My Milton Story

My family moved to Canada from Karachi when I was a teenager. We didn’t have much. What we did have was a public school that took me seriously, a public library where I did most of my studying, and later a spot at the University of Waterloo, where I studied math and computer science. That led to a career in tech, first at companies like Microsoft and Amazon, and eventually a VP of Engineering job here at home. I liked that work. But if I’m honest, the job I have now was shaped less by any of it than by budget nights in the council chamber, going through a line-item list for a town that was growing faster than its money.

My family chose Milton. We lived in town for seventeen years, with school runs, hockey bags in the hallway and Saturday mornings on Main Street. Then we moved to a working farm on the rural side of the riding, where we’re raising our blended family of six kids, plus the dogs, who think the farm belongs to them. Six kids and a farm will teach you more about patience than Queen’s Park ever has.

When I first ran for council in 2010, about 80,000 people lived here. Today it’s more than 160,000. We’re the fastest-growing community of our size in the country, and one of the most diverse, with families from everywhere living next to farms that have been here for generations. I’ve been here for most of that growth, and I’ve liked watching it.

Long before I ran for anything, I was involved. In 2009 I started a petition for an underpass on Derry Road, because the trains were cutting the town in half. I volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton. I sat on the boards of the Milton Public Library, Milton Economic Development, Halton Healthcare and Conservation Halton. Then you elected me to town council three times, and I represented Milton at Halton Regional Council. For most of those twelve years I led the budget committees at the Town and the Region. It isn’t exciting work. You go line by line, you weigh one neighbourhood’s road against another’s rec centre, and you tell people the truth about what the money can and can’t do. It turned out to be good preparation for cabinet. In 2024 you sent me to Queen’s Park as your MPP, and in 2025 you sent me back.

Today I’m also Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. There’s a lot to say about that job, but this website is about Milton, so I’ll keep it short. What it means is that when Milton needs something, I’m at the table where it gets decided. Before this, I was the Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform. That file came straight from Milton’s doorsteps. People kept telling me at the door that their cars were disappearing from their driveways. By the time I handed the file over, auto thefts were down about 26% across Ontario and by about half here in Halton. I’m proud of that one.

One more thing about me. Back in my council days I rode my motorcycle 3,686 km around Lake Superior to raise money for mental health care. Between that ride and my bowling events, we raised close to $100,000 in Milton, so that people could get help without worrying about the cost. I did it because mental health problems don’t check your address first. Also, I like a long ride. If you see the bike around town, wave.

So that’s me. Twelve years on your council, now your MPP, a farmer by hobby, and a Miltonian because I chose to be. If there’s something I can do for you, my door on Main Street is open. And if you see me in line at the Barn Door Café, say hi. I’m always taking coffee recommendations.

Zee