TVO host and top political journalist, Steve Paikin to moderate
Toronto, Canada, October 9, 2026 – TVO Today Live returns to Toronto for the second event of the 2026/27 season with a mayoral debate focused on affordability. The debate, held in partnership with University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, will be moderated by TVO Today Live host, Steve Paikin at 7pm ET on Thursday, October 15 at Rotman’s Desautels Hall.
Toronto’s leading candidates for Mayor will share their visions for Toronto’s future and take on the issues that matter most to residents, from affordability and housing to the city’s long-term economic health.
The registration for this event is already sold out but the debate will be broadcast live on TVO from at 7pm and will be available to stream on the TVO YouTube channel, website, and Smart TV app.
“At a time when many Torontonians are looking for answers about the future of their city, creating space for meaningful public conversation has never been more important,” says Vanessa Case, VP of Media at TVO. “Through TVO Today Live, we’re committed to bringing voters closer to the issues, the candidates, and the discussions that help people make informed decisions, engage in the democratic process, and encourage civic participation.”
This debate will be an opportunity for Toronto voters to hear directly from their candidates as they decide on who is best to lead their city.
Invited candidates*
- Brad Bradford
- Olivia Chow
*The candidates invited are consistently polling as the top two and each has crossed the 10% threshold in at least one reputable, publicly available poll.
The Future of Toronto: A Mayoral Debate at Rotman
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Doors: 5:45 to 6:45 pm
Live Event begins: 6:45 pm
Rotman School of Management, Desautels Hall (2nd floor)
105 St. George Street, Toronto
Media registration
Media wishing to attend the debate are asked to arrive no later than 6:30 pm and are required to confirm their attendance by October 14 by pre-registering at media@tvo.org.
Live broadcast will air from 7 – 8 pm ET on TVO and will be available to stream on the TVO YouTube channel, website, and Smart TV app. Visit the TVO Today Live series page to get the latest information and sign up for email updates.
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About TVO Today Live
TVO Today Live is part of a broader TVO Media Education Group initiative aimed at fostering civic engagement through informative discussions with community leaders and experts across Ontario and is in line with TVO’s mission to inspire learning that changes lives and enriches communities.
ABOUT TVO MEDIA EDUCATION GROUP
TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through our brands TVO Today, TVO Learn, TVO ILC and TVOkids, we’re investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. TVO is a registered charity funded in part by the Province of Ontario and supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. Visit TVO.me for more information.