Josh Matlow

A 13 year-old boy was assaulted in front of his family as they were leaving the Toronto Islamic Centre after prayers. As a dad of a daughter the same age, that angers me to the core. Another member of the congregation was reportedly punched as they were walking home. This is the same mosque that was targeted with racist and Islamophobic remarks and violent threats earlier this year. Our city’s Muslim community, along with the Jewish community and all communities, must always be able to practice their faith, be who they are and come together, peacefully and safely. I’m committed to continue working to build bridges and understanding. I have also been calling for all laws to be fully and effectively enforced to protect our communities from harassment, intimidation, hate, and violence. Let’s support the Toronto Islamic Centre’s congregation and let them know we stand with them. Ramadan Mubarak.

The Doug Ford government’s repeated meddling, bigfooting and disrespect of the City of Toronto, along with many other municipalities across the province, clearly shows the need for effective solutions that empower local democracy. I want an Ontario where tax dollars are actually spent on priorities like improving education and healthcare, municipal governments are treated as partners and ultimately the focus is on you- not the Premier’s friends. Some of Ford’s recent actions include:   -Threatening to take over the City of Toronto’s stake in the Island Airport and refusing to allow local consultation on its future -Proposing to infill Lake Ontario to create an expensive new convention centre -Announcing a multi-billion dollar tunnel under the 401 -Destroying Ontario Place and replacing it with a private foreign-owned spa -Closing the Science Centre under false pretenses and spending an extra billion dollars on a smaller one at Ontario Place -Weakening tenant protections, making it easier for Landlords to evict renters - Moving on taking control of Exhibition Place   That's why I am renewing my call for Toronto to become a Charter City, with clearly and legally defined control over our own land, finances, governance, and elections. Regardless of whether a resident agrees or disagrees with any one decision City Hall makes, we all elect our local representatives to have the powers and abilities to make local decisions- and then be accountable for them.
 Please sign the petition and stand up for Toronto: joshmatlow.ca/charter_city

City councillor Josh Matlow wants Toronto to join the Supreme Court battle against Premier Doug Ford’s plans for Ontario Place torontolife.com/real-estate/on…

Toronto City Councillor Josh Matlow is urging the city to support an ongoing court case that is challenging the constitutionality of provincial Ontario Place development plans. nowtoronto.com/news/toronto-c…

Now celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the Toronto Irish community’s unofficial new HQ, the Harp! It’s finally open! Congrats to Shaun, Gaven and the team. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️

It was such a heartfelt pleasure to join Rabbis, Imams and Ministers for an Iftar this evening at Holy Blossom Temple. Muslims, Christians and Jews breaking bread together, standing together, in support of a safe and supportive city for every community. We need more of this.

A group of Torontonians are taking a stand for Ontario Place- and pushing back against Doug Ford’s attacks on our democracy. Their case is now before the Supreme Court and city hall should have their backs. I'm asking that the City apply for intervenor status in the Ontario Place Protectors appeal - not just to save Ontario Place, but to protect every public asset in this province and our rights as citizens.

Wait a moment. So Doug Ford’s move to exempt himself from accountability through Freedom of Information Requests was never really about the Chinese Communist Party? Ontario, your own premier has been lying to you. Again. It’s time for him to go.

Doug Ford is now falsely suggesting that he needs to exempt his government, office and cell phone from Freedom of Information requests by journalists because, in his words, “We’ve got to protect ourselves against the Communist Chinese that are infiltrating our country”. What a load of crap. Democracy typically doesn’t turn into autocracy overnight. It just declines, as the daylight of transparency and accountability is blocked out, and we’re left with nothing but darkness. We can’t let Ford get away with this.

These hateful antisemitic signs being displayed at Bathurst and Sheppard are reminiscent of 1930s Nazi Germany. No matter the cause, you’re not allowed to harass people where they live or target them with hate. Our Jewish community, like everyone, should be able to rely on their governments and police to keep them safe and never allow this kind of criminal behavior to be normalized. Laws that protect our communities from harassment, intimidation violence, and hate must be effectively enforced.

Ramadan Mubarak! I joined my friends in our city’s Somali community for an Iftar in Rexdale in support of “Smile for Sache”- a nonprofit led by Ala’a Adib who lost her brother to gun violence. They create opportunities for youth & community to overcome challenges. I love this.

Todd McCarthy was worthy of leading today’s Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade as Grand Marshal. We may not share political partisanship, or agree on every issue, but it was clear to me that Todd has a kind heart and wore his top hat with Irish pride today. Sláinte, Todd.☘️

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This year, like every year, I enjoy celebrating with so many of my friends in our city’s Irish community and marching in the remarkable St. Patrick’s Day parade.

I was delighted to partner with the inspiring Jr. Hoopqueens in Downsview today to empower girls and young women through sport, leadership, arts and community building. We had so much fun! I may have even met some future Toronto Tempo players. 🏀