Former York Regional Police Services Board member, CMRAO Discipline Committee member, and veteran property management professional Joanna Yu officially announced her candidacy for Markham Ward 6 Councillor on August 12.
With six years of police governance experience and 30 years in property management, Yu says she hopes to bring her expertise in community safety, financial management, and local governance to City Council and help make Ward 6 safer, more affordable, and a better place to live.
Two Key Priorities: Community Safety and Property Taxes
Yu believes responsible financial management and strong community safety are the foundation of a prosperous community. Her campaign focuses on two priorities:
- Strengthening Community Safety: Bringing six years of police governance experience to enhance public safety and neighbourhood security in Ward 6.
- Keeping Property Taxes Under Control: Applying 30 years of experience in property finances, budgeting, and facility management to promote responsible municipal spending and lower taxes.
1. Six Years in Police Governance
Yu served for six years on the York Regional Police Services Board, contributing to York Region's reputation as one of Canada's safest communities. She participated in the selection of the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police, reviewed annual police budgets and five-year strategic plans, and helped oversee the construction of the new police headquarters, which was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
2. Provincial Discipline Committee Member
Since May 2018, Yu has served as a member of the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) Discipline Committee, appointed by the Ontario government. She helps uphold professional standards, accountability, and integrity within the condominium management industry.
3. 30 Years of Property Management Experience
As a registered property manager and founding president of the Canada Chinese Property Management Association, Yu brings 30 years of hands-on experience managing condominium communities—essentially operating “mini municipalities.”
Her expertise includes budgeting, reserve funds, fire safety, snow removal, landscaping, waste collection, and infrastructure maintenance. She has also organized numerous public forums and seminars, helping thousands of homeowners and tenants.
4. Media Professional and Author
A graduate of Sun Yat-sen University's Faculty of Law and a former lawyer, Yu immigrated to Canada in the 1990s and worked as a police reporter for World Journal. As a media professional and columnist, she has been frequently interviewed by radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. She has also produced television programs and published several books covering immigration, education, parenting, policing, and life in Canada.
5. 23 Years in Ward 6
Yu and her husband have lived and built their family in Ward 6 for 23 years, raising two children in the community.
She is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community contributions, and has served as an ambassador for a mental health organization and in community neighbourhood-watch initiatives.
“Ward 6 is my home, and my neighbours are my family. Thirty years of professional experience and six years in police governance have prepared me for this role. I understand budgets, community safety, and—most importantly—the needs of our residents. I ask for your support so that together, we can protect the safety and prosperity of Ward 6 with professionalism and integrity.”
Markham Ward 6 Boundaries
- North: 19th Ave, South (West section): 16th Ave (from Warden Ave to McCowan Rd)
- South (East section): Bur Oak Ave (from McCowan Rd to Markham Rd)
- West: Warden Ave
- East: Markham Rd
【Volunteer & Media Contact】
- Contact: Joanna Yu Campaign Office
- Phone: 416-801-8648, 416-818-8522
- Email: votejoannayu@gmail.com
- Website: https://joannayu.ca