Dear Neighbors!

I am Maqbool Walji, your candidate for Ward 7 Councilor in Mississauga's 2018 municipal election. Over 40 years ago, I was welcomed by the loving residents of Cooksville Village. I grew up in this neighbourhood, I completed my middle school years in Ward 7, and am a proud a graduate from T.L Secondary School!

Shortly after graduating from high school I went on to complete my post-secondary education. After working in number of private companies, I started my business in 2002.

I consider myself to be a family man, a community man, an entrepreneur and most of all a person that you can count on. As an refugee from Uganda, and as part of an immigrant family, I faced challenges similar to other newcomers. With those challenges, came the understanding of how important my family and community were to me. Mississauga was always a place of acceptance and diversity and I wanted to extend my community and give back at the councillor level.

As your Councillor I will be hands on and involved with the ward. I hope to be connected to the local neighbourhood and be available for any issues that need to be addressed.

I am a person of integrity and values. I feel a public servant is a representative of good values appointed by the people and should serve the residents. I have seen Mississauga change from being farmlands to one of the largest cities in our country.

With growth, I recognize the city faces many challenges and hurdles, including a lack of adequate public transportation, affordable housing, schools, congestion, crime, taxes and cuts in services. My aim is to address these challenges and help create sustainable and liveable communities.

I am also a strong advocate for fiscal accountability and if given the opportunity to be your Councilor, I will do my very best to ensure City Hall is fiscally responsible.

TOGETHER, we can make Ward 7 as the best place to Live, Work and Play.

Sincerly, Maqbool Walji