Dr. Aba Mortley · for City Council
  • Listening.First, and often
  • Transparency.Decisions in the open
  • Accountability.Results, reported back
  • Action.And then we deliver

I came to Canada for an engineering degree and a room in residence. Kingston did the rest.

Mom of four. Engineer. Professor. Small business owner. Volunteer of more than twenty years. I'm running for Council to help build a Kingston where every resident feels they belong — and where every decision is one you can see and understand.

Dr. Aba Mortley, candidate for Kingston City Council in King's Town District
Dr. Aba MortleyKing's Town
Why I'm running

This city gave me a life. I'd like to give something back.

Kingston has been my home for many years. It is where I built my career, raised my family, started businesses, volunteered in my community, and had the privilege of helping others succeed. It's a city that has given me so much, and I believe this is my opportunity to give back in a new way.

I'm running for City Council because I believe good leadership starts with listening, transparency, and accountability.

Like many residents, I'm a parent balancing family life, an employee, a small business owner responsible for jobs and payroll, a taxpayer, an educator, and a long-time volunteer. I see our city from many different perspectives.

Today, Kingston is growing and becoming increasingly diverse. We are welcoming newcomers from around the world while also being home to families whose roots in this city span generations. Both experiences matter. Building a stronger Kingston means ensuring every resident feels they belong, has opportunities to contribute, and knows their voice is heard.

For more than twenty years I've volunteered with Youth Diversion, where restorative justice has taught me one powerful question: how can we give back to our community? Rather than focusing only on problems, we focus on restoring relationships, building responsibility, and strengthening community.

That same mindset shapes how I think about public finances. Every tax dollar represents the hard work of Kingston residents and businesses. We have a responsibility not only to spend those dollars wisely, but to ask how we can leverage every dollar to create greater value for our community.

I don't believe one person has all the answers. I believe the best decisions come from listening, learning, and bringing people together.

I came to Kingston from Trinidad with a suitcase and a dream of pursuing an education. Along the way, I found opportunity, mentors, friendships, and a community that helped me build a life here. That experience taught me how important it is to feel welcomed, valued, and connected. Aba Mortley
Questions I keep asking
Are we making the best use of public resources?
Are decisions being communicated clearly?
Are we planning for the future while meeting today's needs?
The platform

Four priorities for a stronger Kingston.

Evidence-based decisions informed by data, community input, and long-term planning — not short-term politics.

Transparency & accountability

Trust is earned through openness, honesty, and consistent communication. Every major investment should have clear objectives, measurable results, and ongoing accountability, so we deliver the greatest possible value for our community.

My commitments
  • Hold community town halls and listening sessions
  • Publish easy-to-understand Council updates — including how I voted
  • Be available and responsive to residents
  • Support responsible, evidence-based decision-making
  • Advocate for clear reporting on projects, budgets and performance
  • Welcome differing opinions and encourage respectful dialogue
  • Report back on campaign commitments and progress made

Healthy, strong, inclusive neighbourhoods

Kingston succeeds when everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Healthy neighbourhoods are built when people feel connected, supported, and have access to the services, spaces and opportunities they need to live their best lives.

Where I'd focus
  • Mental health initiatives and better accessibility
  • Belonging for every resident, whatever their age, ability, background or circumstance
  • Partnerships with community organizations, businesses, schools and volunteers
  • Recreation, parks, trails, libraries and community spaces — where connection happens

Smart, sustainable growth

Kingston is growing, and with growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. Building a stronger city isn't simply about building more houses — it's about complete, connected communities where people of all ages and stages of life can thrive.

Where I'd focus
  • A diverse housing mix: affordable and attainable homes, seniors, students, young families, workforce
  • Creative, long-term solutions built with partners at every level of government
  • Well-maintained roads, reliable transit, active transportation
  • Parks and public spaces planned responsibly for future generations

Local businesses & jobs

Our small businesses, entrepreneurs and local employers are the backbone of our community. As a business owner and employer myself, I know the opportunities and the challenges — and I believe City Hall should be a partner in success.

Where I'd focus
  • Simplify permitting where possible and reduce unnecessary barriers
  • Champion entrepreneurship while maintaining responsible standards
  • Encourage shopping local — every dollar spent here strengthens our economy
  • Support every district: downtown, east end, west end and surrounding communities
My story

From Trinidad, to Queen's, to a storefront on a Kingston street.

Dr. Aba Mortley in her Kingston community

Hi, I'm Dr. Aba Mortley — a mom of four, educator, engineer, entrepreneur, volunteer, and proud Kingston resident. Kingston is where I built my career, started my business, raised my family, and found countless opportunities to serve the community I love. Now I'm ready to give back in a new way.

  • The beginning Trinidad and Tobago to Kingston

    I arrived with a suitcase and a dream of pursuing an education. Like many newcomers, I learned how much it matters to feel welcomed, supported, and that you belong.

  • Engineering Queen's University, then RMC

    A Bachelor of Engineering from Queen's, followed by a Master's and PhD in Materials and Chemical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada — and, in 2010, the Governor General's Gold Medal.

  • 2013 Bringing Cher-Mère to Canada

    My mother founded Cher-Mère Day Spa in Trinidad more than 35 years ago. I brought the brand here, and it still operates in Kingston today — hiring staff, supporting local suppliers, and building a workplace where people feel respected and included.

  • The classroom Professor at St. Lawrence College

    Today I'm a Professor and Program Coordinator in the Esthetics program, preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. In 2023 the College awarded me an Honorary Diploma.

  • 2002 to today Twenty-four years with Youth Diversion

    Restorative justice taught me the value of listening, accountability, and strengthening community — the habits I'd bring to Council.

I wear many hats — mother, educator, engineer, entrepreneur, employer, volunteer, community advocate — but they all have one thing in common: a commitment to service. I don't have all the answers, but I believe in asking the right questions, listening to our community, and working together on practical solutions. I'd be honoured to earn your trust and your support.

Community leadership

Two decades of service, in rooms across this city.

My experience spans economic development, tourism, equity and inclusion, youth justice, homelessness, and community well-being.

Community & social impact

  • Board Member, United Way2025 – present
  • Co-Chair, Kingston Anti-Racism Task Force2023 – present
  • Board Member, Homelessness Collective Impact Committee2021 – 2024
  • United Way Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable2020 – 2024
  • Volunteer, Youth Diversion Program2002 – present

Economic development & business

  • Chair, KERT Workforce & Systemically Underrepresented Individuals Committee2020 – 2022
  • Board Member, Kingston Economic Recovery Team2020 – 2022
  • Board Member, Downtown Kingston BIA2019 – 2021

Tourism, city building & equity

  • Chair, Tourism Kingston Board of Directors2018 – 2022
  • Finance Chair, Tourism Kingston2017 – 2018
  • Co-Chair, Queen's Council on Anti-Racism and Equity2018 – 2022
  • Board Member, UCARE2017 – 2018

Awards & recognition

  • 2023Honorary Degree, St. Lawrence College
  • 2021First Capital Honourable Achievement Award, City of Kingston
  • 2020Nick Bala Distinguished Service Award, Youth Diversion Program
  • 2010Governor General's Gold Medal, Royal Military College of Canada
  • 2006Andrea Van Blaricom Volunteer of the Year Award, Youth Diversion Program
Get involved

Together, we can build a stronger Kingston.

Real change happens when neighbours come together. Whether you have an hour to spare, want to host a conversation, or simply want to show your support — there are many ways to get involved.

Volunteer

Door knocking, phone calls, delivering literature, installing lawn signs, community events, social media outreach, and election day support.

Sign up to volunteer

Host a meet & greet

Gather a few people in your home, workplace, community centre, or favourite local café. I'll come, listen to your priorities, and answer questions.

Host a meeting

Endorse the campaign

Resident, business owner, community leader or organization — I'd be honoured to have your support, and to share why you're endorsing.

Endorse Aba

Request a lawn sign

Show your support and help spread the word by displaying a campaign sign at your home or business.

Request a lawn sign

Stay connected

Be the first to hear about campaign events, community conversations, new platform announcements, and ways to help.

Join the mailing list

Share your ideas

This campaign is built on listening. Tell me what matters most to you and the ideas you'd like Council to explore.

Share your ideas
Share your ideas

Tell me what matters to you.

This campaign is built on listening. Tell me what challenges you see in our city and the ideas you'd like Council to explore. Your perspective will help shape the conversations and decisions we have together.

Or reach out directly
hello@abaforcouncil.com
613-555-0123

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