About Craig Cassar
Youth & Family
I was born in Hamilton and lived in Stoney Creek for five years before living abroad for several years. As a young boy, I spent time in France, England, and the U.S. before my family settled in Burlington. During my youth, I was an active athlete, playing hockey, baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and handball.
In my teenage years, I swapped sports for music, and learned to play guitar. My highschool band recorded two albums and had significant success in the thriving Hamilton/Burlington music scene in the early 1990's.
My wife and I moved to Ancaster in 2002 and have raised three (now adult) children in this beautiful part of our city.
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Business Career
I graduated with honours from McMaster University’s Bachelor of Commerce program in 1998, which prepared me for a 24-year career in leadership at Maple Leaf Foods. I developed a broad range of executive skills, including strong financial acumen, the ability to create strong followership in a wide range of stakeholders, and the capacity to understand and manage competing, complex issues.
My business skills are complemented by a long-term and deep commitment to volunteer work with many community organizations, such as the Ancaster Community Food Drive, Hamilton Naturalists' Club, DontGetLost Adventure Running, Royal Botanical Gardens, and David Suzuki Foundation.
City Councillor
I made the transition into politics in 2022 when I was elected City Councillor for Ward 12 representing Ancaster & West Flamborough.
I have learned much during my first term in Council, and nothing more important than the fact that cities are complex organisms that require holistic thinking. I am passionate about city building and am continuously learning from experts and world-class cities who demonstrate that - with the right leadership - Hamilton can thrive! These past four years have presented many significant challenges, and I have practiced thoughtful deliberation to ensure that my votes at Council not only serve today’s residents, but put our City on a path to sustainable prosperity for our children and grandchildren.