Toronto debate on antisemitism takes place with mayors absence

A debate on antisemitism and community safety took place in Toronto, hosted by the Jewish Lawyers of Canada, with mayoral candidates Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander in attendance. Mayor Olivia Chow was absent, with her campaign stating she would not participate in debates before her official re-election launch on September 9. Moderator Jesse Brown noted organizers were informed of Chow's absence only last week, after weeks of unanswered inquiries.

• Bradford criticized Chow's absence as a "dereliction of duty" and pledged to sit on the Toronto Police Service Board, unlike the incumbent. He emphasized that "If the city is not safe, then the city is not free," highlighting incidents affecting Jewish schools and businesses.
• Alexander, a former federal cabinet minister, stressed his experience in counter-terrorism and international security, arguing that municipal leaders must recognize the intersection of global and local threats. He stated, "This is existential for me. Tackling this issue, being part of a Toronto that heals itself, that puts itself back on the right track."
• City Councillor Mike Colle also addressed the audience, emphasizing that this election is about more than typical civic issues, calling it "a seminal time in Toronto's history when the future of this city and the direction of this city will be decided."