Sharipova for Ward 15 Councillor election

Dear friends, neighbours, community! Today marks the end of this campaign journey to become your City Councillor, a journey that has brought us together to share hopes, struggles, and dreams for Don Valley West and Thorncliffe Park particularly. In the beginning, I was lifted by an outpouring of enthusiasm and encouragement, fuelled by so many positive, inspiring messages from our community. This energy and belief kept me going through every challenge.
Now, as we reach the finish line, I know things have changed in tone. The media and political pressures have pushed their agendas, narrowing the focus and framing this race as a choice between only two candidates. But let’s remember: there were 15 of us who entered this race, each of us bringing our own perspectives, ideas, and dedication to serving our community. We’ve all done our best with the resources and strengths we had—and I am confident that I have the skills, commitment, and love for this community that make me the right choice for this role.
Yet, I cannot take on this responsibility alone; it truly depends on you, your voice, and your vote.
So I’m asking you, my friends, neighbours, and community members, to come out and vote on Monday. This choice is yours to make, and I urge you to choose a candidate who will be here for you, through good times and during your most challenging moments. I want to be that voice for you, a representative who stands up for every single one of you.
If elected, I will be here—steadfast, accountable, and ready to tackle the issues that affect us all. Whether it's advocating for affordable housing, better jobs, accessible spaces, or stronger community programs, I am ready to work tirelessly for Thorncliffe Park and Ward 15.
Let’s make sure all our friends, family, and neighbours vote. We have 8,000 voters in our community. If we all show up, we can make a real difference and create a new path forward for our home.
So, let’s vote, let’s make history together. Thorncliffe, this is our moment. Thank you. 🤩

Adding to my community building journey: environmental racism. Ever heard about it? Skills for Change thank you for organizing this conference on climate actions.

Candidates debates tonight around homelessness and housing affordability, looking forward to a meaningful conversation and a great turnout 😇

Bridging the gap between city leadership and local needs, ensuring that funding aligns with the community's priorities.
Lat week I had a chance to take a part in planning city budget consultation in North York Civic Centre.
City budget planning is essential for shaping the quality of life in any community, and participating in it can significantly impact how resources are allocated and services are delivered. Here’s why being involved is so important:
Ensures Community Priorities Are Addressed: When residents participate, they can voice specific needs and concerns, ensuring the budget reflects what matters most to the community, such as better schools, affordable housing, or improved transit.
Promotes Transparency and Accountability: Public involvement helps hold city officials accountable by making the budgeting process open and transparent. This helps prevent mismanagement of funds and ensures the budget is used effectively.
Helps Distribute Resources Equitably: Engaging in budget planning allows communities, especially those with historically fewer resources, to advocate for fair distribution. This can support neighborhoods like Thorncliffe Park, making sure they receive equitable funding compared to wealthier areas.
Empowers the Community: Participating in the budgeting process gives people a voice and fosters a sense of ownership over local projects, which strengthens community bonds and engagement.
Informs Future Decision-Making: Active involvement provides city officials with a deeper understanding of community needs, influencing not only the current budget but also long-term planning for services, infrastructure, and development projects.

My canvassing crew today 🤩🔥

Don Valley West By-election Election Forum for Thorncliffe Park Community
Join FTIAN on Monday, October 21st 2024 at Jenner Jean-Marie Community Centre- 48 Thorncliffe Park Dr at 6 pm. Meet your candidates and hear about their priorities.

Go Green Youth Centre Don Valley Community Legal Services Flemingdon Health Centre Flemingdon Health Centre Afghan Women's Organization Better Living Health and Community Services

A Journey of Strength and Advocacy: My Story with Autism in Thorncliffe Park
I am truly honoured to be part of the monumental Muslim Hubs short documentary project, where I have the opportunity to share my personal journey with my autistic child. Moving to a new home brought not only fresh beginnings but also unexpected challenges, particularly in accessing integrated social services. As a mother, facing bias and stigma from the community added another layer of difficulty. These experiences pushed me to take matters into my own hands, advocating not just for my child, but for all families who walk this path.

Inspired by these challenges, I initiated a network for children with autism in Thorncliffe Park and the East York area. By telling my story, I hope to inspire families—especially mothers—not to give up on their children who are "different, not less." I want them to know that there is hope, support, and a way forward, no matter how tough the road may seem.

I am deeply grateful to Halima and the Muslim Hubs team for their empathetic attitude, incredible listening skills, and constant encouragement throughout this journey. These young, enthusiastic individuals give me great hope for the future, and I truly believe that the future for our children is bright and exciting.

The right to housing transcends the notion of mere shelter; it embodies a fundamental human right. As your next councillor, I believe that housing is not a commodity but a vital necessity that should be accessible to every individual. My focus is on ensuring that everyone enjoys the right to safe, adequate, and affordable housing. We advocate for policies that prioritize housing as a basic human need, working tirelessly to empower tenants and protect their rights within the community.

Tenants in Thorncliffe Park experience a range of housing-related issues, many of which are common in dense urban areas with high demand for affordable housing. Some of the key concerns include:

Overcrowding: Many residents live in overcrowded conditions due to the lack of affordable housing options. Families may have to share smaller apartments, leading to strained living conditions.
Rent Increases and Affordability: Thorncliffe Park is home to many low-income families, and rent increases have made it difficult for some tenants to keep up. The lack of affordable housing options compounds this issue, with many tenants spending a significant portion of their income on rent.
Maintenance and Repairs: Tenants often report delays or inadequate responses from landlords regarding necessary repairs and maintenance. This can result in deteriorating living conditions, such as issues with heating, plumbing, pests, or general upkeep.
Unsafe Living Conditions: Due to a lack of timely repairs, some buildings in the area may have safety concerns, including malfunctioning elevators, poor lighting in common areas, or fire hazards.
Eviction Concerns: Tenants may face threats of eviction, especially with the rising cost of rent and efforts by some landlords to renovate or convert buildings. These "renovictions" displace tenants, forcing them to find alternative housing, which is often scarce.
Lack of Access to Services: Tenants may struggle with limited access to essential services, such as public transportation, community centers, and health care. This can be especially problematic for seniors, families with young children, and newcomers who depend on local resources.
Language Barriers and Advocacy: Thorncliffe Park has a large population of immigrants and newcomers, and language barriers can make it difficult for tenants to advocate for their rights, understand legal processes, or access housing support services.
High Utility Costs: Many tenants report that utility bills are high, and in some cases, not covered by rent. This adds another financial burden to households already struggling with the cost of living.

Addressing these issues will require stronger tenant protections, better enforcement of housing standards, and the creation of more affordable housing options.

Great community spirit during FTIAN fall festival 🎶, meeting fellow candidates was inspiring and engaging. It’s nice to see that we all are concerned about people needs and concerns. Thank you to all for showing up and sharing your ideas 💜🔥