Ausma Malik
Councillor Ausma Malik is a progressive councillor who typically aligns with the mayor and council majority on routine matters and key social initiatives, particularly in housing affordability and community services. She demonstrates independent judgment through consistent dissents on fiscal policies, specific transit measures, and housing deregulation, reflecting a focus on equity, regulated housing markets, and cautious spending.
Consistently supports affordable housing, tenant protections, and homelessness initiatives, but often dissents on market-oriented or deregulatory housing policies, such as provincial mandates (e.g., Bills 23 and 109) and studies like 'Expanding Housing Options.' This indicates a preference for socially-focused, regulated approaches to increase housing supply.
Shows a mixed record: generally supports transit improvements but has dissented on specific priority measures like 'RapidTO' lanes and light rail acceleration, suggesting concerns with implementation details or trade-offs. Aligns with majority on broader transit initiatives but deviates on key votes.
Frequently dissents on major fiscal items, including annual budgets, property tax levies, and luxury tax increases, reflecting a cautious or equity-oriented stance. Supports social spending but opposes certain tax measures, indicating a progressive approach to fiscal policy focused on fairness and targeted investments.
Notable Votes & Deviations
2025 Operating and Capital Budget
Major dissent on the annual budget, opposing spending allocations or fiscal priorities, highlighting a break from the majority on core fiscal policy.
RapidTO: Transit Priority on Dufferin and Bathurst
Dissent on a key transit initiative that passed with wide support, indicating specific concerns with this plan's implementation or impact.
Review of Councillor Remuneration
Voted against a measure to review councillor pay, placing her in the minority on an ethical or procedural issue, possibly reflecting principles on public accountability.
Reimagining Weston Lions Arena through a Nominal Lease with MLSE LaunchPad
Opposed a community facility agreement, possibly due to terms or priorities, despite majority support.
St. Clair-Old Weston Station and 2025 GO Expansion Program Updates
Dissent on transit infrastructure updates, suggesting specific concerns with the plan or its details.
St. Clair-Old Weston Station and 2025 GO Expansion Program Updates
Another dissent on the same transit project, indicating consistent opposition to certain aspects of the updates.
FIFA Traffic Management
Voted against traffic management for FIFA events, reflecting concerns with disruptions, costs, or city priorities.
Seeking Clarity on the City of Toronto's Application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
Opposed seeking clarity on funding applications, possibly due to fiscal caution, procedural issues, or equity considerations.
Securing More Good Jobs in Toronto: Support for Hosting the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank Headquarters
Dissent on supporting a defense-related bank headquarters, indicating concerns with the initiative's focus, economic implications, or alignment with progressive values.