Parthi Kandavel

Parthi Kandavel is a Canadian teacher and politician who represents Ward 20 Scarborough Southwest on Toronto City Council. He was elected during a by-election on November 30, 2023.

Parthi Kandavel
Toronto City Councillor for Ward 20 Scarborough Southwest
Incumbent
Assumed office November 30, 2023
Preceded by	Gary Crawford
Other roles
2014–2022	TDSB Trustee
Personal details
Political party	Independent
Spouse	Anu Sriskandarajah
Occupation	Politician teacher
Website	parthikandavel.ca

Background

Prior to entering politics, Kandavel worked as a grade 6 school teacher in the Sathya Sai School of Toronto - Canada.^[1]

Political career

Kandavel served as a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) trustee for two terms from 2014 to 2022. He ran in the 2022 municipal election, finishing second place to Gary Crawford.^[2] Kandavel was elected to the seat in a 2023 by-election triggered by the resignation of Crawford.^[3]

Described as a "progressive",^[1] Kandavel ran on a platform of increasing daycare spaces, building road safety infrastructure and reducing inequality. He defines his political ideology as "sensible solutions that address inequity".^[1] Following his election, Kandavel met with Mayor Olivia Chow, who highlighted their shared commitment to affordable housing and child care.^[1]