2026 Mississauga Election Candidate Profile: Ward 7 - Maisa Salhia

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 7 Councillor?
My family and I have chosen Ward 7 in our beautiful city of Mississauga to live, work and plant roots in. My children grew up in Ward 7 and I want my family to continue calling Mississauga home. I’m running to ensure that Ward 7 will be a well-connected community that is safe, engaging, affordable, and prosperous for everyone.

 I have, successfully, proven my leadership as an established member of our community for over 26 years through diverse initiatives, volunteerism and by strengthening resident connections. 

My mission is to up-lift, inspire and encourage residents to achieve their best potential and to thrive.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I am a well-rounded individual who works with the public and private sectors, having held various positions. My experience has afforded me the opportunity to build many connections with businesses and organizations, locally and globally.

Consistently learning to improve knowledge, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world, where I collected new ideas which I intend to refine into active projects. Helping to improve Mississauga into a thriving walkable city.

My community involvement is wide ranging from fundraising for charities, growing food in community gardens (helping our neighbours in need) or donating supplies to schools. You often see me bringing local events to life, networking or establishing business transactions with CEOs. I can work on all levels to make projects successful.

I have positively affected my community more than most, and that makes me the perfect candidate.

3. What are your key campaign priorities?
A Stronger Community: a strong economy, better safety measures, and a more active community = a better Ward 7.

A Green Ward 7: enhancing a greener Mississauga by redefining community parks in order to make our spaces work in the long term.  Collaboration with contractors, builders and businesses to implement the best eco-friendly practices.

 Collaboration: team building with our Mayor and fellow councillors to implement a formula for lowering our taxes.  Yes!  I did say lowering taxes! It is attainable with the correct equation and moving forward in paying ONLY for our share of the bill.

4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?
Maintenance of Infrastructure:  our roads, water systems, buildings and bridges are our most important assets, we need to ensure their up-keep, management and repair while implementing a healthy budget. This is the foundation of our day-to-day needs, that the public relies on.

 5. What are your three favourite aspects of Mississauga?
Inclusivity: as an immigrant arriving in Mississauga without any knowledge of the English language, I was welcomed and included to play with the other children on the street. I was embraced into Canadian Culture and integrated at an early age. The most important thing is, I was given the freedom to continue practicing my own culture and traditions as well. That’s my Mississauga!

Open Spaces: We have so many open spaces to maintain, build, and grow. Mississauga has a lot of potential to repurpose and still enjoy our green spaces.

Growth: I know Mississauga is a great base, with room to spare, for businesses, educational institutions and other communities to settle in and grow. We have one of the most highly educated workforces, right here. That is why start-up companies are thriving in Mississauga.

6. How will you be actively supporting our locally owned businesses if elected?
I will continue to work with the BIA and my community to maximize awareness of our local businesses just as I have done in the past.  I was instrumental in helping the local Cooksville BIA as they were starting out; assisted with their social media campaign. I also helped start a SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGN for them. I’ve always shopped locally and, even though I might pay slightly higher prices, it is important to continue to support the backbone of our society.

7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Adapting: We excel at learning and adjusting with flexibility to different circumstances. Listening to our constituents and business leaders in order to change policies, when needed. We have earned local and global attention.

That is something to be proud of!

8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards will you be setting and following?
I plan on hosting community town halls, sharing information in newsletters and using social media on a continuous basis, in order to keep my constituents informed in real time.  Increased community engagement will build stronger relationships, this will create a comfortable space where I can always be approached. As always, there will be my office at Mississauga City Hall, as a Councillor.

9. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
The above mentioned are some ways to include residents. I am very excited about starting smaller leader groups focusing on specific topics such as Senior Council, Student/Youth Council, Women’s Council and possibly more. This will empower our community members to voice their opinions and introduce workable solutions for their specific needs. With support and guidance, Ward 7 will have the resources in need to thrive!

10. Please provide your campaign website. 
N/A.