Bashar Kassir

Who I Am

My name is Bashar Kassir, I bring a unique blend of engineering background, entrepreneurship, community & public service, commitment to diversity & inclusion and a principled leadership.

I am a proud father of three children and a husband of a loving wife;

I am a proud Syrian Canadian who immigrated to Canada in 2002 in anticipation of the tragic crisis that later unfolded in Syria. Canada gave my family safety, opportunity, and a future — and I believe in giving back to the community that welcomed us.

I am an Electrical Engineer by education, specializing in Telecommunications Engineering. Before immigrating to Canada, I worked in engineering and software development.

Today, I operate a small business in the liquor industry and continue to provide professional services where needed.

I am also:
• A licensed and accredited interpreter with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
• Internationally trained Electrical Engineer
• A licensed scaler
• A licensed community interpreter

Public service and volunteerism have always been important to me. I served for six years as a public appointee on the Council of the College of Optometrists of Ontario and have volunteered with multiple local organizations and community groups.
I am running for Council and asking for your vote.

Why I’m Running ?

I believe we need to return to the basics and focus on the issues that directly affect residents’ quality of life.
My priorities include:
A - Doing the right thing — the right way
B - Focusing on the issues that matter most to residents
C - Standing up for the voiceless;
D - Advocating the homeless to be homed in dignity.
E - Supporting affordable housing where homes are places to live first — not simply investment vehicles
F - Claiming our rights of safer and cleaner streets, parks and playgrounds.
G – Tackling the chronic noisy environment we will live in through approach noise reduction from compliance and proactive enforcement perspective rather than complaints mechanism; since the enforcement of the earlier will naturally reduces the number of the later.
H - Shaping a stronger sense of community engagement and cohesion.
I- Protecting residents’ right to peacefully enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods.
J - Bringing fresh ideas and different perspective to City Council.
K- Standing up against unfair pricing practices by large supermarket chains, because essentials like bread, milk, butter, cheese, fruits, and vegetables are necessities — neither commodities nor opportunities to maximize excessive corporate profit
L – Adjusting property tax increases which under the current City Hall approach, Toronto homeowners and renters have faced substantial year-over-year tax increases. Toronto residents are facing growing financial pressure; they deserve fiscal responsibility, transparency, and better value for their tax dollars.

What am I asking you to do?

I am asking for your support and your vote.

Most importantly, I encourage everyone to participate in the election process. Higher voter turnout leads to stronger representation and a Council that better reflects the diversity of our community.
In Ward 10, voters turnout have historically been low — Last election was about 22%. Together, we can increase civic participation and strengthen our local democracy.

Every vote matters.
Please participate in the election and vote.­

Authorized by the Bashar Kassir Campaign.