Testimonials

I don’t make this endorsement lightly.

As someone who has served Ward 1 and cared deeply about this community, I feel compelled to speak about the candidate I believe is best prepared to serve Newmarket at this moment: Naqi.

I have known Naqi for more than 20 years. He has been part of the fabric of this community for a long time as a volunteer, entrepreneur and contributor to the Chamber of Commerce. His family has deep roots in Ward 1, and his commitment to Newmarket is personal.

Naqi is thoughtful, well-rounded and ready to take on the work of council. He understands finances, communicates openly and isn’t afraid to ask the important questions when policies are being considered. Those qualities matter. Ward 1 deserves a councillor who will listen carefully, come prepared and speak up for residents.

Naqi and I were competitors in 2018. I saw then that he ran a clean campaign, and I see him bringing that same transparency and integrity to this campaign today. That earned my respect, and it’s why I’m happy to support him now.

This endorsement isn’t about disliking anyone else in the race. It’s about who I believe has the maturity, readiness and community-minded judgment this role calls for.

Naqi, I believe you will be a great Councillor for Newmarket’s Ward 1. You have my support!

I have known Naqi since 1988, both as a colleague and as a friend. We worked together in the Technology Division at OLG and WSIB, where Naqi served as a Project Manager on several major initiatives. Throughout his career as an independent technology consultant, Naqi consistently delivered multimillion-dollar benefits to demanding clients on time and within budget. Naqi excels at navigating the strict rules and regulations of large organizations to solve unique business problems. He will bring this exact same fiscal responsibility, problem-solving ability, and leadership to Newmarket Council.

Naqi Ahsan is a long-time resident and dedicated volunteer who is passionate about making our community a better place. As a Central York Chamber of Commerce member and recipient of multiple volunteer awards, Naqi truly understands the key issues facing our town. Because he owns a local travel business, he has the unique flexibility, time, and dedication required to fully commit to daytime Council meetings, committee sessions, and direct collaboration with town staff. Naqi is ready to work tirelessly to address residents' needs. Please join me in casting your vote for Naqi as our Ward 1 Council member!

People who volunteer, work and give back in their own community tend to know their communities best. They have their finger on the pulse of what’s happening and what can make things even better. I find Naqi to be one of those people, and expect that same community commitment from him as a councillor.

Naqi understands what it means to work collaboratively with peers and customers. He is someone I could always depend on to deliver what he promised.

Naqi’s professionalism and private sector experience would be an asset to our new town council.

I had the pleasure of working with Naqi during my time as Vice President, Patient Experience & Chief Nursing Executive, when he served as Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at Southlake Health. I came to know him as someone who brings genuine care, integrity, and a strong commitment to community.

Naqi consistently demonstrated compassion and an ability to connect with others. He approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and a sincere desire to make a positive difference, often going above and beyond to support those around him. His thoughtful communication and willingness to listen have earned him the trust and respect of the community he served.

What stands out most is his dedication to improving the well-being of others and his ability to turn that commitment into meaningful action. He is dependable, hardworking, and brings forward practical ideas that strengthen programs and outcomes.

I believe Naqi would be an excellent candidate for Town Councillor. It is my pleasure to offer my full support—I am confident he will make a positive and lasting contribution to the community.

I have known Naqi Ahsan for over 20 years and greatly value his involvement as a fellow volunteer with INN FROM THE COLD, our local shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Similar to his other volunteer participation activities, Naqi is committed to helping those in his community who could benefit from his help. I am positive that he will exhibit this same level of care and commitment should he have the honor of representing his community as a Newmarket Councillor.

I am proud to endorse Naqi as our next Ward 1 Councillor because he possesses the exact qualities we need in local leadership: dedication, integrity, and a genuine drive to serve.

When I couldn't find a rare copy of the Ontario Tennis Association’s 100th Anniversary Magazine, Naqi went above and beyond to track one down for me. He carries that same determination into his community work; during the Air Canada strike, he stepped up to help stranded EIM members (networking group within Central York Chamber of Commerce) who hadn't even booked with him, demonstrating a genuine desire to serve others. Naqi’s integrity is unmatched. When voted President of EIM in 2025, he declined the position because his existing time commitments wouldn't allow him to give it his absolute best. That is the kind of honest, dedicated representation Ward 1 needs. Vote for Naqi!

I enthusiastically endorse Naqi Ahsan as Newmarket Councillor. Having served the German Mills Tennis Club (GMTC) for over 50 years, his contributions are multifaceted. He founded the club in 1975 and served as president for 8 years. Over the decades, he has contributed as a player, team captain, and club representative in the Inter County Tennis Association. Throughout his tenure, his focus has always been on building an inclusive club for the many communities that make up German Mills.

As the current president of GMTC, it was my pleasure to recommend him for the prestigious Bruce Childs Award, which he received from the Ontario Tennis Association in recognition of his extensive volunteer work for our club and the broader tennis community.

Naqi is a reliable, accessible, and committed team player. I am certain that the residents of Newmarket will benefit greatly from his presence on Council.

As a former Chair of the Board of Directors for the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce I knew Naqi as an active and engaged member who provided great service and trusted value to our members. His impressive history of volunteer work and proven commitment to the betterment of others speaks to his selfless character. His work at Southlake helped create a better experience for patients. He has many times over proven his desire to make the community a better place and I am pleased to endorse his quest as Newmarket’s Ward 1 Councillor this October.

I have known Naqi Ahsan as fellow members of the Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket since he joined the club in 2018. Naqi and I were both members of the club’s executive committee, Naqi working as Program Director and I being the Membership Chair. Naqi always came across as an experienced contributor to the club and extremely professional in his interactions with people. His communication skills and genuine desire to help will be of a great benefit to Ward 1 residents.

On a personal note, Naqi, in his role as travel advisor, assisted my wife and I in dealing with a complicated issue that we had with Norwegian Cruise Line; it was along with his advice that we were able to resolve the issue with a positive outcome.

I was sorry to hear the news that Grace Simon was stepping down in her position as Ward 1 Councillor. Grace and I worked on several projects during her term of office such as the new boardwalk adjacent to the Firefly Marsh, the speed camera installation, and the Stonehaven Police lands development. I anticipate and look forward to continuing my involvement with local issues along with our new councillor Naqi Ahsan.

I am pleased to offer my support and recognition of Naqi Ahsan, Candidate for Newmarket Councilor, Ward 1.

I have had the privilege of knowing Naqi through his longstanding involvement in the Canadian tennis community. As a Founding Member of the German Mills Tennis Club (GMTC) in 1975 and a former President who served for eight years, Naqi has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to community building over the past five decades.

Throughout his more than 50 years of service to the club, Naqi has contributed in many roles, including player, team captain, volunteer leader, and club representative with the Intercounty Tennis Association. He has consistently been a reliable, accessible, and collaborative team player who leads by example.

What has always stood out to me is Naqi's unwavering commitment to building an inclusive tennis community that welcomes and reflects the many diverse communities that make up German Mills and the surrounding region. His efforts have helped create a club culture where people of all backgrounds feel valued and connected.

Naqi's contributions have made him a well-respected and valued member of the Canadian tennis community. Throughout the years, he has worked collaboratively with athletes, volunteers, administrators, and leaders at all levels of the sport, including individuals such as Milos Raonic one of Canada's most accomplished tennis players, and the President of Ontario Tennis Association. His ability to bring people together and foster meaningful relationships has earned him widespread respect and recognition across the tennis community.

His contributions extend far beyond the tennis court. Naqi's extensive volunteer service has been recognized through the Canada 150th Anniversary Medal for Volunteer Service (2017), the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (2020), and the Ontario Tennis Association Volunteer Award (2024). These honours speak to a lifetime of giving back and serving others.


The qualities that have made Naqi an outstanding volunteer and community leader, integrity, inclusiveness, accountability, and commitment to service, are the same qualities that would make him an effective representative for the residents of Newmarket Ward 1.

I don’t normally endorse someone running for Council but I am making an exception. If you live in Ward 1 please consider voting for Naqi. I have known Naqi for many years through the Chamber Of Commerce and just being around Town. Naqi is so honest and very intelligent as well as compassionate and he will listen to your questions and get answers. So if you live in Ward 1 please give Naqi some consideration when you vote on October 17th to the 26th💛

I’ve known Naqi for over 30 years, and I’ve had the privilege of being part of the intercounty tennis team at German Mills Tennis Club that he has captained for more than 50 years.

What has always stood out to me about Naqi is his incredible commitment to the people around him. Many of us originally joined the club and the league simply because it was convenient - we lived nearby and it was a great place to play. But over the years, many of us have moved away, and somehow, we have all continued to find our way back. We come back to the club, to the team, and to Naqi. It has become a community that feels like home.

What makes that even more meaningful is that Naqi himself moved away from the neighbourhood many years ago, yet he never stopped showing up for this team and this community. For decades, he has continued to give his time, energy and leadership to the people he cares about. That kind of commitment is rare, and I think it says a lot about who Naqi is.

I’ve also seen firsthand how he leads. As a captain, he is incredibly thoughtful and strategic. He has a real ability to see the bigger picture, understand the strengths of the people around him, and make smart decisions that serve the long-term goals of the team. At the same time, he is fair, respectful, and genuinely tries to give everyone an opportunity to contribute and play.

But more than anything, Naqi understands that leadership is about people. After more than 50 years of bringing people together, building friendships, and keeping a team connected, he has created something that has lasted far beyond the tennis itself.

That is the kind of leadership I’ve experienced from Naqi for more than 30 years, and it is why I’m very proud to support him.