In The News

Former Markham councillor Khalid Usman, who represented Ward 7 for 14 years, died May 30.

A familiar figure in Markham’s civic and charitable communities, Usman was known for his fundraising efforts and volunteer work with numerous local organizations.

Tributes have poured in following his passing, including from Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who described Usman as a “giant” in the community and a longtime friend.

“Today our community lost a giant. Today so many of us lost a great friend,” Scarpitti wrote in a social media tribute.

Originally from Peshawar, Pakistan, Usman immigrated to Canada and went on to become Markham council’s first member of Pakistani origin. He would first be elected in 1998 and would serve three consecutive terms until 2006. He would later return in 2018, filling the vacancy left after Logan Kanapathi was elected as MPP for Markham-Thornhill, serving until 2022.

As an accountant, he held leadership roles with organizations such as the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, the World Unity Festival, Unionville Home Society, the Canadian Federation of Intercultural Friendship and the International Development and Relief Foundation.