Bio

Ana Bailão was elected City Councillor for Ward 18 on October 25, 2010. Ana is proud to be a woman rooted in the rich cultural diversity of the Davenport area. Her commitment to New Canadians and community initiatives is a product of humble beginnings and the strong work ethic and support that she received during her early days in Canada.

Growing up in Ward 18, Ana attended West Toronto Collegiate before becoming a student at the University of Toronto. While at university she quickly became involved in working to improve the campus experience for students. This interest in politics continued post-secondary, in the role of a special assistant to a City Councillor, where she learned the value of working collaboratively with the community to get things done. Among her proudest achievements are the roles she played in the founding of many local groups, including, DIG IN (Dupont Improvement Group), Friends of Dovercourt Park, and pressing for more business attractions and community improvements with local Business Improvement Areas (BIA).

Ana’s unique personal and volunteer experience demonstrates a strong understanding of how community networks make a difference in people’s lives. In 2005, Ana became the President of the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals, where she championed issues of importance to New Canadians, like immigration and education. In 2007, she accepted the position of President for the Working Women Community Centre, where she helped immigrant and refugee women and their families integrate into their new communities. Before becoming Councillor, Ana also served as a board member of the Justice of the Peace Appointment Advisory Committee, the Luso Canadian Charitable Society and the environmental organization “GreenHere.”

While working with many local community organizations, Ana Bailão also achieved success in the private sector including Finance and Healthcare IT. At the Bank of Montreal, Ana was a part of the transition team after the purchase of Bcpbank Canada, followed by a position to promote Multicultural outreach and improve relationships between business and community groups. Ms. Bailão’s professional career also includes international experience as Vice President of Marketing at GlobeStar Systems.

Communication is central to Ana’s strong dedication to represent Ward 18 residents. From weekly office hours to issue-focussed town halls, Ana uses a variety of methods to protect community interests, keep constituents informed and ensure that Davenport residents always have a voice at City Hall.

Ana has been a dynamic and energetic voice for women, low-income families and New Canadians and continues to live in Ward 18, the same community that welcomed her when she arrived in Canada at the age of 15.

Committees and agencies