About Nathalie Xian Yi Yan | Hamilton Mayor 2026

Who I Am

I am Nathalie Xian Yi Yan, and I am running for Mayor of Hamilton in the 2026 municipal election.

My background has taken me through science, medicine, professional regulation, education, governance, legislation and public affairs.

Those experiences have shaped the way I approach problems: look carefully at the information, ask questions, listen to different perspectives and keep working toward a practical solution.

Why Hamilton

Hamilton is the community where I have built my life and where I believe public service can make a meaningful difference.

I have spent many years following public affairs, attending meetings and hearings, speaking with residents and paying attention to the decisions that shape our city.

That experience is part of why I decided to seek the responsibility of serving as Mayor.

1987 — Bachelor of Science, Biochemical Pharmaceutics

In 1987, I graduated in Biochemical Pharmaceutics in Nanjing, China. My education gave me a strong foundation in pharmaceutical science and laboratory work, but my professional experience quickly taught me that working in manufacturing requires much more than scientific knowledge alone.

I worked in manufacturing and gained hands-on experience with production, quality control and laboratory operations. I learned to pay attention to details, follow processes carefully and understand how decisions in one part of an organization can affect the work of many others.

As my experience grew, my responsibilities expanded beyond the laboratory. I became familiar with different areas of the organization, including production, quality control, management and sales. This gave me an understanding of how scientific knowledge, manufacturing, people and business operations have to work together.

Those early years became an important foundation for the responsibilities I took on later in my career. They taught me to work, learn, take responsibility and solve problems from the ground up.

Nathalie's pharmaceutical biochemistry graduation document, 1987

What I Bring to Public Life

My experience has developed qualities that I believe are important in municipal leadership.

Accountability

A commitment to asking questions, examining information and expecting clear answers.

Problem-Solving

A practical approach to difficult issues and a willingness to examine evidence before making decisions.

Resiliency

Persistence and determination when problems are complex or difficult to resolve.

Open-Mindedness

Listening to different perspectives and considering information before reaching conclusions.

Attention to Detail

Careful review of documents, policies and practical consequences.

Negotiation

Experience involving communication, negotiation and working toward practical solutions.

Public & Community Service

My involvement in public affairs has developed over many years through participation, observation and service.

2013–2015

Council member and Chair of the Patient Relations Committee of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

2006–2013

Observed Transitional Council meetings and followed public decision-making processes.

2013–Present

Participant and observer of Council meetings and municipal public affairs.

2015–Present

Observed hearings and prepared reviews relating to public and community matters.

2002–2006

Involvement in legislative development surrounding the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act.

Education

2016 — Governance Ryerson University

2017–2019 — Paralegal Mohawk College

2002–2010 — Addiction McMaster University

2014 — Discipline Administrative Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

2010–2013 — Doctor Degree Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (辽宁中医药大学)

1992–1996 — Post-Graduate World Economy and Finance, East China Normal University (华东师范大学)

1983–1987 — Bachelor of Science Biochemical Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University (中国药科大学)

Why I Am Running

I am running because I love Hamilton and believe the City needs stronger accountability, financial discipline and a renewed focus on residents.

My goal is to help make Hamilton a better-run city: financially responsible, transparent, safe and focused on the services residents actually need.

My Approach

I believe municipal government should focus on practical decisions rather than political slogans.

Residents deserve clear information about decisions that affect their homes, businesses, communities and taxes.

Listen carefully. Examine the evidence. Ask difficult questions. Then act responsibly.

About Nathalie