By Laurence Liang | Candidate for Markham City Council, Ward 5
Since registering as a candidate for Markham City Council in Ward 5, I’ve spent countless hours walking our neighbourhoods, knocking on doors, meeting residents, and having conversations with people from all walks of life.
Every doorstep has been an opportunity to learn something new. Every conversation has reminded me why I decided to run.
And every time someone welcomes me into a conversation, shares a concern, or takes a moment to tell me about their life, I’m reminded of one simple truth: your voice matters, and you matter.
Listening Has Always Been at the Heart of What I Do
For many years, I had the privilege of hosting People’s Voice (全民議會) on Fairchild Radio. Through the program, I spoke with members of the public, invited experts to explain important issues, and explored government policies, community concerns, and the challenges people face in their everyday lives.
My goal was to help people be heard, understand the issues behind their concerns, and make sense of how decisions made by different levels of government affect them.
But this campaign has taught me something even more meaningful.
People don’t always speak up on their own. Sometimes, we have to take the first step, start a conversation, and show that we genuinely care before someone feels comfortable sharing what’s on their mind.
That’s why I’ve been going door to door across Ward 5. I don’t want to wait for residents to find their way to City Hall or figure out whom they need to contact. I want to meet people where they are, hear their concerns firsthand, and help connect them with the right resources and solutions.
A Doorstep Conversation I’ll Never Forget
One experience in Swan Lake Village, a gated senior community, has stayed with me.
While canvassing, a lady opened her door and asked us to leave. We noticed that she was crying and didn’t seem to be doing well.
I could have simply thanked her and moved on. After all, she had made it clear that she didn’t want us there.
But I gently asked whether she would like to share what she was going through.
We ended up talking for about 20 minutes.
I listened as she shared her challenges. I didn’t approach the conversation with a prepared campaign message or try to turn it into a discussion about the election. I simply wanted to give her the time and space to talk.
By the end of our conversation, she was smiling again.
I don’t share this story because I believe I solved her problems in 20 minutes. One conversation cannot make every difficulty disappear. But perhaps, for those 20 minutes, she felt that someone was willing to listen.
And sometimes, that’s where caring begins.
To me, canvassing isn’t just about asking for your vote. It’s about showing up, making a connection, and remembering that behind every door is a person with their own story, challenges, hopes, and dreams.
Listening means taking the time to understand what matters to each resident and each family.
Every Conversation Reminds Me Why I’m Running
Throughout this campaign, I’ve met residents concerned about traffic and road safety, families thinking about their children’s future, seniors who want to feel safe and connected, and neighbours who simply want their concerns to be taken seriously.
Some people have specific issues they want the City to address. Others are thinking about the bigger picture: what kind of community we’re building, whether our neighbourhoods will remain places where people feel they belong, and what we’ll leave for the next generation.
Not every conversation is about a municipal issue. Sometimes, people simply want to talk. Sometimes, what matters most is giving someone the opportunity to be heard.
I’ve also been deeply encouraged by residents who have welcomed me, shared their thoughts, and expressed support for the passion and commitment I bring to this campaign. Your kindness and encouragement mean more to me than you may realize.
Thank you to everyone who has opened their doors, spent time talking with me, shared a concern, offered an idea, or asked a difficult question. I may not always have an immediate answer, but I believe every concern deserves to be heard, considered seriously, and followed up on.
That’s the kind of councillor I want to be: accessible and responsive, willing to listen, committed to finding answers, and prepared to work with residents to turn concerns into action.
Thank you to the residents who have welcomed me, shared their thoughts, and encouraged me throughout this campaign.
A Community We Can Build Together
I believe a strong community is built one connection at a time.
It’s built when neighbours look out for one another, when residents feel comfortable raising concerns, and when people know there’s someone they can approach for help navigating City services.
It’s also built when we listen to people whose voices may not always be heard, make information more accessible, and bring different perspectives together to find practical solutions.
As a councillor, I would bring the spirit of People’s Voice into City Hall: listening carefully, asking questions, understanding the root of a problem, and making sure residents’ concerns are part of the conversation.
I believe in a Ward 5 where people of different ages and backgrounds feel included, where safety and quality of life matter, and where we work together to build a community every resident can be proud to call home — for generations.
Because this is your community, too. You deserve a councillor who listens, who cares, and who shows up for you.
May I Have the Chance to Serve You?
Looking back on the many conversations I’ve had since registering, I feel grateful. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of our neighbourhoods, heard stories I will carry with me, and been reminded again and again that public service begins with people.
I entered this campaign hoping to bring residents’ voices to City Hall. Through canvassing, I’ve come to appreciate even more how important it is to listen before speaking, to understand before judging, and to care before trying to solve a problem.
If you believe Ward 5 deserves a councillor who will make time for you, listen to your concerns, and work alongside you to improve our community, I humbly ask for your support and the opportunity to serve.
I cannot promise that every problem will have an easy answer. But I can promise to approach this responsibility with sincerity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to the people I serve.
Thank you for welcoming me into your neighbourhoods and, in so many cases, into your lives.
Your voice matters. You matter. And I would be honoured to be your voice at City Hall.
Let’s work together to build a Ward 5 every resident is proud to call home — for generations.
— Laurence Liang
Candidate for Markham City Council, Ward 5