2026 Mississauga Election Candidate Profile: Ward 5 - Ismail Bawa

With the upcoming 2026 Municipal elections happening on Monday, October 26th, Modern Mississauga Media has reached out to all candidates inviting them to answer the same questions so voters can familiarize themselves with them.

With the 2022 Mississauga election having a paltry 21.84% voter turnout, this series is to educate the community and hopefully increase voter turnout for 2026.
Low voter turnout means that the voices of a few make decisions for all.

Candidate’s were also asked to provide at least four images and their answers are unedited.

Click here to read all candidate profiles and check back often as responses will be posted within 72 hours of receipt.

Click here to learn how to vote in the 2026 Mississauga Election.

1. Why are you running for Ward 5 councillor?
I’m running because I believe Ward 5 deserves a strong, accessible and accountable voice at City Hall. I’ve spent much of my life serving the community, volunteering, mentoring youth and working with residents from different backgrounds. I want to bring that same commitment to public service to City Council. 

My focus is simple: listen to residents, address local priorities and make sure Ward 5 gets the attention and investment it deserves.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
What sets me apart is my approach to public service. I’m not running to be a politician; I’m running to be a public servant. I bring experience in leadership, community service, problem-solving and working directly with people from all walks of life. 

I’ve also received multiple awards recognizing leadership, volunteerism and service. Most importantly, I believe residents should see their councillor in the community, not just during an election.

3. What are your key campaign priorities?
Safe and Maintained Ward 5
Smart and Safe Transportation 
Strong Community Investment 
Local Economy & Affordability 
Housing Stability & Property Standards 
Accountable Local Leadership 

4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?

The most important budget issue I hear from residents when I’m knocking on doors is property tax. Residents want to know that they are getting value for every tax dollar they pay.

I would support greater independent oversight of the City’s finances, including an independent Auditor General, to examine where we can improve efficiency, identify savings and ensure taxpayers’ money is being used responsibly and delivering value for Mississauga residents.

5. What are your three favourite aspects of Mississauga?
First, diversity. Mississauga is home to people from many different cultures and backgrounds, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

Second, the people and the community. Mississauga is an urban city, but it still has a quiet, community-oriented feel. It is growing, but it is growing in phases that are manageable. If we pay attention and plan properly now, we can achieve great things later.

Third, our potential. Mississauga is a major economic centre, with strong business communities such as the North Meadowvale Business Centre and the Pearson International Airport. We have tremendous economic potential, and we need to continue building on it.

6. How will you be actively supporting our locally owned businesses if elected?
I would make supporting local businesses a regular part of my work as councillor. I would personally visit businesses, listen to business owners and work with them to identify the barriers they are facing.

I would also work to reduce unnecessary red tape and make it easier for businesses to navigate City processes so they can focus on growing their businesses. I would encourage businesses to connect with residents in Ward 5 and explore opportunities to hire locally, helping create more employment opportunities for people in our community.

7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga excels at bringing people together. We have strong communities, a diverse population, an important economic base and excellent access to major transportation networks. Mississauga has done a good job of building a city where people want to live, work and raise their families.

8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards will you be setting and following?
I believe communication needs to be consistent, accessible and two-way. I would communicate with residents through regular community meetings, town halls, email, social media and direct engagement throughout the ward. I would also provide regular Ward 5 progress reports and make sure residents can follow the status of issues they have raised.

My standard would be simple: if a resident reaches out, they deserve a response. Even if the answer is not what they hoped for, they deserve to know what is happening, why it is happening and what steps are being taken.

9. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
Residents should have a meaningful voice before decisions are made, not after.

I would establish Ward 5 Business, Youth, Senior, Business and Faith Advisory Committees, with regular meetings to discuss local issues and provide input. I would also hold quarterly open town halls and seek structured community input before major decisions affecting Ward 5.

My goal is to make residents active partners in shaping the future of our community, not simply people who are informed after a decision has already been made.

10. Please provide your campaign website.
votebawa.ca