I would like to introduce myself

I am a successful business woman, and an active volunteer in Windsor with the homeless and several organizations. I have lived a very fortunate life, in that I found an amazing man and married him, brought up 4 amazing children and 3 of my nieces and nephews.  It has been a rewarding job, but now my children have chosen great career paths and its time for my next journey.  And that was choosing to be an applicant to be the next Candidate for Windsor West.

All my life I have always introduced myself as a proud Canadian.  From the moment I set foot on Canadian soil with my Mother as a 4 year old girl we were was determined to embrace our new home fully. Despite the challenges of language barriers and cultural differences, we made Canada our new home.

After losing my father, my mother and I were given an amazing opportunity to immigrate to Canada.  My elder brother had moved to attend the University of Toronto.  He felt we could have a better life by moving here.  Our first few years were very crowded but we managed.  Eventually we got into Ontario Housing when my brother started a family and the house could no longer fit us all in. Over the years, I attended Coronation Public, Eastwood,Herman High School and St. Clair College in Windsor. We immersed ourselves in Canadian culture, and I loved that I was never discriminated against in school.

I returned briefly to my home country with my mother when I finished High School and worked as a teacher.  I could not settle in Pakistan so returned to Canada.  At the age of 22 I lost my brother suddenly and took on the task of caring for his three children.  It was a massive responsibility, but I later got custody of them and they lived with me.  I married in 1993 to an amazing man, and my nieces and nephews continued to live with us.  We went on to have 4 children of our own and they grew up with their nieces and nephews.

My husband and I opened our own businesses and have worked very hard. In 1999 I opened the JICC Windsor which will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year.  During this time I saw a dire need for Mental Health support in the community.  One of my nephews who lives with me is disabled and I could not get enough support for him.  It was because of this I decided to start a Mental Health Awareness Organization (MHAAM) It has been very successful.

In 2024, I  was made a Director of the South Asian Centre of Windsor .  They have an amazing resource page that provides a lot of information for the Centre

Now that my children are grown, I have become very active and supportive of my local Conservative Electoral District.  I have watched Canada struggle under the Liberal Party and our Mental Health is suffering.  Our children can no longer afford to buy a home,and taxes have got out of control.  Its time for a new leader for Canada, a man who believes in Common Sense, axing the tax, and stopping the crime.  I want to be that candidate who stands beside him in the next election.

To all the young people who might read my story, know this:   Canada is a place where your past enriches your future, where your dreams are not just possible but embraced. Canada is a country where diversity fuels innovation and where every every individual is respected, regardless of where they come from.

There has never been a female woman of South Asian descent that has ever run for the Conservative party in Windsor West.  I feel I have all the requirements that a strong leader needs to win a seat for the Conservatives in Windsor West

To my fellow Canadians, thank you for the warmth and welcome you have shown me. It is because of your open hearts and minds that immigrants like myself not only find a place to call home but also a platform to grow, contribute, and thrive.

My name is Rafat, and I stand before you not only as an immigrant who found a new home in this beautiful country but also as a hopeful candidate for the Conservative party here in Windsor West.

Today, I share with you not just my vision, but my profound gratitude for the opportunities Canada has afforded me—a chance to live, work, and contribute to a society that champions diversity and inclusivity.

When I first stepped onto Canadian soil, I was only a small child, but my late mother carried both of our dreams that were nurtured by the promise of freedom, respect, and equality. These dreams were not just for a better life for myself but for a community where everyone, regardless of where they come from, can thrive. My journey from an immigrant to a Conservative applicant and hopefully a candidate in this election is a testament to the inclusive spirit of Canada—a spirit I am committed to upholding and strengthening.

Our country was built on the pillars of tolerance and unity and has made great strides, but the journey is far from over. We face new challenges that require fresh perspectives and innovative solutions—perspectives that I have developed through my unique experiences and the personal challenges I have overcome. As your representative, I pledge to bring these insights to the forefront of our political discourse, ensuring that our policies reflect the diverse needs of all Canadians.

I stand here, ready to advocate for policies that foster economic growth and social cohesion. My commitment is to work tirelessly to ensure that our education, healthcare, and immigration systems meet the high standards that we, as Canadians, not only expect but deserve. We must continue to build bridges, (like the Gordie Howe Bridge which was started by the Conservatives) and break down the barriers between communities, making sure that every individual—no matter their background—feels valued and heard.

I hope when I become your Candidate,  that we can move forward together, embracing our diversity as our strength. It is time to enhance our collective resilience by supporting one another, celebrate our differences, and find common ground in our shared values and aspirations. With your trust and support, I will strive to represent the best of what Canada stands for:

A beacon of hope,
A mosaic of cultures,
and a leader in the global community.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. Together, let’s write the next chapter in our country’s remarkable story.

Windsor needs “Leadership for a Better Tomorrow.” 22 years is too long with an NDP MP