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Ottawa Centre MP Catherine McKenna is a “great addition” to the new federal cabinet, according to Mayor Jim Watson.

“I have found her to be a breath of fresh air when dealing with a lot of issues that are important to us locally, whether it’s the victims of communism monument or the use of the U.S. Embassy or reform of the (National Capital Commission),” Watson told reporters Wednesday, as the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall was underway.

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Watson, who was a Liberal MPP and provincial cabinet minister before becoming mayor in 2010, said he has a great working relationship with the new MP, who delivered a stunning upset last month by unseating long-time New Democrat MP Paul Dewar.

Asked about the absence of other notable Ottawa MPs — including veterans Mauril Bélanger and David McGuinty and rookie Andrew Leslie — Watson said the new prime minister had lots of National Capital Region talent to choose from, and was forced to make probably the most difficult decision for a new leader.