“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Councilor Cynthia Lai, Ward 23, Scarborough North this afternoon. She was surrounded by her family in hospital,” the statement said. Lai, who immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in the 1970s, was first elected in 2018 and was running for re-election in Monday’s municipal election against three other candidates. “Councillor Lai [represented] one of the city’s most diverse multicultural wards,” the statement said. “She championed the causes of her constituents and provided services to residents that reflected the demographic makeup of the ward.” The statement did not include a cause of death and her family requested privacy. Lai was in hospital during the last council meeting in September, but a spokesperson from her office said the councilor was doing well when CBC Toronto asked about her health two weeks later. He worked in real estate before engaging in municipal politics. She was the first Chinese-Canadian president of the Toronto Real Estate Board and served on the Ontario Real Estate Board, according to her biography on the city’s website.
Lai served with “elegance and distinction,” Tory says
Her colleagues on the city council expressed their sadness at the news of her death. In a statement, Mayor John Tory said he was shocked by the news. “For the past four years, Cynthia has represented the people of Ward 23, Scarborough North with such elegance and distinction, Tory said. “She was such a friendly and warm presence at city hall and I know I speak for her colleagues on the city council when I say she will be sorely missed.” Coun. Josh Matlow, who represents Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s, also offered his condolences to her family. “Cynthia dedicated herself to her community and her service will always be remembered,” Matlow tweeted.
