2026 Mississauga Election Candidate Profile: Ward 6 - Martina Wood
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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 6 councillor?
I’m running because I believe Ward 6 residents deserve a councillor who will ask questions, challenge the status quo and look beyond “that’s the way it’s always been done.”
I’m particularly concerned about the potential for large AI data centres in Mississauga. If these projects move forward, I want to make sure the agreements and approvals are structured to protect residents and the environment — including clear obligations, costs, payments, safeguards and consequences if commitments are not met.
My professional experience in finance and consulting has taught me to pay close attention to the details of contracts and agreements and to ask what could go wrong before a commitment is made. I want to bring that perspective to Council.
2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I grew up in Mississauga and, apart from 11 years away, have lived here for most of my life, including the past 35 years. I have seen the city change and grow, and I care deeply about what Mississauga becomes next.
My professional background as a CPA/CMA finance professional, consultant and patient advocate, along with my volunteer experience, brings a perspective that is unusual for a municipal candidate.
I’m not a career politician. In fact, I’m coming out of retirement because I feel strongly about participating in Council deliberations and decisions. I’m bringing my experience to City Hall with a willingness to question the status quo and a commitment to putting residents’ interests first.
I also want to help make local democracy more accessible and engaging. Residents should understand how Council works, know what decisions are being considered and have meaningful opportunities to make their views heard — not just at election time.
3. What are your key campaign priorities?
1. Getting good value for your taxes — making sure Mississauga residents are paying their fair share, that we get value from the money we spend, and that Council asks questions when programs or projects aren't delivering.
2. Public safety and visible policing — ensuring Mississauga gets the policing resources it needs and that residents have access to responsive, visible and accountable police services.
3. Responsible growth and development — making sure growth is properly planned, infrastructure keeps pace, and residents' interests are protected. This includes careful scrutiny of large projects such as AI data centres, including the contracts, costs, environmental impacts and protections for residents.
4. A responsive City Hall — a councillor should listen, ask questions, follow through and look for solutions rather than simply saying, “that's the way it is.”
4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?
The Region of Peel component of Mississauga’s budget is disproportionate to our population. We are paying more than our fair share and although there has been talk about changing this, the needle is not moving. This needs to be addressed especially as regards the getting value from the police budget which has increased a lot in the last few years.
5. What are your three favourite aspects of Mississauga?
1. Our parks and trails. I love having so much green space woven into the city and so many places to walk and enjoy nature.
2. Our waterfront. I love that Lake Ontario is accessible to everyone, with parks, trails and public spaces along the lake.
3. Our community spaces. Our community centres and libraries give people places to learn, stay active, meet others and participate in their community.
6. How will you be actively supporting our locally owned businesses if elected?
I would support locally owned businesses by making City Hall responsive, predictable and practical to deal with.
I would listen to local business owners and BIAs about issues that affect them, including construction impacts, parking, access and communication with the City. I would review municipal processes to identify unnecessary delays or duplication — while maintaining the policies, standards and safeguards that protect residents and the community.
I would also look for opportunities for local businesses to participate in City procurement and make sure they know how to access them.
I don't believe the answer is simply giving businesses tax breaks or subsidies. City resources come from taxpayers, too. My job as a councillor would be to create a fair environment for businesses – not to pick winners or hand out taxpayer-funded benefits
7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
I think Mississauga has worked hard to promote a nice quality of life for residents – the wonderful green spaces, waterfront, community facilities, diverse neighbourhoods and access to amenities.
I also think Mississauga has done a good job of building and maintaining the infrastructure and services that make it a desirable place to live, while continuing to grow and attract businesses and jobs.
8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards will you be setting and following?
Communication with residents is vital. People should know what is happening at City Hall and have opportunities to participate in their community and local democracy beyond simply voting at election time.
I would provide regular email updates to Ward 6 community groups and to residents who choose to join my Ward 6 email list, including updates on important Council discussions, decisions and issues affecting the ward.
Communication should be respectful and two-way. I would set a standard of responding to residents in a timely manner, even when the answer is not what they hoped to hear.
I would also consider regular community town halls and other opportunities to meet residents directly, hear their concerns and better understand the issues affecting different parts of Ward 6.
Transparency, accessibility and responsiveness would be important standards I would set for myself as councillor
9. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
Residents should have meaningful opportunities to understand and participate in decisions that affect their community. One of my goals is to help more people become engaged in local democracy, right here in Mississauga.
A councillor should be in regular contact with both individual residents and community groups — listening to their concerns, keeping them informed and helping them navigate issues with the City. It needs to work both ways: I can provide information, but residents are also an important source of information about what is happening in their neighbourhoods.
Regular email updates and community town halls would be two ways I would keep residents informed and involved. I would also explain how Council works — including Council and committee meetings, how decisions are made, and how residents can make deputations and have their voices heard on issues that matter to them.
I also think we need to make local government easier to follow. When the printed Mississauga News ended, we lost a familiar source of information about Council meetings, upcoming decisions, planning and rezoning applications and other City matters. I would look for ways to help fill that information gap so residents don't have to go searching for important information themselves.
10. Please provide your campaign website.
N/A.
