Brad Bradford questions Chow's tax record as Ford's support hints at shifting ground
The mayoral challenger says he can't reconcile Ford's provincial funding with Toronto's largest-ever tax increase. The election is October 26.
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Brad Bradford is using Doug Ford's apparent support for Olivia Chow against her, questioning how the mayor can claim credit for provincial investment while raising taxes at record levels.
Ford said Wednesday at a news conference: "We're going to continue supporting the mayor. She's doing an incredible job." When reporters pressed for clarity, he added: "Read between the lines." The premier stopped short of explicitly endorsing Chow in the mayoral race.
Bradford's campaign argues Ford's support actually reflects Chow's willingness to compromise with the province on issues she previously opposed. They cited Ontario Place, the Gardiner Expressway, Billy Bishop Airport, bike lanes, and strong mayor powers as examples of Chow's compromises.
But Bradford said the math doesn't add up. "What I can't reconcile with is how we still have had the largest tax increase in Toronto's history," he said Thursday at a campaign announcement. He questioned why the city continued raising taxes despite provincial funding and criticized Chow's administration for not doing enough to find savings.
At a youth safety announcement Thursday, Chow positioned herself as a skilled negotiator. "I am an experienced negotiator. I've been a member of parliament. I've been a city councillor," she said. "I sat across the table with both the prime minister and the premier."
Chow pointed to more than $15 billion in investment from both levels of government in Toronto during her first three years as mayor. She said she fought the province on Billy Bishop Airport expansion, waterfront protections, local parks, and local democracy.
Bradford said Thursday he intends to work with Ford if elected. "The premier says a lot of things, and I'm looking forward to working with this premier and, of course, the prime minister, and everybody who wants to see Toronto succeed," he said. He also agreed with Ford's comments about provincial funding for Toronto.
The mayoral election is set for October 26. As HOC reported in June and July, Chow's lead has tightened against Bradford over the summer months.
Has Chow's administration documented what cost-cutting measures were explored before raising taxes?
What specifically did Ford mean by 'read between the lines,' and what is the nature of the government's behind-the-scenes relationship with City Hall?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When is the Toronto mayoral election?
The Toronto mayoral election is October 26, 2026.
What did Doug Ford say about Olivia Chow on Wednesday?
At a news conference on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Doug Ford said, 'We're going to continue supporting the mayor. She's doing an incredible job.' When pressed for clarity, he added, 'Read between the lines,' but stopped short of explicitly endorsing Chow in the mayoral race.
What is Brad Bradford's main criticism of Chow's administration?
Bradford said Toronto has had the largest tax increase in its history under Chow's administration and questioned why the city continued raising taxes despite provincial funding, criticizing the administration for not doing enough to find savings.
How much has Toronto received in government investment during Chow's first three years as mayor?
Chow said more than $15 billion in investment from both the federal and provincial governments has come to Toronto during her first three years as mayor.
