Applications Now Open: Ottawa Youth Week 2026 Leadership Competitions
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Ottawa’s next generation of leaders — this is your moment.
Youth Ottawa is proud to announce that applications are now officially open for the Mayor 4 A Day and CEO 4 A Day leadership competitions as part of Ottawa Youth Week 2026.
This year, secondary school–aged youth from across Ottawa and Gatineau are invited to apply for an exclusive opportunity to spend a full day shadowing some of the most influential leaders in our region.
These are not symbolic experiences. They are immersive, competitive, and transformational.
2026 Leadership Opportunities
In 2026, participating leaders include:
Mayor 4 A Day
- Mark Sutcliffe – Mayor, City of Ottawa
CEO 4 A Day
- Cyril Leeder – President & CEO, Ottawa Senators
- Stéphane Giguère – CEO, Ottawa Community Housing
- Mark Gowdie – President & CEO, Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group
- Rachel Wilson – CEO, United Way East Ontario
- Birket Foster – Investor & CEO, Storm Internet
- Sueling Ching – President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade
- Darin McCorriston – Founder & CEO, TSMI
Each selected student will gain behind-the-scenes access to decision-making, leadership strategy, and the real-world challenges facing our city’s civic, sport, non-profit, and business sectors.
How the Competition Works
High school students submit a short application explaining:
- Why they want to participate
- What leadership means to them
- Which leader they are applying to shadow
Applicants must demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone. The process is competitive. Only one student is selected per leadership opportunity.
Why It Matters
Since launching Mayor 4 A Day in 2017, Youth Ottawa has seen the long-term impact of this experience. Participants often go on to deepen their civic engagement, join volunteer boards and committees, pursue leadership roles, and build meaningful community connections.
Last year’s participants described the experience as eye-opening, motivating, and confidence-building — a turning point in how they saw themselves as leaders in the city.
Ottawa Youth Week aligns with celebrations happening in major cities such as Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton, and connects Ottawa youth to a broader national and global movement recognizing youth voice and leadership.
This Is Your Launchpad
Opportunities like this don’t come often. You don’t need to have perfect grades. You don’t need to have a long resume. You need drive, curiosity, and the courage to apply.
If you’re ready to step into leadership and see the city from a new perspective, we encourage you to apply.
Applications are now open. Spots are limited.
Apply today and take your place at the table.
