chair, Guelph Climate Action Network
"As a longtime hardworking City Councillor, Leanne Caron has demonstrated time and again her principled, thoughtful, and respectful approach to municipal governance. It’s clear to me Leanne cares deeply about the people of Guelph, the land we live on, and the future of this city. I’m excited to support her campaign and look forward to working together to help ensure a prosperous, resilient, kind and smart city! Leanne Caron gets my vote."
Mike O'dah ziibing Ashkewe, Indigenous and Disability Rights Advocate
“When it comes to working with the disabled community, I have found Leanne Caron not only willing to engage with us, but willing to lay the foundation for a better relationship with disabled people in Guelph.
I believe Leanne when she says that meaningful and substantial reform is coming to groups such as the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Disabled people deserve more than consultation after decisions have already been made. We deserve a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect our lives.
I have also received commitments from Leanne that Truth and Reconciliation will be more than buzzwords. That means building meaningful relationships based on respect for Indigenous communities, while creating real opportunities for Indigenous people to have a voice and a say at the municipal level.
Accessibility and Reconciliation both require more than good intentions. They require listening, relationships, accountability and action. Based on my conversations and experiences with Leanne, I believe she understands that. That is why I am proud to publicly endorse Leanne Caron.”
Sheila Markle, Executive Director (Retired)
Family & Children's Services of Guelph-Wellington and Kindle Communities
"Leanne is one of the most knowledgeable people I know, across so many fronts. Her curiosity and love of learning have consistently benefited our city. Her deep commitment to Guelph — its history, its environment, and its long‑term economic health — guides everything she does.
She values community, and that has been a cornerstone of her work as a City Councillor for the past 20 years. Leanne approaches issues thoughtfully, forming her own opinions based on solid information rather than emotion or pressure. That kind of grounded, independent leadership is rare, and it’s exactly what Guelph needs at this moment."
Mark Goldberg, Biotech Entrepreneur and Business Mentor, Boundless Accelerator (formerly Innovation Guelph)
"Leanne’s values and her track record make me feel confident about her leading Guelph into the future. Time and again, she’s shown she’s willing to roll up her sleeves and do the hard work — protecting our water, planning for smart growth, strengthening our energy future, and breathing new life into the public spaces that make this city the wonderful place I call home.
She also understands something simple but important: when local small businesses thrive, the whole community benefits. Strong local businesses mean more jobs, a healthier economy, and less pressure on taxpayers — helping keep Guelph strong for everyone.
Leanne is my choice for the next mayor of Guelph."
Mark Berardine, Labour Leader, Downtown Community Organizer & Shelter and Food Advocate
“I believe there are two major issues facing Guelph.
The first is the Ford plan to increase AI Data Centres. Leanne knows we have to make sure we have enough safeguards in place and completed water studies to protect our water.
The second is the current lack of services for our Downtown Community who rely on meals and need a place to go at night, especially during the Winter. Leanne has organized, met with leaders and served at the table handing out food.
Leanne is someone we can trust to meet these two challenges. On October 26, vote Leanne for Mayor!”
Meredith Sweeney, Founder, Ward Night Market & Festival Manager, Eden Mills Writers’ Festival
“Guelph’s spirit comes from the people who bring it to life: small business owners, artists and community builders who give us reasons to get out, connect and experience something new. Their work brings neighbours together, supports local livelihoods and gives Guelph its unmistakable character.
I want a mayor who shows up for the arts community, values its creativity and understands why it matters.
That’s why I’m supporting Leanne Caron. We need leadership that listens to the people doing this work and helps create the conditions for them to thrive. Experience, trust and compassion matter to me, too. I want thoughtful leadership that takes today’s challenges seriously while protecting the community spirit that makes Guelph so special. I’ve done my research, and I’m confident in my choice. I’m voting for Leanne for Mayor.”
Hesham Genidy, Lawyer, Law Professor, Business Advisor, Political Analyst, and former Guelph Ward 5 Council Candidate (2022)
“I first got to know Leanne Caron in 2022 - not as a supporter, but as her opponent in the Ward 5 election. Despite being competitors, she treated me with genuine kindness, respect, and professionalism. I witnessed her deep connection to Guelph and her sincere commitment to its future.
As a lawyer, law professor, business advisor, and political analyst, I value integrity, independent judgment, and experience. Leanne has demonstrated all three. She knows how City Hall works, and I believe her decisions are guided by Guelph’s best interests, not political pressure.
I am proud to endorse Leanne Caron for Mayor of Guelph.”
Steve Dyck, President and Co-owner, Guelph Solar Mechanical Inc.
"I always have felt that Leanne was fair. What I mean by that is Leanne understands the decision making process at City Hall and would use that system to move items forward productively. Not that Leanne was driving the agenda in the past, but was participating on Council with thoughtful perspective.
I recently learned Leanne is the mom of 4 kids. Some fairness skills are learned while parenting, at least they were for me.
A Mayor we can trust rings true!"
Sheila O’Reilly, Community Volunteer & Ajay Heble, University Professor Emeritus, University of Guelph, Founding Artistic Director, 1994-2016, The Guelph Jazz Festival
“We are delighted that Leanne Caron has put her name forward to be the next Mayor of Guelph. We’ve known her for years as a neighbour and as a stellar City Councillor in Ward Five, where she has expertly represented us for twenty years.
Her impressive track record as a strong community advocate positions her well to respond to both the challenges and the opportunities that will shape our city’s agenda as we move forward.
She also importantly understands the vital role that arts and culture can play in building strong and resilient communities, in nurturing social connections, and in contributing in important ways to our quality of life.
We feel that the breadth and the depth of these interests and commitments are essential at this time when there is an urgent need for new modes, visions, and soundings of social cooperation. Here, in short, is a principled and caring leader who brings clarity and conviction to all that she takes on.”
Rosemarie Coombs, Founding Executive Director, Michael House Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services
"I strongly endorse Leanne Caron for Mayor of Guelph.
Leanne has always been a dedicated and responsive councillor. We have a vibrant growing ward, with a strong dedication to sustainable and appropriate development - a wonderful mix of students, families, singles, retired people, with thriving businesses – a place anyone would be proud to call home. I know this is also her vision for Guelph.
In my professional role building supportive housing, Leanne helped us navigate planning and permits to get 9 units built. I found her to be professional and direct.
Leanne loves Guelph. She is strong and she can be trusted to do what she can to make Guelph thrive. With her experience she knows Guelph and how systems work. This cannot be ignored. Having a Mayor that can hit the ground running in these quick moving times is critical. I strongly encourage you to vote for Leanne Caron."
Bang Ly, Guelph resident
“I’ve known Leanne Caron for many years and have always respected her steady leadership, deep community commitment, and willingness to do the hard work behind good public service.
Leanne listens carefully, thinks practically, and approaches complex issues with both compassion and discipline. She brings experience, integrity, and a genuine love for Guelph to every table she sits at.
I believe she would serve the city with thoughtfulness, courage, and care.”
Ian Rumbles, Former Director, CanWest DHI
"I have witnessed your professionalism, ability to develop creative solutions, and how you work effectively with volunteers and staff. What impressed me from the first day I met you, was your passion for Guelph and its unique historical significance."