Dear Markham Residents,
I am seeking re-election for a fifth term as Regional Councillor for the City of Markham and the Regional Municipality of York.
Experience matters. Since first being elected in 2010, I have had the honour of serving our community for more than 15 years. As the first Hakka Chinese from India elected to public office in Markham, York Region, and Canada, my journey has been shaped by perseverance, entrepreneurship, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
In my current roles, I serve as the Chair of the Development Services Committee Public Meeting, Vice-Chair of Markham’s Development Services Committee, and Vice-Chair of the York Region Environment Committee, Director of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). I remain committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and economically vibrant future for our city.
As Markham grows, we face critical challenges. With experience, vision, and your support, I will continue to deliver results.
Your support helps keep Markham moving forward as one of Canada’s most dynamic and diverse communities. It’s an honour to serve you on the City of Markham and York Region Councils. I ask for your continued trust as I seek a fifth term.
Joe Li
Results That Matters
IMPROVED TRANSPORATION
Spearheaded York Region Transit Digital Solar Bus Shelter System
Supported Yonge Subway Extension
Promote Safer Roads, and improve connectivity
Director, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Chair of Transportation and Engineering Capital Projects
DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Chair, Development Services Public Meeting
Vice-Chair, Development Services Committee – Planning – Development and Policy
Provide leadership on Markham’s planning, development, infrastructure, and growth-related matters
FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE
Spent zero dollars of council discretionary budget for 12 consecutive years saving taxpayers over $100,000
Saved $140,000 of wasteful spending
Served on both Markham and York Region Councils, directly shaping major budget and spending decision
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Attract Foreign Direct Investment
Enabled Holiday Retail Exemptions Advocacy
Championed “ December Shop Markham”
Led Regional Development initiatives and served on Toronto Global to advance investment, job creation and economic growth across the region
Promote Cultural and Small Business Alliances
MARKHAM ON THE WORLD STAGE
Hosted 31st World Hakka Conference
Organized the first Cross-Strait Hakka Economic and Cultural Summit
Trade missions and Partnerships in China, India, Norway, Sweden, and United Kingdom
INVESTING IN YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Supported Mount Joy Soccer Dome Development
Served on Markham Public Library Board
Provided resources and supported York Region Police and community programs to combat crime and keep Markham safe
DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION
Instrumental in Queen’s Park legislation that required York’s regional Chair to be elected rather than appointed
Introduced a by-election process for Markham Council vacancies
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
Vice-Chair of York Region Environment Committee
Director, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
Advanced Automated Waste Collection System initiatives
CULTURAL RECOGNITION
Enacted by-law of December Christian Heritage Month
February Chinese Heritage Month and June Hakka Heritage Week
Served on Race Relations Committee & York Region Human Services Planning Board
My Vision For Tomorrow
GROW Markham
Investing in Recreation and Community
A Future Sports Complex for Markham Centre—bringing year-round sports, recreation, events and family programs under one roof, investing in our youth and building a healthier, more active community.
MOVE Markham
Smarter Infrastructure for a growing Markham
Explore Automated Vacuum Collection (AVAC)for Markham’s high-density communities to reduce truck traffic, improve efficiency and create cleaner, more sustainable neighbourhoods.
AFFORDABLE Markham
Building Livable. Sustainable Communities
Learn from Hammarby Sjöstad to create walkable, connected and sustainablecommunitieswith more green spaces, recreation and public places for families, youth and seniors.
SAFE Markham
Safter Streets. Stronger Communities
Support police, community programs and initiatives that keep Markham safe
Joe’s Journey
From entrepreneurship to public service
Serving Markham and York Region since 2010
Joe’s journey from India to Sweden and Canada brings together business experience, an international perspective and more than 16 years of service to Markham
1974
An International Journey
Moved from Sweden to Canada and began the entrepreneurial journey
1984
Making Canada Home
Settled in Canada, building career and family
1988
Business & Finance
Built a distinguished financial services career with London Life and Sun Life Financial before founding his own franchise, earning the ChFC and CLU professional designations
2010
Elected to Serve
First elected Markham Regional Councillor
2014 | 2018 | 2022
Re-elected Three Times
Successfully re-elected to three consecutive terms as Regional Councillor served Markham and York Region
2026
16 Years of Service
Sixteen-plus years of public service in Markham and York Region, including becoming the first Hakka Chinese Canadian from India elected to public office in Markham, York Region and Canada
Endorsement
“Joe’ experience, dedication, and vision make him a strong advocate for Markham’s diverse and growing community. As a former colleague at Markham Council. I am proud to endorse his re-election as Markham Regional Councillor.”
Member of Parliament (MP) Juanita Nathan, Pickering- Brooklin
“For 16 years at York Regional Council, Joe Li had demonstrated strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to ethical public service. As a colleague, I can attest that Regional Councillor Joe Li isa man of integrity, honestly, and I look forward to working with him again at York Regional Council “
Steve Pellegrini, Mayor of King
“I have known Joe for 40 years. He takes nothing for granted and works hard for our City of Markham and our residents. I support Joe’s re-election for Regional Councillor. Please make your choice count, our future depends on it. “
Pat Sage, 37 year resident of Unionville
“Joe Li has served Markham and provided veteran leadership for 16 years. His management skills and enthusiasm for Markham will surely be required in the coming term.
John Gray, 30 year resident of Unionville
“I’m proud to endorse Joe Li for re-election to Regional Council. I’ve known Joe for many years and had the opportunity to work alongside him with my husband. I know him to be dedicated, hardworking and committed to our community. I’m pleased to support Joe as he seeks another term on Regional Council. “
Alicai Chiu, Prominent Filipino Community Leader
“ I have known Joe Li for almost 30 years even before his election to the Markham Council. Joe deserves your support because he is always concerned with the well being of the community and strives to develop our city as the best place to work and live. As a Markham resident and business owner, Joe has my vote and please follow me to send Joe Li to Council again! “
Kenny Wan, Kenny Wan CPA Professional Corporation
“ I have known Joe Li for over 20 years. He has always been approachable, sincere and deeply committed to our community. Whether supporting community events, local initiatives, or individuals in need, Joe is always there. His dedication to serving other extends far beyond election time and has remained consistent for decades. Joe’s experience, integrity, and genuine love for the community make a lasting difference.
Yan Liu, Lawyer, Y. Liu Law Firm
“ Joe Li brings the leadership, vision, and fresh ideas needed to move Markham confidently into the future. His energy, experience and commitment to our diverse and growing community make him a strong advocate for a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous Markham.”
Pravin Gandhi, Vice President Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre Prominent Indian Community Leader