 Watson, 48, had been mayor of Ottawa (1997–2000).He was first elected to provincial office in 2003, and he served in the provincial Cabinet as Liberal Minister of Consumer and Business Services (2003–2005), Minister of Health and Promotion (2005–2007), and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (2007–2010).Prior to being mayor, Watson served on Ottawa City Council from 1991 to 1997, representing Capital Ward.