About Harkirat Singh
Harkirat Singh is an accomplished public servant, community leader, and advocate for social justice.
Professional Background & Commitment to Education
Transition to Municipal Politics
Harkirat transitioned into municipal politics in December 2018, when he was first elected as City Councillor for Wards 9 and 10 in Brampton. His time as a Councillor was marked by a series of transformative initiatives and achievements. During his first term, he introduced a motion declaring a healthcare emergency in Brampton, a move that garnered national attention.
Leadership as Deputy Mayor
In November 2022, Harkirat was appointed as Brampton’s Deputy Mayor. His leadership responsibilities expanded significantly, as he took on the role of Chair of Corporate Services and represented the city as an alternate regional Councillor at the Region of Peel. Singh played a critical role in opposing the dissolution of the Region of Peel, working alongside the mayor in negotiations that successfully overturned the provincial decision, safeguarding the interests of Brampton residents.
Healthcare & Economic Development Initiatives
Harkirat has been a driving force behind the push to bring a medical school to Brampton, leading over five focus groups and collaborating with Toronto Metropolitan University, the Ontario Ministry of Education, and local community organizations. His efforts have laid the groundwork for the opening of the GTA’s first new medical school in over 150 years, set to open in 2025, which will provide much-needed healthcare education and services to the region.
Advocacy on the Global Stage
Harkirat’s leadership has extended beyond local and regional governance, as he has represented Brampton and Canada at prestigious international forums. He participated in the Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver, Colorado, and the Urban 20 Summit for the G20 in Ahmedabad, India. These platforms have allowed Singh to showcase Brampton’s potential on the global stage while learning from international best practices.
Harkirat's
Personal Journey & Interests
He discovered my passion for public service early in life, helping his mother distribute flyers for her startup business as a child. This hands-on experience taught him the value of hard work and connecting directly with community members. His educational journey took from the University of Toronto to London Metropolitan University and the Schulich School of Business, where he developed expertise in economics, public policy, and business leadership.
Throughout his career, I’ve balanced public service with ongoing learning and personal growth.
- Practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to stay physically active and develop mental discipline.
- Supporting local cultural events and arts programs throughout Brampton.
- Passionate about education and mentorship, having taught over two dozen college courses.
- Continuously expanding his professional qualifications.
Harkirat's
Core Values & Beliefs
Commitment to Public Service
Harkirat Singh is deeply committed to serving his community through leadership roles that foster transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. His efforts to prevent the dissolution of the Region of Peel and improve local healthcare reflect his dedication to protecting and advancing public interests.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Harkirat champions equity and inclusion, evident in his advocacy for Black and Muslim students' rights, and his historic motion adopting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. He strongly believes in creating spaces where every community feels represented and valued.
Community Empowerment
Harkirat prioritizes empowering local communities by attracting significant investments and jobs, advocating for better healthcare facilities, and improving public transit. His initiatives, including bringing a medical school to Brampton, aim to provide long-term benefits for residents and future generations.
Leadership in Education
As a former school board trustee and professor, Harkirat has a deep belief in the transformative power of education. His work in introducing new languages and cultural programs to schools highlights his commitment to providing opportunities for young people to thrive.
Advocacy for Social Justice
A defender of social justice, Harkirat has consistently fought against hate, racism, and inequality. He led efforts to defend minority rights in schools and challenged discriminatory comments from elected officials, believing that fairness and respect are non-negotiable in public life.
Global Perspective & Local Impact
Harkirat believes in leveraging global platforms to bring positive change to his local community. His participation in international summits showcases his vision of positioning Brampton as a leader on the global stage, while focusing on solutions that directly benefit local residents.
Vision For The Country
Harkirat’s vision for Brampton and Canada is centered around inclusive growth, economic development, and social justice.
At the national level, Singh envisions a Canada that leads on the global stage through progressive policies, inclusivity, and community-driven development. He believes in fostering collaboration between local, provincial, and federal governments to address critical issues such as healthcare, housing, and economic development, while positioning Canada as a hub for innovation and global leadership in industries like MedTech.
Ultimately, Singh’s vision is to create vibrant, resilient communities that prioritize equity, social justice, and sustainable growth, ensuring that Canada remains a beacon of opportunity and progress for all.
