Afghan Canadian community members in the Greater Toronto Area met with municipal election candidates at two gatherings this weekend, one of which brought six candidates — including Saima Hammad, who is running for Whitby city council in Ward 4 — before residents ahead of the Oct 26 municipal election, according to original reporting by Wesal TV.
The gatherings focused on housing affordability, property taxes, traffic congestion, public transit, jobs and services for seniors and young people, the outlet reported. A separate gathering drew Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, who is seeking re-election, at a meeting hosted by Amin Zareef, head of the Strategic Centre for Afghan Writers' Studies.
Hammad attended the Sunday gathering alongside candidates running in Vaughan and Mississauga, presenting her platform and answering questions about local needs, Wesal TV reported. Organizers said the events were intended to draw Afghan Canadians into local politics and help residents understand how municipal decisions affect everyday life. Ontario's municipal and school board elections are scheduled for Oct 26.
Behind the story
Sources & publication details
- Byline
- Daily Durham News
- Published
- Oct 13, 2026, 12:06 a.m.
- Source
- wesaltv.com
