Sookraj has strong showing in Mississauga byelection

Despite 26 candidates vying for the post of Ward 4 councillor in Mississauga in the byelection, the race was close between two candidates, John Kovac, who was declared the winner with 1,565 votes and Antoni Kantor with 1,467.

Hardat Prasad Sookraj, a long time resident of Mississauga and a former businessman and community event volunteer who is of West Indian origin, gained more votes than 14 of the other candidates in the April 27 election.

Voter turnout was poor – no surprise for byelections – with 8,995 ballots cast out of a possible 42,786.

Crystal Greer, city clerk and director legislative services, declared that Kovac will serve residents of Ward 4, bounded by Eglinton Ave. from Mavis Rd. to Cawthra Rd., Cawthra Rd. south to Dundas St., Hurontario from the GO line to Burnhamthorpe, Burnhamthorpe Rd. west to Mavis Rd. and Mavis Rd. from Burnhamthorpe to Eglinton Ave.

The seat became vacant as a result of the appointment of Frank Dale as Peel Regional Chair on Dec, 4, 2014.