Top Toronto mayoral candidates face off in final campaign stretch

Leading candidates in Toronto's mayoral byelection attemptedto establish themselves as the candidate who can defeat Olivia Chow, who has maintained a large lead in the polls as the race to lead Canada's most populous city enters its final stretch.

Candidates from across the political spectrum tookshots at the former NDP parliamentarian in adebate hosted by news channel CP24.

Much of the heat camefrom ex-police chief Mark Saunders, who repeatedclaims that Chow will hike property taxes by 25 per cent. City councillor Brad Bradford is estimating Chow's hike to be slightly lower at 20 per cent.

Chow defended herself by positioning herself as a champion of the city's renters, saying she'll protect residents who don't own homes or are facing renovictions.

Former Liberal provincial education minister Mitzie Hunter, who released a fully costed platform earlier in the campaign trail, also accused Chow of not being transparent about her housing plans and what they will cost Torontonians.

Furey said he would clear park encampments and vowed to "put families and children first," claiming the encampments are "causing lawlessness and disorder."

Chow said moving people living in parks just shuffles them to other services like subways or libraries, and promised 24/7 respite centres and wrap-around housing supports.

Furey also promised to phase out safe-injection sites and replace them with treatment centres. Meanwhile, Chow said she would lead with a housing-first strategy, citing conversations with doctors who say drug users need mental health support, housing and other supports or they're likely to relapse.

The byelection to replace John Tory, who resigned in February after admitting to an affair with a staffer, is set for June 26.