Cam Guthrie
Quick Facts
Biography
Cam Guthrie is a Canadian politician, currently serving as mayor of Guelph, Ontario since December 1, 2014.
Personal life
Guthrie was a third-generation Guelphite born into a family with Scottish immigrant roots. His family includes a number of independent businessmen. Before entering politics, Guthrie was an insurance agent. His father was a chiropractor, and his grandfather owned and operated Guthrie's Bakery in downtown Guelph. He is also a drummer for the local synth-pop musical group Fitness Club Fiasco, who were finalists in CBC Music's Searchlight competition in 2014. He is the cousin of musician Jim Guthrie.
Guthrie is a member of Lakeside Church.
Career in politics
Prior to his election to the mayoralty, Guthrie represented Ward 4 on Guelph City Council. Guthrie first ran for city councillor in 2006 but lost to Mike Salisbury by 194 votes. He ran again for councillor in 2010 and defeated Salisbury by 1,182 votes.
In the 2014 municipal election, Guthrie was elected mayor of Guelph, winning over incumbent mayor Karen Farbridge by 5,498 votes. In his inaugural address, Guthrie stated that his priorities would continue to be limiting tax increases to the rate of inflation, reviewing the transit system, improving customer service at City Hall and addressing an infrastructure deficit.
Guthrie has been involved in politics for at least 20 years, serving as the previous President of the Guelph chapter of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.