Background Questions
1) Do you live in Ward 15?
I reside in East York (Ward 14), at the border of Ward 15, and I have strong ties to the Don Valley West community. My connections to the area include attending Leaside High School, working at the TNO Youth Centre, and volunteering in the Don Valley West Constituency Office for MPs John Godfrey and Rob Oliphant. These experiences have deepened my commitment to the community and its residents.
2) Have you previously run and/or been elected for municipal office (school board trustee or city councillor). Please provide details.
Yes, I ran for City Councillor in the 2022 municipal election for Scarborough—Guildwood (Ward 24) to actively engage with a community where I have deep family and cultural ties. Scarborough is home to the largest Gujarati diaspora in Toronto, where many of my family members reside, including both of my grandmothers.
The tragic passing of one of my grandmothers during COVID-19 strengthened my resolve to address social and economic development issues in Canada, particularly those impacting elderly residents and children in Scarborough.
Unfortunately, the election saw limited opportunities for community engagement, with no debates or media coverage for Ward 24. Despite these challenges, I secured over 1,300 votes (8.01%), finishing third. The incumbent, Paul Ainslie, ultimately won the seat.
Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing the dedicated work of Jaye Robinson in Ward 15. I plan to retain her experienced staff in the Ward 15 office to ensure a seamless transition and maintain continuity in relationships and services for local residents.
3) Have you engaged in community and/or city building activities? Please provide examples.
Yes, I have been actively involved in numerous community-building initiatives in Don Valley West since 2006.
In 2007, I worked as a camp counselor at the TNO Youth Centre, where I provided additional support for an autistic camper, an experience that led me to take on tutoring roles for autistic children in Thorncliffe Park. I helped them build friendships and reduce stigma through both academic tutoring and social activities in community parks. Before a formal autism support network was established in the area, I was one of the few advocates ensuring that these children received the support they needed.
At the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, I played a key role in launching the Equity and Diversity Office, promoting an inclusive environment for all students. My advocacy extended to supporting Jewish students by addressing anti-Semitism on campus.
Additionally, I have worked on several impactful projects to address youth gun violence and support women’s empowerment. One such initiative was the development of a proposal for the “Women in Public Transportation” program, aimed at providing low-income women in Thorncliffe and Flemingdon with micro-credentials to become public transportation drivers.
I am also deeply committed to preserving local institutions and ensuring equitable development for humans and wildlife. My efforts include advocating for the preservation of the Ontario Science Centre.
4) Do you have any relationships with developers or labour unions who may have potential conflicts of interest with the City?
I do not maintain any relationships that would present a conflict of interest with developers or labour unions.
In my role as a management consultant, I have worked with large developers; however, none have discussed my candidacy or have any involvement with projects in the City of Toronto, to the best of my knowledge.
To ensure complete transparency, I have chosen not to accept any donations in this election campaign.
Additionally, for the safety of residents in Ward 15, I will not be conducting door-to-door canvassing. This decision is in response to the increasing concerns around car theft, as there have been instances where thieves use various tactics to gain unauthorized access to homes. I believe it’s essential to prioritize the well-being of the community during this election period.
As a lifelong East Yorker, I am dedicated to serving the public interest.
Throughout my professional practice, I have consistently ensured that only responsible developers are engaged in projects, carefully vetting potential partners to avoid the involvement of unethical actors before any investments are made.
Qualifications Questions
1) Why do you want to be the City Councillor for Don Valley West?
I aspire to be the City Councillor for Don Valley West to save lives and enhance the quality of life for all residents, particularly women and children, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The tragic terrorist attack on the Danforth, which claimed the lives of a 10-year-old girl and an 18-year-old girl, highlights the urgent need for community safety, especially amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Even popular local spots like Hollywood Gelato can be perceived as targets, and it’s crucial that residents are informed and equipped to advocate for their safety.
Residents need a leader like me, right now, right here in #DVW.
In times of conflict, we must prioritize peace and understanding. The reality is that terrorists target schools, and we must prepare for this. I believe I am the only candidate equipped to confront the serious threats we face.
As one of only two Muslim hijabi students during my time at Leaside High School, I offer a unique perspective and I am very rare.
I am dedicated to safeguarding our Jewish and affluent communities from hate crimes and terror attacks linked to being labeled as Zionists or their supporters.
Simultaneously, I aim to support the largest Muslim community in Toronto, located in Thorncliffe Park, by assisting war refugees and newcomers in building fulfilling lives in Canada, free from terrorism. Additionally, I propose establishing a Khabib Elite MMA Fight School that integrates basketball, hockey, soccer, and cricket, providing local youth with high-growth opportunities that bring social respect + millions$.
This two-year seat presents a vital opportunity to enact meaningful change.
Together, we can protect so many lives & save Toronto from the trauma of unthinkable crimes.
2) What experience and accomplishments do you bring that you think will make you a good representative for Ward 15?
I bring over 15 years of diverse work experience, including roles in international development, community support, and organizational leadership. I’ve worked directly with Toronto residents through organizations such as Kids Help Phone and Toronto East General Hospital. My background encompasses results-based financial planning, project evaluation, and data analysis, having worked with global institutions like the World Bank and UNESCO. My education at the University of Toronto, along with my involvement in the Equity and Diversity Office, has equipped me to effectively represent our diverse community in Ward 15.
Additionally, I served as President of Empowered Student Partnerships at Leaside High School, where I engaged with the local parent council and collaborated with the Toronto Police to enhance student safety and address issues such as theft and robbery.
Currently, I am actively advocating for a community benefits agreement with Metrolinx to ensure that Thorncliffe Park residents benefit from development projects. This includes plans for a new community centre that will house a Khabib Elite MMA fight school and a community kitchen, further strengthening the fabric of our community.
My extensive portfolio showcases my dedication to fostering economic resilience, enhancing infrastructure, and advancing sustainability within gender-sensitive practices.
I strive to illuminate pathways towards inclusive growth for all residents.
I also speak English, French, Gujarati, Urdu, and Hindi, allowing me to connect with far more residents than any other candidate. At a time of rising terror attacks, this ability to communicate is critical for fostering understanding and unity in our community.
I can solve the problems I’ve outlined without relying on donations, your taxes, or political games; I only seek your love and your vote.
3) What are the key 3-5 issues you see facing Ward 15 and the City?
Public Safety and Security:
- Combat racism, anti-Semitism, hate crimes and terrorism.
- Advocate for enhanced measures against car thefts and school shootings.
- Establish a women-only police station to combat intimate partner violence and crimes against women and children.
- Launch the Paw Patrol initiative in collaboration with community associations and the Jewish Security Network to enhance neighborhood safety.
Responsible Development:
- Oppose unchecked development in the area, ensuring community needs and heritage are prioritized.
- I am committed to transforming the Ontario Science Centre into the Elon Musk Space and Science Centre, the world’s best science centre for a class trip to “space” with a billion$ Trust Fund.
- Promote local employment opportunities, particularly for vulnerable populations and design community benefits agreements to ensure these initiatives are funded and sustainable.
- Foster community engagement and innovation while preserving public space for future generations.
Youth Gun Violence and Elite Sports Development:
- Combat youth gun violence by creating a Khabib MMA Fight School, which will provide positive outlets for young people to foster discipline and community engagement.
- Additionally, integrate MMA training into local hockey programs to enhance players’ physical conditioning, mental toughness, and overall athletic skills.
- Foster unity among diverse cultural and religious groups through inclusive community sports projects.
4) What is the first thing you will work on if elected?
The other candidates for Don Valley West did not attend the Pride of Israel synagogue to combat anti-Semitism and, on 9/11, avoided speaking out against terrorism, perhaps for fear of losing votes. If elected, I will address these issues head-on. As a Muslim, I am committed to protecting Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Rastafarians, and everyone else, regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof. All human lives deserve dignity and equal rights.
I will prioritize establishing community safety initiatives, specifically by implementing “Paw Patrol” in partnership with each community association.
Inspired by the JSN’s efforts to bolster safety within the Jewish community in Toronto, I propose a “Paw Patrol”—a dog-walking safety team of volunteers and their dogs patrolling key areas such as schools, restaurants, and shopping centers. This initiative would complement existing JSN security measures and provide an extra layer of protection for the Jewish community while ensuring all communities in Ward 15 receive top-notch security.
As the sole candidate actively combating hate crimes and radicalization in Canada’s largest + ethnically diverse Muslim community, I am committed to addressing these sensitive issues to ensure the safety of all Toronto residents.
My platform offers a unique and necessary perspective on combating hate, violence, and inequality using love.
Timeline for the “Paw Patrol” Launch:
| Date | Activity |
| November 14, 2024 | Begin the role and initiate communication with stakeholders by sending meeting requests. |
| November 18-22, 2024 | Hold a strategy meeting with community associations and partners (Jewish Security Network, Toronto Police, school councils and local churches, mosques, synagogues). |
| November 25- December 14, 2024 | Start volunteer recruitment, order ‘cute’ uniforms and design custom safety training sessions per community. |
| December 5-10, 2024 | Coordinate Christmas carol events with local churches as part of the official launch. Conduct training volunteer sessions. |
| December 15, 2024 | Official “Paw Patrol” launch, with daily patrols beginning across every street in the ward. |
CategoriesWard 15 By-Election