12 Facts About Ausma Malik

Ausma Malik was appointed as statutory deputy mayor in 2023.

Ausma Malik became the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to be elected to public office in Canada when she served as a Toronto District School Board trustee from 2014 to 2018, and is the first Toronto city councillor to wear a hijab.

In 2013, Ausma Malik earned her Bachelor of Arts with honours from St Michael's College at the University of Toronto, where she majored in international studies and doubled minored in history and political science.

At the University of Toronto, Ausma Malik participated in student activism.

In 2006, Ausma Malik attended a protest outside the American consulate in Toronto against civilian deaths caused by the Israel Defense Forces during the 2006 Lebanon War.

Ausma Malik's election made her the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman elected to public office in Canada.

Ausma Malik did not run for re-election as a TDSB trustee and her term ended in 2018.

In January 2020, Ausma Malik was the keynote speaker at the University of Toronto's 2020 Next Steps Conference.

In July 2022, Ausma Malik went on unpaid leave as a director of social engagement at the Atkinson Foundation to run for Toronto City Council.

Ausma Malik entered the race and was endorsed by the progressive advocacy group Progress Toronto, a registered third party in the municipal election, as well as by a number of NDP members of Provincial Parliament.

On October 24,2022, Ausma Malik was elected to Toronto City Council.

Ausma Malik is the first Toronto city councillor to wear a hijab.