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Cynthia Lai

Chinese-Canadian politician (1954–2022) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Cynthia Lai[a] (October 19, 1954 – October 21, 2022) was a Canadian politician who represented Ward 23 Scarborough North on the Toronto City Council from 2018 to 2022.

Quick facts Toronto City Councillor for Ward 23 Scarborough North, Preceded by ...
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Background

Lai immigrated to Canada from British Hong Kong in 1972.[1] Her cousin is Tony Wong, is a former member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and municipal councillor.

Prior to entering politics, Lai worked as a realtor and was president of the Toronto Real Estate Board, the first Hong Kong-Canadian woman to hold that position.[2]

Political career

Lai was elected to the Toronto City Council in the 2018 municipal election to represent Ward 23 Scarborough North.[2] She served on the council until her death in 2022.

Personal life and death

Thumb
Lai's grave at York Cemetery

Lai was hospitalized on October 20 during the 2022 election campaign.[3] She died on October 21, 2022, two days after her 68th birthday and just three days before the municipal election.[4] She had been suffering from gallbladder cancer.[5]

She was interred at York Cemetery in Toronto. Flags at Toronto City Hall, Metro Hall and Toronto civic centres were flown at half-mast, and the Toronto Sign was dimmed in her honour.[5]

In 2025, the City of Toronto re-named Rosebank Park to Cynthia Lai Park in her honor.[6]

Electoral history

2018

Ward 23 Scarborough North

More information Candidate, Votes ...
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Notes

  1. /l/ LY; Chinese: 封賴桂霞; pinyin: Fēnglài Guìxiá

References

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