About Dave

A record of service. A commitment to Ward 4.

Dave Thompson

Dave in the community

Who Is Dave Thompson?

Dave Thompson is a longtime Oshawa resident who has spent decades serving this community through public office, volunteer work, and grassroots involvement. He lives in downtown Oshawa — right in the heart of Ward 4 — and sees every day what's working and what isn't.

He's not a career politician. He's someone who steps up when things need fixing.

"Ward 4 is my home. I walk these streets, I know these neighbourhoods, and I believe residents deserve to be heard, listened to, and given straight answers."

A Record of Service

PUC

Public Utilities Commissioner

Served on the Oshawa Public Utilities Commission, overseeing essential public services and infrastructure decisions that affect every resident.

Labour Background

A working background grounded in labour values — fairness, hard work, and standing up for everyday people.

Legion

Royal Canadian Legion Member

Longtime supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion and the veterans who have served our country.

Oshawa Museum Volunteer

Active volunteer dedicated to preserving Oshawa's heritage and telling the story of our community.

Ward 4 Resident & Community Advocate

Lifelong Ward 4 resident with decades of local involvement through public service, labour representation, veterans support and community volunteering.

Arts, Heritage, and Downtown

A strong supporter of local arts, heritage preservation, and downtown renewal — including the Parkwood Estate, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, and Oshawa's sports and cultural scene.

Community Involvement

A lifetime of service to Oshawa.

Dave Thompson with a decorated veteran

Supporting Veterans

Dave has long supported veteran organizations and community initiatives throughout Oshawa. His involvement reflects a commitment to service, respect, and community values.

Dave Thompson volunteering at the Oshawa Tank Museum

Museum Volunteer

As a volunteer with the Oshawa Tank Museum, Dave supports local history and education.

Dave Thompson at a community event in Ward 4

Out in the Community

Dave regularly attends local events and connects with residents across Ward 4.

Why I Stay Involved

I've spent my life in Ward 4 — walking these streets, knowing these neighbourhoods, and caring how decisions get made here.

I stay involved for the same reasons I always have: public safety, clear answers about where money is going, and a downtown that works for the people who live here. The issues don’t end when an election does.

My commitment hasn't changed: show up, listen, and help make things better.

In 2026, Dave was a candidate for Oshawa City Councillor in Ward 4. He continues to follow Ward 4 issues as a resident and community member.

See the Issues & Projects
Dave Thompson at a community event

Public Service Experience

Dave Thompson's record of public service spans decades — from municipal infrastructure to federal tribunal appointments to frontline labour advocacy.

PUC

Former Public Utilities Commissioner

Served as a public utilities commissioner, bringing direct experience with municipal infrastructure and public service delivery.

Canada Pension Tribunal Appointee

Appointed by the Federal Government to the Canada Pension Tribunal, adjudicating important cases for Canadians.

Longtime Union Representative and Advocate

Decades of experience representing workers and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace.

Decades of Community Leadership Experience

A lifetime of stepping up when Oshawa needed people willing to do the work.

Professional Experience

Former Commercial Helicopter Pilot — Action Helicopter, Oshawa

Dave's aviation career reflects a profession built on responsibility, safety, professionalism, and service. Flying commercially requires precision, judgement, and trust — qualities that carry directly into public service.

Military and Veteran Support

Dave has been a steadfast supporter of Canada's military community and the veterans who have served our country.

Longtime Supporter of Veteran Organizations

Active in supporting Royal Canadian Legion and veterans' initiatives throughout Oshawa and the Durham Region.

Military History Advocate

Volunteer with the Oshawa Tank Museum and other heritage organizations preserving Canada's military history for future generations.

Active Supporter of Remembrance Initiatives

Regular participant in Remembrance Day ceremonies and initiatives honouring those who served.

Strong Connections with Local Veterans

Maintains deep relationships with local veterans and military heritage organizations across Oshawa and Durham Region.

Dave Thompson with a decorated veteran

Military Service & Continuing Commitment

Dave’s connection to Canada’s military community began with Army Cadets connected to the Ontario Regiment. He later served overseas attached to the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

His involvement continued long after his overseas service through the Ontario Regiment Association, the Ontario Regiment Ferret Club, and volunteer work with the Canadian Tank Museum.

That long connection to Oshawa’s military community remains an important part of Dave’s life and community involvement.

Supporting Oshawa's Arts and Culture

Dave has been a lifelong champion of Oshawa's cultural scene — from photography to art collection to supporting local artists and institutions.

Former Photographer — Oshawa Times

Worked as a photographer for the Oshawa Times, documenting the people and stories of our community.

Art Collector and Patron

An avid art collector and supporter of the Oshawa Art Gallery and local artists.

Supporter of Local Artists and Cultural Initiatives

Active supporter of Oshawa's cultural community, including the Oshawa Art Gallery and local cultural events.

Film and Television Appearances

Appearances in film and television productions, contributing to Oshawa's connection to the broader entertainment industry.

? Did You Know?

Dave appeared in the film Police Academy and other productions during his diverse career. But it's his decades of community service — not Hollywood — that define his commitment to Oshawa.

Community Service

Dave's commitment to Oshawa goes far beyond politics. He has spent decades volunteering with organizations that make our community stronger.

Oshawa United Way Volunteer

Volunteering with one of Canada's most impactful community organizations, supporting families and individuals in need.

Durham Save A Heart Volunteer

Supporting heart health initiatives in the Durham Region through hands-on volunteer work.

Harmony Creek Co-op Director

Served as a director of the Harmony Creek Co-op, supporting affordable community living in Oshawa.

Former Member, Durham Labour Council

Active in the Durham Labour Council, advocating for workers' rights and fair labour practices across the region.

Community Volunteer Across Multiple Oshawa Organizations

From veterans' groups to museums to community events, Dave has consistently shown up when Oshawa needs people willing to do the work.

Proud Supporter of Oshawa

Dave actively supports the institutions and organizations that make Oshawa a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Lakeridge Health Oshawa

Oshawa Museum

Canadian Automotive Museum

Oshawa Art Gallery

Local Veterans Organizations

Community Charities & Volunteer Groups

Ready to Get Involved?

Volunteer, or just share what matters to you.

Get Involved