Lara Bremner – OCDSB Trustee, Zone 5

Platform

My Priorities

My commitment is simple: listen to the community, make thoughtful decisions, and always put students first.

Restoring Trust

The next Board has an important responsibility to rebuild public confidence.

Be ready when provincial supervision is lifted (including attending Board meetings ahead of the election)
Well informed and transparent decision-making
Consult deeply with the community on any prospective changes
Focus on core trustee issues, be solutions-oriented
Bring a balanced and practical approach to issues (not focused on single issues/special interests)

Protecting Classrooms

Every budget decision should support student learning.

Advocate for reasonable class sizes
Safer schools – student and teacher well-being
Support for special education programs
Protect essential education supports – more Educational Assistants and specialists (e.g. social workers, psychologists)
Ensure responsible long-term financial planning and advocate for closing the funding gap
Address infrastructure needs, school repairs backlog, fewer portables

Stronger Partnerships

Starts with parents.

Attend school and community events
Send regular Zone 5 updates
Be accessible and responsive to parents and guardians
Collaborative relationship with all stakeholders — families, schools, other Trustees, Board administration, unions, city and provincial officials
Respect for all educators

About Lara

A Career Built on Public Service

Experienced Leadership – Stronger Schools – Brighter Futures

I have spent my career serving Canadians in senior leadership roles within the Government of Canada, and internationally as a Canadian Diplomat, working to strengthen institutions, build partnerships, and solve complex challenges. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of listening carefully, making evidence-based decisions, and managing public resources responsibly. Just retired, I now have time to devote to local issues.

I hold a deep and personal connection to Zone 5. My husband and I have called this community home for 30 years. We raised four children here — all of whom attended OCDSB schools — and my husband dedicated his career to students as a now-retired OCDSB high school teacher. This passion has carried over to one of our daughters who is a teacher in another city.

I know these schools as a parent, the spouse of an educator, and a longtime community volunteer. Those roots are why I care and why I am putting my name forward.

As Trustee, I will bring this experience and work ethic to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

My Principles

Integrity
Transparency
Fiscal responsibility
Student-centred decision-making
Collaboration
Progressive values
Common-sense approach
Support for diversity and inclusion

Get Involved

I'd Love to Hear From You

Questions, ideas, or concerns? Reach out — every voice in Zone 5 matters.

Ce serait un plaisir de vous servir dans la langue officielle de votre choix. Cette plateforme est également disponible en français, sur demande.

Email

Lara.Bremner_Trustee.zone5@hotmail.com
Larabremner6@gmail.com

Follow Along

Vote for Lara

OCDSB Trustee – Zone 5
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board