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FOR SCARBOROUGH NORTH
Mr. John Tory
Mayor of Toronto, 2014–2023
" I spent 8 years as Mayor and have a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver at City Hall. I worked with Han Dong when he was at Queen's Park and in Ottawa, and I know that Han listens, does his homework, and stays with a problem until something changes for the person who raised it. When Toronto needed the province and Ottawa to pay their share, Han understood what we were asking for and why.
Scarborough North has been asked to wait on too much. It needs safer crossings, buses that show up, and a Councillor who answers the phone. Han will fight for that, and he knows how to get the other governments to the table when the city can't do it alone.
I'm supporting Han Dong for City Councillor in Ward 23, and I encourage residents of Scarborough North to vote for him on October 26."
Mr. C.K. Fung
Husband of the late Councillor Cynthia Lai
" My late wife Cynthia dedicated her life to serving the people of Scarborough North. She believed in hard work, integrity, and putting residents first.
I know Han Dong shares those values, he is hardworking, fiscally responsible, and trustworthy, and more importantly, he speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin fluently — that would help him better serve this diverse community.
We trust that Han will continue Cynthia's legacy and build a better Scarborough for everyone."
Mr. Bas Balkissoon
Former MPP and City Councillor, Scarborough
" I've spent 28 years serving the constituents of this area of Scarborough – first as your City Councillor on Scarborough Council and Toronto Council, then as your MPP at Queen's Park.
I know it takes commitment and dedication to the interest of residents to represent you at both City Hall and Queen's Park. I have known our candidate for Toronto Council, Han Dong, for over 10 years working with him as an employee and elected MPP at the Ontario Legislature.
I believe he brings the experience, commitment and dedication that we so desperately need at Toronto Council, someone who will listen to our concerns and protect our stable communities. He has served at both as an MPP and a federal MP – so he understands how government works.
Scarborough North needs someone working for the people. Han Dong is that person. I'm proud to lend my support."
Councillor Jon Burnside
Don Valley East, Ward 16
" I wore a Toronto police uniform for ten years. I know the difference between talking about safety and delivering it.
Han helped deliver the community safety hub at Fairview Mall, and I've seen what it has meant for the families and shop owners who count on it every day. That is what delivery looks like.
Scarborough North needs a Councillor who gets results, not headlines. I'm supporting Han Dong because he delivers, and I want him at City Hall."
THEY WORKED ALONGSIDE HAN
The Honourable Kathryn McGarry
Former Ontario Cabinet Minister, MPP and Mayor of Cambridge; President of the Ontario Liberal Party
"I have worked with many people in public life, and I can honestly say that Han is simply one of the most dedicated public servants I have ever worked with.
Over the years, I have watched him serve with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the communities he represents. He doesn't just talk about issues; he rolls up his sleeves and gets things done.
Whether it was championing the Reliable Elevators Act to protect seniors and families, or helping bring the Community Safety Hub to Fairview Mall to make our neighbourhoods safer — Han delivers. I've seen him navigate complex files, work across party lines, and deliver real results for his constituents.
Scarborough North needs a councillor who not only understands the issues but has the experience and the determination to do something about them.
Han Dong has both. I am so proud to call Han a colleague and a friend. Wishing him all the best — and I know Scarborough North is in excellent hands."
The Hon. Maria Minna, P.C.
Former Minister of International Cooperation; MP for Beaches–East York
"Han is family to me—not just as a friend, but as someone I've mentored and watched serve our communities with integrity for nearly 30 years.
He has the experience, the heart, and the drive to get things done. I'm proud to call him a friend and to stand with him."
Mr. Gerry Phillips
Former MPP for Scarborough–Agincourt
"I am happy to provide this note of support for my good friend of over 25 years Han Dong. He would be an excellent Councillor.
Han was a trusted senior member of my staff for 8 years when I was a Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough–Agincourt.
He was exceptional at finding solutions to problems that people were having. I know he would serve his community and the City of Toronto very well."
The Honourable Victor Oh
Former Senator of Canada
"I have known Han for almost 20 years. As a colleague in Ottawa, Han has been one of the most effective voices for his community.
I supported the late Councillor Cynthia Lai in her past campaigns; I believe Han Dong has what it takes to continue her legacy as a strong advocate for Scarborough North."
The Hon. Reza Moridi, PhD
Former Parliamentarian and Ontario Minister
"I have known Han Dong for many years — from his days serving alongside me at Queen's Park as an MPP, to his time as MP.
I have seen his passion for public service, his dedication to our communities, and his unwavering commitment to doing what is right. Han is a hardworking and trustworthy person, one who deeply cares about people. He is a devoted husband and father, and his beautiful family is at the heart of everything he does.
He understands that strong communities are built on strong families. I believe Scarborough North needs someone like Han, and I am proud to support him."
VOICES FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Mr. Thiru. Vijayakumaran Panchadcharaiyer
President, Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar Hindu Temple of Toronto
"I have had the opportunity to know Han Dong for many years. I extend my full support and best wishes to Han Dong in Scarborough North. (Translated from Tamil.)"
Mr. Tim W. Kwan
Chairman, Mon Sheong Foundation
"I have known Han for over a decade. He was one of the most effective elected representatives at both provincial and federal level.
I believe Scarborough North will benefit from his leadership, experience and his focus on finding pragmatic solutions."
Mr. Justin Poy
Community Leader; Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month (CFACI)
"I've known Han for many years as both a close friend and a dedicated community leader.
We've worked together on many Chinese Canadian community initiatives, and for more than 20 years, he has consistently led through action, not words. Whether passing legislation at Queen's Park as an MPP or standing up for all Canadians in Ottawa as an MP, Han has always stepped forward to solve problems instead of waiting for others. T
oday, Scarborough North needs that kind of experienced leadership. Han's voice at City Hall will be backed by integrity, experience, and a proven record of getting things done. I am proud to support Han Dong."
Mr. Von Canton
President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce – Toronto
"I came to Canada with a pharmacy degree and a lot of hope. Like so many Filipino families, I learned that building a life here means working hard, serving others, and building something together – one customer, one job, and one neighbour at a time. We call it bayanihan: the spirit of a community lifting one another.
Han understands that. He knows a small business is more than a storefront. It's a family's savings, their sacrifice, and their future.
Scarborough North deserves a Councillor who fights for the people behind the counter. That's why I'm supporting Han Dong."
Mr. Ganesan Sugumar
President / CEO, Saravanaabavan Restaurant
“I've known Han for over 25 years, I first met him when he was a volunteer at the Hon. Maria Minna's campaign.
Over the decades, I've watched him grow into a man of dedication and a genuine desire to make things better. As someone who has run several businesses in this neighbourhood for over 35 years, including one right here at the Woodside Square.
I know that we need a representative who can deliver. Han is a man of his word, and he's been a dear friend to our community for over three decades. I'm proud to stand with him.”
Mr. Balachandran Sabaratnam
"During his service as both a Member of Provincial Parliament and a Member of Parliament, Han supported the Sathya Sai Centre in our fundraising efforts.
For the safety of our children, youth, families and our entire community, I am pleased to support Han Dong for City Councillor, Ward 23 – Scarborough North."
Mr. Abdul Huq Ingar
Community leader and activist; long-time Scarborough resident
"Han has always been a friend to our community.
He understands diversity and respects our differences – but he also knows that we all share the same hopes for our families.
Scarborough North will benefit from his experience and his commitment to making sure every resident feels safe, valued, and included.
He has both the experience and the heart to serve us all."
Dr. Pon Sivaji
Community leader and activist; long-time Scarborough resident
"Han has always been a friend to our community.
He understands diversity and respects our differences – but he also knows that we all share the same hopes for our families.
Scarborough North will benefit from his experience and his commitment to making sure every resident feels safe, valued, and included.
He has both the experience and the heart to serve us all."
Mr. Yan Wang
President, Gemterra Developments Corporation; President, Canadian Chinese Construction Association; Board of Directors, Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE)
"I am pleased to support former Member of Parliament and former Ontario MPP Han Dong in his campaign for Toronto City Councillor in Ward 23, Scarborough North.
Han brings extensive public service experience and a longstanding commitment to listening to residents and supporting the community.
I believe his experience, sense of responsibility, and practical approach will make him a strong voice for the people of Scarborough North and help build a safer, more prosperous, and vibrant community.
I wish Han every success in his campaign."
Coach Ish Joseph
Community mentor and high-performance coach for over 35 years, in partnership with TDSB, OVA, United Way, Focus on Youth, Jobs Canada, North Scarborough Soccer, West Rouge, Beach Canada and Scarborough Falcon
"I've seen firsthand what happens when kids don't have a safe place to go after school – they get into trouble and fall behind.
Han understands that playing sports is important for youth mental and physical health. I believe Han, if elected, will be able to deliver more recreational space and programs, which is much needed in Scarborough North especially for youth and parents."
Mr. Kula Sellathurai
President & CEO, Inter-Citi Logistics; long-time Scarborough business leader and award-winning author
"I've known Han for over 25 years, as a local entrepreneur who has been in this community for over 30 years, I can tell you – Han understands the challenges we face. He listens, he cares, and he has the experience to get things done.
Scarborough North needs someone like Han at City Hall – someone who has been a friend to our business community for decades and who has the track record to deliver real results."
Mr. Ivan Hon
Long-time Scarborough North resident; champion and advocate for enhancing community quality of life
"Han Dong is a man of action and integrity. He has dedicated his entire career to public service, and he has the rare ability to bring people together across political and cultural lines.
He listens, he respects different perspectives, and he finds common ground. Scarborough North needs his steady, experienced leadership."
Ms. Fiona Su
Founder, Star Dance Centre; President, Dance on Yonge Festival; Chair, Canada Arts and Wellness Alliance
"I've known Han for over 25 years, as a local entrepreneur who has been in this community for over 30 years, I can tell you – Han understands the challenges we face. He listens, he cares, and he has the experience to get things done.
Scarborough North needs someone like Han at City Hall – someone who has been a friend to our business community for decades and who has the track record to deliver real results."