Hello!

Welcome to the home page of Michael Kostiuk. I am a geographer, a teacher and an International Consultant based in Ottawa, Canada.

As a candidate I am interested in promoting: Democracy, Inclusion, Public Safety, Health, Education, "Intelligent" Urban and Regional Planning, Affordable Housing, Public Transportation, Inter-Provincial Transportation, Transparency, Openness, Sustainability, Science-based Decision Making, Protection of the Environment, Quality of Life, Value for Money, Cost Effectiveness, Economic Development, Tourism, International Trade and a Commitment to Integrity and Public Service.

I have undergraduate and graduate degrees in Geography and a Diploma in International Trade. I hold the following professional certifications: OCT (Ontario Certified Teacher) and CCEP (Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner).

I have worked as a Researcher, Consultant, Planning Assistant, Map Maker, Geographer and a teacher both here in Canada and in several other countries such as in The United States, Ireland and Ukraine.

Having research skills is important since a councillor can only do their job effectively if they have the ability to read and understand written reports.

I have provided many years of volunteer service to a variety of community groups and special interest groups such as museums and heritage organizations. I have been the president of the Carlington Community Association for nearly three years and I participate in the monthly meetings of the Federation of Citizens's Associations of Ottawa (FCA). I am also a member of Canadem which is Canada's Civilian Reserve. I returned from Ukraine in February where I was a Canadian election observer for their Second Round presidential election.

One of my interests is public Transportation and I am a proud member of the Sparks Street Heritage Streetcar committee. Our group is currently in the early planning stages of placing a heritage streetcar on Sparks Street. This project has the approval of the Sparks Street Board which gave our group a grant of $10,000.

My training as geographer gives me a good understanding of how cities and countries should function and as such I feel that my knowledge and experience can be an asset to this city. Cities that really work are sometimes known to have Synchronicity or the ability to excel. Ottawa is not at this stage, but it can be with if we can get our "act together".

As a teacher I understand the importance of inclusion and life long learning. For Ottawa to prosper it needs to be a place where everyone is allowed to contribute their skills and abilities to their city. In this information age Ottawa can, and should be a centre of innovation and knowledge.

During the time from now up to the October election I hope that my ideas and suggestions will cause the media and people of Ottawa to think about local governance a least for a moment.

Please check my home page during the election campaign as I outline my ideas in these and other areas of local governance.

Thank you

Michael Kostiuk

Note: This page is currently being modified for the autumn municipal elections and it will change accordingly in the coming weeks. Please check this page often.

If you have any questions or suggestions please free to contact me via e-mail at:

E-mail: michael@michaelkostiuk.com

Phone: 613-728-5409

Note: I officially registered as an candidate on March 5, 2010.