Michael Thompson

 Michael Thompson
Photo:C. Ferguson/AfroCanadaViews

 Michael Thompson

By Francine Buchner

Councillor Michael Thompson spearheaded the Wexford Heights Business Improvement Area, the Taste of the Lawrence Avenue East Festival, launched the ‘Scarborough Rocks’ community image, the 2006 Toronto Transit Commission strategy for Scarborough, built new basketball courts at Goodland Park all in his Ward 37, Scarborough Centre area. .“In this position, you don’t own anything,” you can just initiate, said Thompson. As a councillor, that sits in the municipal government this is his job and he takes it very seriously. 

His office door is always open, he makes a point follow up on issues and ready for any debate in council. Thompson was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and came from a family of business people, he came to Canada at the age of 11, but credits his strong foundation that was nurtured in Jamaica to his life achievements. “The values, not simply immediate parents, but community, had a ‘Can Do’ attitude. 

There was nothing that you couldn’t do. I grew up in that environment,” said Thompson. So even though he was raised by a mother who was a nurse and sometimes worked three shifts, it was never an excuse to go astray. Thompson set goals for himself and found mentors.