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About Harkirat Singh

Harkirat Singh is an accomplished public servant, community leader, and advocate for social justice.

Harkirat Singh is a pragmatic municipal leader focused on delivering results. He serves as Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Wards 9 and 10 in Brampton, Ontario. Elected in 2022, he earned unanimous support from the council and made history as one of Canada’s youngest and first turban-wearing Deputy Mayors. Deputy Mayor Singh is known for his disciplined approach to city building and his ability to align diverse interests around common goals.
Professional Background & Commitment to Education

Before entering municipal politics, Harkirat Singh built a career grounded in education and youth
development. From 2014 to 2018, he served as a school board trustee with the Peel District
School Board, representing Wards 9 and 10. He sat on key committees including Audit,
Program/Instruction, and Workforce Census. During this time, he also taught over 1,000 students
across various business courses at Humber and Lambton Colleges.

Singh entered the municipal government in 2018, winning his first term as City Councillor for
Wards 9 and 10. His campaign was youth-driven and focused on addressing core infrastructure
challenges and crime. With over 24,000 doors knocked, Singh emphasized grassroots organizing
and direct community engagement, an approach that continues to define his public service.

In November 2022, Singh was appointed Deputy Mayor of Brampton. He took on broader leadership as Chair of Corporate Services and alternate representative to the Region of Peel. Singh played a key role in defeating the proposed dissolution of the Region, working alongside the Mayor to preserve Brampton’s long-term strategic interests.
Singh has been a leading advocate for healthcare investment in Brampton. He led efforts to secure the city as the future home of the GTA’s first new medical school in over 150 years, working in collaboration with Toronto Metropolitan University, the Ontario Ministry of Education, and local stakeholders. He also founded and chairs Brampton’s MedTech Task Force, a city initiative focused on advancing the city as a hub for medical innovation.
Singh has represented Brampton and Canada on the international stage, including at the Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver and the Urban 20 Summit for the G20 in Ahmedabad. He was recently appointed to the World Council and Executive Bureau of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), further expanding his global platform and bringing international best practices back to his community.
Singh’s commitment to public service began early, as he helped his mother promote her small business in Brampton. This experience shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and deepened his connection to the community. A firm believer in lifelong learning, he has pursued advanced studies in economics, public policy, and leadership. He is currently enrolled in executive education at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Harkirat Singh’s vision for Brampton and Canada is centered around inclusive growth, economic development, and social justice. He aims to build a community where diversity is celebrated, healthcare and education are accessible to all, and innovation drives future prosperity. Singh envisions Brampton as a leader on the global stage, attracting investments and fostering opportunities that benefit all residents. Through his leadership, he continues to advocate for equity, sustainability, and a brighter future for generations to come.
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A family of four sitting together indoors, smiling near large windows with city buildings in the background.

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

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Commitment to Public Service

Harkirat Singh approaches public service with integrity, discipline, and a commitment to delivering measurable results. From protecting Brampton’s governance structure to leading strategic initiatives, his focus remains on pragmatic leadership that improves lives without ideological excess.

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Respect for Cultural Heritage & Canadian Values

Singh values Canada’s diversity while upholding shared civic principles. His leadership reflects a respect for cultural identity, social cohesion, and the responsibilities that bind a strong, pluralistic society.

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Entrepreneurial Thinking in Government

With experience in both business and public office, Singh brings an entrepreneurial lens to municipal governance. He founded Brampton’s MedTech Task Force to position the city as a hub for innovation and healthcare investment through effective public-private collaboration.

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Lifelong Learning & Talent Development

A former trustee and college professor, Singh sees education as a catalyst for leadership and workforce readiness. He has taught over 1,000 students and is advancing his learning through executive education at the Harvard Kennedy School.

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Non-Profit Growth & Social Investment

Beyond government, Singh has helped establish and scale community-focused organizations, including a 160-bed long-term care facility and an affordable housing initiative. His leadership blends social purpose with operational sustainability.

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Global Mindset, Local Focus

Singh has represented Brampton and Canada at forums such as the Cities Summit of the Americas and the G20’s Urban 20 Summit. His global engagement informs practical, locally driven solutions that enhance Brampton’s competitiveness and quality of life.

Vision for the Nation

Harkirat Singh envisions a Canada anchored in strong local governance, disciplined investment, and globally competitive sectors. His approach is pragmatic: build high-functioning cities, empower institutions, and drive innovation through strategic partnerships.

As Deputy Mayor of Brampton, Singh has led initiatives that exemplify this vision. He founded the MedTech Task Force to position Brampton as a national hub for health innovation and life sciences, aligning municipal priorities with private sector growth. He also established Niwaas Long-Term Care, a 160-bed culturally responsive facility, and is now spearheading an affiliated affordable housing project, proof that public purpose can be delivered with operational discipline.

On the global stage, Singh has represented Brampton and Canada at the Cities Summit of the Americas and the G20’s Urban 20 Summit. In 2023, he was appointed to the Executive Bureau and World Council of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), positioning him among the top municipal voices on international urban policy. Recognized as an expert speaker in global forums, Singh consistently brings back best practices and forward-looking strategies to local implementation.

To lead effectively, Canada must better align national priorities with local execution. Singh advocates for a modernized, performance-based approach to intergovernmental collaboration, where cities are not just delivery agents but strategic partners in shaping outcomes. By enhancing coordination and accountability across all levels of government, Canada can accelerate infrastructure development, improve service delivery, and strengthen its long-term fiscal resilience.

Singh’s vision is simple but ambitious: a nation of resilient cities, grounded in good governance and ready to lead in emerging industries. Through smart investment, empowered local leadership, and a globally engaged mindset, Canada can continue to be a beacon of prosperity for future generations.
About Harkirat's

Educational Background & Professional Experiences

2009

  • University of Toronto at Scarborough
  • Toronto
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics and Public Policy

2010

  • London Metropolitan Business School
  • London
Master of Science (MSc) in Economics with Merit

2012

  • Schulich School of Business

  • Toronto
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

2014-2017

  • Lambton College
  • Toronto
Professor

2014-2018

  • Peel District School Board
  • Canada
School Board Trustee for Wards 9 and 10

2016-2018

  • Humber College
  • Ontario


Professor

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2018-2022

  • City of Brampton
City Councillor for Wards 9 and 10

2024

  • Rotman School of Management
  • Toronto
Directors Education Program (DEP)

Yellow rose logo on a blue background, symbolizing elegance and beauty. Perfect for branding and floral-related businesses.

2022-Present

  • City of Brampton
Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Wards 9 and 10