Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, sat down for an exclusive and insightful conversation with Sameera Ali, a dedicated Milton Councillor and pioneering mayoral candidate. From her childhood in Oman to her public service in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, Councillor Ali shares her remarkable journey from community advocate to political leader. In this compelling interview, she opens up about the values that drive her, the challenges she has overcome, and her bold “Made in Milton” vision for the future. As she stands to potentially become Canada’s first female Muslim South Asian mayor, Ali discusses the delicate balance of managing explosive growth, her commitment to transparent governance, and the profound importance of allyship and representation. This is a story of resilience, practical solutions, and heartfelt leadership that resonates far beyond the borders of her rapidly growing town.
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Background & Early Life
Dr Shabana Parvez: For our audience meeting you for the first time, can you share a bit about your background — where you grew up, your family, and what inspired your path to community service?
Sameera Ali: I was born in Karachi, Pakistan, but moved to Oman when I was just two weeks old, where my father worked as a civil engineer during the construction boom. I grew up in a middle-class family, much like many immigrant families. I returned to Karachi for university, completing both my bachelor’s and master’s in International Relations. My path to community service began organically. When my youngest child started school, I felt it was time to pursue my passion for community work. I was initially motivated by a local issue in my neighborhood—a proposal to build in the middle of our local park. Organizing with neighbors to protect that space showed me the power of collective action and inspired me to run for Council to create tangible change.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve lived in Milton for many years and raised your family here. How has that firsthand experience shaped your priorities as a leader?
Sameera Ali:Raising my four children in Milton, one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, has given me a front-row seat to the challenges families face daily—from traffic and school crowding to the need for services and affordability. Being a mom, a resident, and a councillor means I don’t just hear about these issues; I live them. This firsthand experience shapes every decision I make. My priorities are rooted in ensuring Milton is a place where our children can thrive, where newcomers can build a good life, and where the quality of life keeps pace with our growth.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What personal values or life lessons from your upbringing continue to guide your work in public service?
Sameera Ali: My parents instilled in me the values of speaking truth to power, resilience, and respecting the offices you occupy. In municipal politics, you are your own brand, and you don’t have to compromise your core values. The most important lesson I carry is that as long as you can sleep at night with a clear conscience, stay true to your principles, and listen intently to the people you represent, you can be an effective and ethical public servant. That’s the compass I follow.
Career & Professional Growth
Dr Shabana Parvez: Before entering politics, you built a career in communications and strategic media. How did those roles prepare you for public leadership?
Sameera Ali: My 15-year career, where I rose from a junior copywriter working from home to a PR manager for U.S.-based agencies, was the perfect training ground. It taught me how to manage teams, resolve conflicts, and communicate clearly and persuasively with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies. Most importantly, it honed my skills in listening and finding common ground—which is essentially the job of a municipal councillor. We are problem-solvers, and my career taught me how to navigate challenges and build consensus.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’re recognized for collaborative leadership. Could you share a moment where working with others made a tangible difference for Milton residents?
Sameera Ali: The issue that first propelled me into politics is a perfect example. A previous council had approved a building in the heart of our local park, which backs onto an elementary school. By working collaboratively with a dedicated group of neighbors, then building consensus with council colleagues and staff after my election, we successfully prevented that building from being constructed. More recently, I mediated between residents and a developer concerned about traffic, resulting in the developer dedicating an open, accessible parking lot for community use, not just building residents. These wins show how being a bridge-builder delivers real results.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve served on several regional boards — policing, conservation, community housing, and waste management. Which role has most influenced your understanding of Milton and why?
Sameera Ali: Serving on the Halton Police Board has been the most eye-opening. It gave me a profound, behind-the-scenes understanding of law enforcement challenges, budgets, and community safety dynamics. Reviewing statistics and strategies provided crucial perspective. It taught me that while an incident on your street can feel pervasive, there is a complex, dedicated system working to manage community safety. This role deepened my respect for our frontline services and reinforced how critical informed, responsible budgeting is for their effectiveness.
Political Journey & Community Work
Dr Shabana Parvez: After years of meeting residents and community groups, what key concerns do Milton families consistently raise?
Sameera Ali: The core concern is the tension between the demand for services and the desire to keep taxes low. Residents talk about traffic congestion, snow removal, and recreation spaces—all of which require significant investment. The root of this challenge is historical: in the 1990s, Milton had 0% tax increases for years, which created a structural gap between our needs and our revenue. Now, councils are forced to fund essential “needs” by cutting community “wants,” which I believe is unfair to taxpayers who deserve both.
Dr Shabana Parvez: How do you approach difficult conversations on issues like affordability, traffic, transit, and infrastructure?
Sameera Ali: With transparency and respect. Milton has one of the most highly educated diasporas in the GTA. People understand complex issues when you explain them with facts. I am direct about our challenges—like the legacy of the 90s tax freeze—and I don’t offer “word salads.” Being real builds trust. When residents understand the “why,” even if the solution is difficult, we can have a productive conversation about the path forward. My approach is to never take residents for granted.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You emphasize transparent, accountable governance. What does that look like in practice under your leadership?
Sameera Ali: It means being open about expenses, decisions, and meetings. It means showing up, listening, and then explaining your votes and actions clearly. This builds a loyal bond of trust with the community. When you are transparent, you earn the credibility to make tough decisions, knowing that even those who disagree will understand your reasoning. In practice, it’s about consistent, authentic communication and always being accessible to the people you serve.
Mayoral Bid & Vision for 2026
Dr Shabana Parvez: You recently announced your candidacy for Mayor of Milton. What inspired you to take that step at this moment?
Sameera Ali: This is more than inspiration; it’s a response to a clear need. For months, residents from all wards have been asking me to run. They want a forward-looking, solution-based vision for Milton. After eight years on council listening and learning, I understand how a mayor can truly drive progress. I am stepping up to provide that option—a leader with lived experience, a detailed plan, and the political will to finally tackle long-standing issues like attracting major employers and securing a university.
Dr Shabana Parvez: If elected, you would be the first South Asian ‘Desi’ Muslim woman to lead Milton. What does this milestone mean for you and for future generations?
Sameera Ali: It is a tremendous honor and a profound responsibility. I’m told I would be the first female South Asian Muslim mayor in Canada, which I don’t take lightly. However, while this milestone is significant, my primary focus is on my platform and solutions. I want young girls, especially from our community, to see this and know that their identity is not a barrier to leadership. But more importantly, I want them to see that success is earned through hard work, concrete ideas, and a dedication to serving everyone.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Milton is growing faster than almost anywhere in Canada. How do you plan to manage growth while maintaining affordability, quality of life, and public services?
Sameera Ali: The answer is economic development. We cannot rely solely on residential property taxes. My “Made in Milton” plan is about aggressively attracting businesses and corporate investment to expand our commercial tax base. This new revenue is how we fund better services, infrastructure, and community amenities without overburdening homeowners. It’s also how we create local jobs so our youth don’t have to commute out of town. Growth must be smart, and its benefits must directly reinvest in our community’s quality of life.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’re launching your “Made in Milton” platform. What does this mean in terms of practical solutions for the community?
“Made in Milton” is built on two years of listening to residents in every ward. It means practical, homegrown solutions:
- Economic Action: A mayor who proactively recruits businesses to create jobs and grow our tax base.
- Education Promise: Finally delivering on the decade-old commitment to bring a university to Milton.
- Community First: Ensuring town-sponsored core events, like a proper Canada Day celebration, so we never lose these moments of community connection due to a lack of sponsors.
It’s about putting local voices at the center of every solution.
Women, Representation & Leadership
Dr Shabana Parvez: As a woman of color in leadership, what unique challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
Sameera Ali: I have faced many challenges in the male-dominated arena of politics. The key to overcoming them has been building alliances and recognizing the crucial role of allies. I must specifically thank the white male colleagues and friends who opened doors for me, understood my vision, and supported me. Lasting change requires those in traditional positions of power to become active allies. I also credit my husband, whose unwavering support made my career possible. We must acknowledge that men can be the reason women fall behind, but they can also be the reason we soar.
Dr Shabana Parvez: South Asian women and young girls look up to you. What message would you share with them about leadership, confidence, and civic participation?
Sameera Ali: Never stop moving forward. You will hear “no.” You will be told you’re not ready. Face it with patience, take baby steps if you must, but keep going. If a door closes, be patient—your time will come. Trust your gut and your passion. Civic participation is how we shape the world around us. Don’t let anyone dim your light. You can be a devoted mother, a person of faith, and a powerful leader. They are not mutually exclusive.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Fun question — What’s one “superpower” every woman has that has helped you as a leader, mother, and elected official?
Sameera Ali: Patience and multitasking. Patience allows you to step back, assess challenges calmly, and strategize effectively. Multitasking is our innate ability to manage competing priorities—from council budgets to family dinners. Embrace these superpowers. They allow us to build remarkable careers while nurturing our families and communities.
Fun & Personal Connection
Dr Shabana Parvez: If you could magically add one landmark, event, or signature attraction to Milton, what would it be and why?
Sameera Ali: Apart from the running joke in town that we desperately need a Costco? My serious answer is a town-sponsored, annual Canada Day event. There have been years where sponsorship fell through, and we lost our community celebration. As someone who chose to be Canadian, I believe the town should ensure we always have a way to collectively celebrate the privilege of being part of this country. It’s about community pride and connection.
Closing Message
Dr Shabana Parvez: What final message would you like to share directly with the people of Milton — especially those who are hopeful for a stronger, more connected future?
Sameera Ali: To the people of Milton: you are smart, brave, and resilient. It is time for a forward-looking vision and practical solutions to the challenges we’ve faced for decades. I am stepping up to be your next Mayor to deliver that. I am raising my family here, I face these issues daily, and I have the experience and a fully costed plan to keep taxes low while bringing more jobs and investment home. If you believe in a stronger, more connected Milton, I ask for your trust and your vote. Together, we can build the future our community deserves.
