Mayor Jim Watson is the next Torch-Bearer Award recipient and is introduced by Pratyaya Hamilton, Director of the Sri Chinmoy Peace Foundation of Canada. Excerpts of Prataya's intrucion can be seen below.

"It is said that the character of a good leader combines wisdom, confidence and genuine concern for the wellbeing of one’s people. Our next recipient of the Peace Run Torch-Bearer Award, Mayor Jim Watson, is such a leader."

"Community involvement and service have always been at the forefront of Mayor Watson’s varied careers as a city councillor, a journalist, a Member of Provincial Parliament and the Mayor of Ottawa. He has served on the board or as honorary chair of several community organisations, including the Riverside Hospital, the National Arts Centre and the Forum for Young Canadians."

"Mayor Watson’s creation of the Mayor’s City Builder Award, a civic honour recognising service, kindness, charitable work, and other exemplary achievements by Ottawa citizens, and his support of Youth Ottawa are just two of the many worthwhile local endeavours he is committed to."

"Mayor Watson’s service is not limited to Canada’s capital. It extends to the world community through such notable actions as a fundraising event to support victims of famine in East Africa and his chairing of a United Way campaign, in which he helped to raise a record $21 million."

"But it is his heartfelt concern and his support of local events—be it participating in plowing matches or lending a hand at a local soup kitchen—that endear him to the people of Ottawa. His years of active involvement and community service have made him the recipient of many awards and accolades, as he makes a point of celebrating the successes and achievements of everyone and everything in the city he loves."