In January 2013, Sutherland was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for significant contribution to the community.
[1] Sutherland held senior leadership and management positions at companies such as Sony, Tim Hortons, McDonald's, and Hartco.
Prior to being elected, Sutherland served as president of the Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Community Association.
[3] Upon his election, Sutherland was the first Métis councillor in Calgary in 20 years.
[4] In October 2017, days before a municipal election Ward Sutherland was accused of racist comments.