Ali Matthews

Features Writer

Ali is an independent government relations, public affairs and communications consultant with over a decade of experience. Translation: One-stop-shop consultant to getting you noticed in Ottawa. You can follow her on twitter @aliouellet or wandering in Westboro with toddlers.
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Canada Day marks grand re-opening of NAC

Canada Day marks grand re-opening of NAC

Photos courtesy of the National Arts Centre For over a year Ottawa has been been engulfed in a sea of scaffolding, pylons and tarp. From West Block to the Alexandria Bridge, new monuments are being built, historic buildings restored and streetscapes redesigned. As the city, and the country, prepare [...]

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Feast + Revel’s Fresh Take on the New Frontier

Feast + Revel’s Fresh Take on the New Frontier

Photos by Ali Matthews There is no doubt that, in the upcoming months leading up to Canada’s 150th Celebration, that many Ottawa restaurants will attempt to rift on “Canadian” cuisine. However, I doubt as many will do it as successfully as Executive Chef Stephen La Salle and the [...]

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Capital Florist Wants to Make Your Dreams Come True

Capital Florist Wants to Make Your Dreams Come True

Photos by Ali Matthews Snow was still on the ground when I met Carla Carbajal at the Art House Café on Somerset Street West. I was attending one of her workshops where three brides-to-be, and their mothers, were learning all about how to create their own hand-tied wedding bouquets. Owner [...]

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AMTI’s Annual Showcase Celebrates Local Talent

AMTI’s Annual Showcase Celebrates Local Talent

This year, all eyes are on Ottawa for Canada’s historic 150th birthday to celebrate everything that makes Canada, this city and our people, unique. For Angie Sakla-Seymour, owner of Angie’s Models & Talent International (AMTI), everyone is already late to the party. Angie has been [...]

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Edwin the Duck is Your New Best Friend! [Contest]

Edwin the Duck is Your New Best Friend! [Contest]

Photos by Ali Matthews Edwin is no ordinary duck. Browsing through a collection of latest tech-toys, you may just think he was mislabeled, but don’t be fooled by his humble rubber duck appearance – just one touch of his heart and he comes to life. First and foremost, Edwin is a “smart [...]

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The Power of Sparkle

The Power of Sparkle

A smile can do many things: Make a friend, give hope, and light up a room. For the team behind the 2017 Sparkle Dental Charity Ball, their mission is to give families in need the opportunity to unlock the power of a sparkling smile. The importance of choosing an expert in family & cosmetic dentistry [...]

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Tara Shannon’s ‘Unfinished’ is Just the Beginning

Tara Shannon’s ‘Unfinished’ is Just the Beginning

Tara Shannon’s new album is called Unfinished. For the award winning singer songwriter from Russell, Ontario, that title has many meanings. For one, this is Tara Shannon’s first album. For the last 20 years she has had great success in Nashville as a songwriter but despite being offered [...]

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Enjoy Brunch Elevated at Copper Spirits and Sights

Enjoy Brunch Elevated at Copper Spirits and Sights

Photos by Ali Matthews Brunch is a sacred space. Anyone can share a meal, but brunching is uniquely indulgent. The food is rich and comforting and the conversation is thoughtful and relaxed. While Ottawa has an established brunch scene from the casual Art-Is-In Bakery, the familiar Stone Face Dolly’s, [...]

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Successful Suits his Style Fundraiser Gives Clothes and Confidence to Local Men in Need

Successful Suits his Style Fundraiser Gives Clothes and Confidence to Local Men in Need

Photos by Ali Matthews When it comes to professional attire, Ottawa is known for its conservative leanings. Walk down Sparks Street any given Wednesday and you will undoubtedly see more suits and ties than slacks and trainers. The scene at the Metropolitain Brasserie this past Wednesday was a perfect [...]

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Disney On Ice Will Melt Away Your Winter Blues

Disney On Ice Will Melt Away Your Winter Blues

This is a tough time of year. The holidays are done, we have eaten our Valentine’s Day chocolate, Winterlude is over, and even the snow, now slush, has lost its sparkle. Luckily, the magic of Disney is now in Ottawa at the Canadian Tire Centre to wash away the winter blues! From February [...]

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