Meet Logan Kanapathi

Logan Kanapathi was elected as the new MPP of the Markham – Thornhill riding in 2018, winning over 50 per cent of the popular vote.

He grew up in Sri Lanka during the violent civil war. During his university time, he was a student leader and outspoken critic of the government’s atrocities and oppression against the minority community, becoming a respected voice for the rights of the Tamil people and the many atrocities that were being committed against them. His voice and activism soon endangered him and his family, and he fled Sri Lanka as a refugee in 1983 for fear of persecution.

A passionate believer in human rights and equality, his activism continued in Canada, and many people encouraged him to enter politics and bring a voice for the voiceless.

In 2006 he entered the Markham municipal election and won a ward councillor seat. He easily regained his ward with a huge mandate in the subsequent municipal elections in 2010 and 2014.

As a Markham Councillor for twelve years he was known for his deep-seated caring and commitment to good social policy for seniors, youth, and families, creating green spaces, and the value of diversity in the community. As budget Chair for the City of Markham he was a proponent for bringing the lowest property tax to Markham during 2009 and 2011.

As MPP, he is committed to serving Markham-Thornhill and its wonderfully diverse community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he collected PPE and food donations for residents in need. A life-long public servant, he continues to serve the community.