Background and Education:

Dr. Bahira Abdulsalam is a Canadian political candidate running for the Parliament of Ontario. She previously ran for Mayor of Toronto in 2023, where she placed 14th out of 102 candidates.

A PhD holder and a professional structural engineer, Dr. Abdulsalam is also a college professor, small business owner, and a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) parent representative for Ward 14. She is a passionate advocate for social justice, democracy, and freedom.

Dr. Abdulsalam is a single mother from a working-class background, raising three children while balancing multiple professional responsibilities. She understands firsthand the daily struggles of working families, from the rising cost of living and housing affordability to access to quality education and healthcare. As a resident of Don Valley West, she faces the same challenges as the majority of people in the community—navigating high rent, increasing grocery prices, and the difficulty of securing stable, well-paying jobs. Her lived experiences make her uniquely positioned to fight for policies that truly reflect the needs of working Ontarians.

She moved to Canada in 2007 as an international student to pursue her PhD in Structural Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec. Her academic journey includes a Mitacs Postdoctoral Fellowship at Western University in London, Ontario, as well as a visiting scholar position at the University of Arizona, USA. She is an accomplished author of journal articles and book chapters focusing on advanced composite materials for structural applications.

Her extensive education and research in advanced composite materials have uniquely positioned her to address complex infrastructure challenges, bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to Ontario’s growing needs. Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Abdulsalam has a bold vision for a more equitable and prosperous Ontario—one where every family has access to affordable housing, quality education, and economic opportunities. Her experience in small business management, post-secondary education in Ontario, and parent representation in the TDSB further strengthen her ability to advocate for diverse community needs. Driven by her own lived experiences, she is committed to building a future where hardworking Ontarians are supported, empowered, and given a fair chance to succeed.

Dr. Abdulsalam's candidacy for the Parliament of Ontario is rooted in her commitment to serving the people, ensuring fair representation, and working towards a just and equitable society—one where working-class families, single parents, students, and small business owners have a real voice in shaping their future.

Professional Career:

Dr. Abdulsalam has over 25 years of experience in engineering, both in the public and private sectors in the middle east. In Canada, she holds a license as a certified Professional Engineer in Ontario and has contributed to innovations in composite materials for infrastructure, including the development of InfinitPipe® alongside other notable projects. She has also served as a college professor for construction project management imparting her knowledge to the next generation of engineers. She has also contributed to some of the major transportation projects in Ontario.

Advocacy and Community Engagement:

A passionate advocate for human rights, freedoms, and democracy, Dr. Abdulsalam has been an active community member since her arrival in Canada. She has served as a Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and French Services Language Commissions' (FSLCAC) representative for Ward 14, advocating for public interests in services and language rights. She is known for her involvement in organizing the #1MillionMarch4Children, aimed at defending parental rights in education systems across Canada.

Political Involvement:

Dr. Abdulsalam has previously run for the position of Mayor of Toronto, where she aimed to bring her expertise in structural engineering to address the city's infrastructure, housing, and transportation issues. Her campaign was marked by her commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based policy-making. She has been recognized for her efforts in fighting social injustices.

Vision for Don Valley West:

As a candidate for MPP in Don Valley West, Dr. Abdulsalam promises to bring her global perspective, engineering expertise, and dedication to community service to the Ontario legislature. Her vision includes:

• Sustainable Infrastructure: Utilizing her background to develop and implement innovative solutions for infrastructure sustainability and resilience.

• Education Reform: Pushing for reforms that prioritize parental involvement and ensure educational policies reflect community values and needs.

• Social Justice: Advocating for policies that promote equality, fight against discrimination, and support multiculturalism.

• Economic Development: Leveraging her international network to attract investment and promote economic growth within the riding.

Awards and Recognition:

Dr. Abdulsalam has received numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee for 2023, highlighting her contributions to community and human rights. Her work with various organizations and her commitment to societal betterment have been widely recognized.

Personal Life:

A single mother, Dr. Abdulsalam has firsthand experience with the challenges faced by immigrant families her policies and approach to governance. Her journey from Cairo to becoming a key figure in Canadian politics and engineering speaks to her resilience, determination, and commitment to public service.

Dr. Bahira Abdulsalam stands as a candidate who brings not only technical expertise but also a heart for community advocacy, making her a unique voice in Don Valley West's political landscape.