Meet MPP Dr. Adil Shamji
Dr. Adil Shamji
MPP, Don Valley East
Dr. Adil Shamji is an emergency physician who has devoted his career to helping people. After graduating from Western University and medical school at the University of Toronto, he worked in Indigenous communities across Canada and joined the emergency department at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto’s east end. Dr. Shamji pursued a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Oxford and returned to Canada to converge medical practice with public policy. He was appointed the Medical Director for 11 homeless shelters in Toronto as part of the City’s pandemic response efforts. Besides clinical work, he is also a lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Shamji was at the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis, setting up primary care clinics that provided healthcare and addiction services to the city’s most vulnerable. Having experienced firsthand the pressures of the pandemic that revealed the inequalities within our healthcare system, Dr. Shamji has taken his advocacy to the Ontario Legislature as an elected Member of Provincial Parliament for Don Valley East.
He has served on the Standing Committee on Social Policy and is the Ontario Liberal Caucus critic for Health, Housing, and Northern Development & Indigenous Affairs. Dr. Shamji is committed to making government work in the best interests of everyone across Ontario,
and believes that ‘all policy is health policy’.
Team Shamji
Palwashah Ali
Executive Assistant
Palwashah is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Critical Studies in Equity & Solidarity at the University of Toronto. Her heart lies in grassroots activism and is passionate about quality public education, equitable access to healthcare, and re-thinking community outreach through an intersectional approach. An active politico, she is keen on increasing engagement and building safer, more inclusive spaces in our community.
When she’s not glued to her laptop, Palwashah can be found scouring the city for good matcha, discovering new running routes, and attempting to get through her never-ending ‘to be read’ list.
Hamish Gilleland
Constituency Assistant
Hamish Gilleland is a student at the University of Toronto studying Economics, European Affairs, and French Language. He has lived in the riding his whole life and greatly appreciates it for the sense of community, beautiful trails, and vibrant business areas. Hamish first started in the Office of MPP Shamji as an intern and has worked as a Constituency Assistant since June of 2024. He appreciates the opportunity to serve and work in the community. He assists MPP Shamji with constituent casework, the MPP’s Youth Council, MPP’s office canvasses, and community engagement. He looks forward to the opportunity to meet more community members throughout his time in the office.
Andrés Pazos
Constituency Assistant
Andrés is a Government Relations graduate who brings a global outlook to local service in Don Valley East. Originally from Peru, he earned a degree in International Relations with specializations in International Cooperation and International Business before moving to Toronto. In MPP Shamji’s office, Andrés supports constituent casework, community outreach, and partnerships with the many cultural, newcomer, and neighbourhood organizations that make our riding vibrant. He is fluent in four languages and passionate about cross-cultural exchange and civic engagement, Andrés is committed to helping residents navigate services and build a stronger, more connected community. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring Toronto, attending cultural festivals, and discovering new local restaurants and walking trails.
Rukaiya Diwan
Constituency Assistant
Rukaiya holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Queen’s University. Her interest in politics began through her study of Indigenous affairs and colonialism in Canada, and that curiosity has evolved into a determination to tackle inequality and injustice. She’s particularly focused on housing and homelessness, poverty alleviation, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Having called many corners of the city home, Rukaiya brings a diverse perspective to her constituency work. She enjoys connecting with residents, supporting community initiatives, and helping people navigate the challenges they face with empathy and compassion. Outside of work, you’ll find her cooking a delicious meal, going on a meditative run, or catching up with friends over a hazelnut latte!
Petunia Wigglebottom
Petunia Wigglebottom is Adil’s 3 year old golden retriever/cocker spaniel mix. She is a happy, people-loving, and incredibly friendly dog who endears herself to every person she meets. Just like Adil, she loves swimming, long walks and is perpetually hungry.