Before the Ballot with Olivia “Moy” Fung, Councillor Candidate for Hamilton City Council – Ward 10

Enjoy this instalment of Before the Ballot with Olivia “Moy” Fung, Councillor Candidate for Hamilton City Council – Ward 10.

What motivated you to run for City Council in this election?

For nearly two decades, I have served individuals, families, business owners, organizations, and communities through community-based programs, social enterprise, and nonprofit work.

My decision to run for City Council comes from a genuine desire to serve the community where I live and to use the experience and skills I have developed to make a meaningful contribution.

I am a people-centred leader, so my work always begins with listening to people and understanding what is affecting their everyday lives. Local government gives me the opportunity to remain close to residents, carry their concerns to City Hall, and work toward practical solutions.

Advocating for people, bringing people together, and addressing barriers that affect their quality of life have been at the centre of my work for many years. Running for Council is a natural extension of that commitment.

What are your top 3 priorities if elected?

I am still listening to residents and learning more about the issues affecting Ward 10. I do not want to act as though I already have all the answers or decide what the community’s top priorities are without hearing from the people who live here.

However, three areas are beginning to stand out.

Responsible growth and infrastructure. New development must be supported by roads, drainage, transit, parks, public services, and meaningful consultation with residents.

Roads, traffic, and safe movement. Residents should be able to move through Ward 10 safely and efficiently, whether they are driving, walking, cycling, or using public transit.

Safe and well-maintained neighbourhoods. That includes timely bylaw enforcement, fire prevention, good lighting, accessible public spaces, and clean, well-maintained parks and neighbourhood areas.

These priorities are informed by early conversations with residents and my ongoing research. They will continue to be shaped by the people who live, work, and raise their families in Stoney Creek, Fruitland, and Winona.

Can you describe a time when you had to make a tough decision and how you handled it?

A few years ago, I made the difficult decision to pause a transitional housing program I had created for young people experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, housing instability, and the transition out of the child welfare system.

The home had become a safe and supportive community for the residents, so the decision was heartbreaking. However, without stable government funding, I had reached the limit of what I could responsibly sustain through my own resources.

I had to be honest that continuing without adequate funding, staffing, and supports could eventually compromise the quality and safety of the program. I chose to pause it rather than make promises I could no longer responsibly keep.

Throughout the transition, I worked with the residents to identify referrals, alternative housing, and other available supports so they were not left to navigate the change alone.

That experience taught me that leadership is not only about starting important work. It is also about making difficult decisions with care, planning responsibly, and taking responsibility for the people affected.

What distinguishes you from other candidates in your ward?

What distinguishes me is the combination of practical leadership experience and a genuine commitment to people.

I have spent years building organizations, developing partnerships, leading teams, creating programs, and helping move ideas into action. That experience has taught me how to bring people together, follow through, and stay focused on the people affected by the decisions being made.

Beyond my experience, I care deeply about whether people feel heard, respected, and included. My approach is to listen first, involve residents early, and keep them informed throughout the process

I want to be a councillor who is present, accessible, and connected to the everyday realities of Ward 10. My goal is to keep people at the centre of the work and to advocate for infrastructure, services, and neighbourhood planning that allow residents to live and age with safety, dignity, and a strong quality of life.

That is the different approach I hope to bring to City Hall.

How can residents reach you or get involved in your campaign?

Residents can reach me at oliviafungward10@gmail.com or through my website at oliviafung.ca.

I will also be out in the community throughout the summer and fall, meeting residents, attending local events, and continuing to listen.

I welcome conversations, ideas, and anyone who would like to volunteer or get involved. This campaign is about the people of Ward 10, and I want residents to feel part of the process.

Thank you for the opportunity to share more about why I am running and the kind of service I hope to bring to the community.

Thank-you Olivia for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!