"My goal is to make every decision at City Hall transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering real results for residents. I want to create a city that is more affordable, better prepared for growth, and positioned for future generations to succeed."
– Ali Malik
I am a senior data analyst with more than 16 years of experience helping organizations make better decisions through data, strategy, and problem-solving.
Before coming to Canada, I built my career in analytics and business strategy. Like many newcomers, I had to rebuild my life after arriving here, starting from the ground up while supporting my family and creating new opportunities.
Through hard work and persistence, I built a career with organizations including Sobeys and Loblaw Companies Limited. My professional experience has taught me the importance of listening, using evidence to guide decisions, and being accountable for results.
These are the same values I want to bring to city hall: thoughtful decision-making, transparency, and a focus on delivering outcomes for residents.
I am running because I believe residents deserve a city hall that listens, communicates openly, and delivers results.
Families across Guelph are working hard, managing rising costs, and making difficult financial decisions every day. City hall has a responsibility to respect taxpayers and ensure every dollar is spent wisely.
Throughout my career, I have helped organizations solve problems by asking simple questions:
• Are we solving the right problem?
• Are we using resources wisely?
• Can we achieve better results?
• What is the return on investments?
I believe city hall should ask those same questions.
We should not rely only on increasing property taxes to fund the future. Guelph needs to continue attracting businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and growing our commercial tax base so we can reduce pressure on residential taxpayers.
I also believe we need to rebuild the connection between residents and their councillor. Many people do not know who represents them, how to reach them, or how their concerns are brought forward at city hall.
A councillor should not only be visible during an election campaign. Representation should be an ongoing conversation. Residents deserve someone who listens, responds, explains decisions clearly, and follows through.
I bring a combination of lived experience, professional experience, and a practical approach to solving problems.
I know what it feels like to start with very little, work multiple jobs, raise a family, and carefully manage every dollar. I also know how organizations improve when decisions are based on evidence, accountability, and thoughtful planning.
As a Ward 4 resident, I experience many of the same challenges families across our community face.
We need:
• Better transit connections within Ward 4 and across Guelph
• More parks, sports fields, and recreation opportunities
• Expansion of the community centre to meet growing demand
• More affordable programs for children and youth
• Better planning so infrastructure keeps pace with neighbourhood growth
• Safe neighbourhoods supported by effective police services and community partnerships
I will bring a strong work ethic, transparency, and a commitment to results at city hall. My promise is simple: listen to residents, communicate clearly, and work hard to deliver practical solutions.
1. Affordability and taxpayer value
Many families are feeling pressure from rising costs, housing challenges, and increasing property taxes.
Residents deserve confidence that their tax dollars are being used responsibly. We need to look for efficiencies, improve how the city operates, and find ways to grow new sources of revenue instead of putting more pressure on homeowners.
Good government is not about spending more or spending less, it is about spending smarter.
2. Responsible growth and infrastructure planning
Guelph is growing, and growth can bring new opportunities, businesses, and ideas.
However, growth must be planned properly. Roads, transit, parks, recreation facilities, community services, and other infrastructure must grow alongside our neighbourhoods.
For Ward 4, this means making sure new communities have the amenities and connections families need, rather than trying to catch up after problems appear.
3. Economic development, community safety, and quality of life
A strong local economy helps create jobs, supports local businesses, and provides the resources needed to maintain quality services.
Guelph should continue building on its strengths, including our university, skilled workforce, innovation, and location, to attract investment and create opportunities.
At the same time, residents deserve to feel safe in their neighbourhoods. We need to continue supporting our police services, improving community safety, and working together to address concerns before they become bigger problems.