Mohamed Semra

By 2050, we'll increase our population by 50%.

So we need to start thinking about

How do we plan for that?

And so now we're looking at more sustainable modes of transport, cycling, faster bus services, walking corridors, and the community infrastructure to meet that rapidly growing community.

And something that's deeply important to me in my work is addressing mental health,

And we want localized mental health services.

Growing up, I had a cousin who had psychosis and schizophrenia.

And he lived with me and my family for more than 10 years.

And I got to see the impacts of mental health on a person.

But that's why I respect my mom so much because she never gave up.

Like on him, you know, like he was always around, we always wrapped our arms around him.

And so seeing that so vividly growing up, um, you begin to understand like there's a lack of service provision that needs to be met.

And as mayor, my job is to advocate on behalf of the community.

And we have priorities that we need to address now because I'm a believer that you need to plant a seed for a tree that you won't see under its shade.

So a lot of the decisions I'm making now or things that I'm advocating for, I might not be around for when it's action.

But I can easily go for the quick wins.

You know, and like, oh, I've been able to do this in my time as mayor.

Long term, yeah, yeah, yeah.

I'd rather the work mean something as opposed to it.

You know, just look nice.