Testimonials
What People Are Saying
Over the years, I’ve built strong partnerships with Newmarket residents, volunteers, leaders, and businesses to serve Ward 1 effectively. Serving you is the greatest privilege of my life. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has offered support, encouragement, and guidance along the way.
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.
W. G. Mitchell | Former Director OLG and WSIB
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!
John Birchall | Former Richmond Hill Council Member | Chair of Councillor led Stonehaven Residents Committee
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.
Tim Jones | Former member of Aurora Council: Councillor 1978-1994; Mayor 1994-2006
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.
Naqi’s professionalism and private sector experience would be an asset to our new town council.
Debra Scott | Former President & CEO Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
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.
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.
Annette Jones | Vice President, Patient Services & Chief Nursing Executive | Headwaters Health Care Centre
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.
Christine Steeves
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!
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!
Dr. John Bare | Newmarket Ward 1 Resident
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 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.
Srinivasan Giridhar | President, German Mills Tennis Club
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.
Steve Hinder | Former Board Chair, Newmarket Chamber of Commerce | Board Member, Southlake Health Foundation
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.
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.
