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Mayoral hopefuls face off in debate co-hosted by Toronto Star, United Way, TMU

Toronto mayoral candidates Josh Matlow, left to right, Olivia Chow, Mitzi Hunter, Brad Bradford, Mark Saunders and Ana Bailao take the stage at a mayoral debate in Scarborough, Ont. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

TORONTO — Six of the leading Toronto mayoral candidates took the stage for a debate before an audience at the downtown Toronto Metropolitan University campus Thursday night, as they looked to gather momentum with less than a month left in the byelection campaign.

Taking part in Wednesday’s debate were former NDP parliamentarian Olivia Chow, city councillor Josh Matlow, ex-police chief Mark Saunders, former deputy mayor Ana Bailão, councillor Brad Bradford and former Liberal provincial education minister Mitzie Hunter.

The event was co-hosted by TMU, the United Way and the Toronto Star, with the newspaper’s city columnist Edward Keenan acting as the moderator.

The first question of the night saw candidates identify affordability, housing and public safety as some of the most pressing issues of the campaign.

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The broadcast debate was considered a key chance for candidates to raise their profile heading into the final stretch of the 12-week race.

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Recent polls indicate Chow holds a commanding lead with support from about a third of decided voters. Matlow, Bailão and Saunders are all polling in the roughly 10 to 15 per cent range, while Hunter and Bradford are in the upper single digits.

Last week, candidates sparred over issues related to the arts, affordable housing and the economy in four debates held over 48 hours.

With several more high-profile debates scheduled before the election, the busy program is in contrast to last year’s election campaign, when incumbent John Tory took part in just two debates.

The byelection to replace Tory, who resigned in February after admitting to an affair with a staffer, is set for June 26.

Click to play video: 'What to expect for the Toronto Region Board of Trade Mayoral Debate'
What to expect for the Toronto Region Board of Trade Mayoral Debate

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