Toronto mayoral hopefuls face off in debate over social, economic challenges facing city

Six of the leading Toronto mayoral candidates took the stage for a debate before an audience at the downtown Toronto Metropolitan University campus Wednesdaynight, 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 Bailo, 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.

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

Recent polls indicate Chow holds a commanding lead with support from about a third of decided voters. Matlow, Bailo 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.