Toronto mayoral candidates clash over transit and public safety

Toronto’s top mayoral candidates faced off Monday night in the first debate of the race, where transit and public safety dominated the discussion. Incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow, Coun. Brad Bradford and former MP Chris Alexander debated at Daily Bread Food Bank’s headquarters in Etobicoke, with more than 300 people in attendance. The candidates also traded views on housing, youth unemployment, affordability and homeless encampments. Chow defended her record on transit, saying her administration has focused on keeping fares affordable and expanding service. Bradford and Alexander argued that the TTC needs stronger security, better reliability and tougher action on fare evasion, while also criticizing Chow’s approach to public safety. The debate also turned tense when the candidates discussed crime, antisemitism and Chow’s decision not to attend a separate event hosted by the Jewish Lawyers of Canada. CBC is scheduled to host another mayoral debate on Oct. 8.