---
title: "Brad Bradford calls for stronger protection of free speech for newcomers to Toronto"
description: "Brad Bradford told Wesal TV that Toronto must protect the right of Afghan Canadians and other newcomers to speak out against foreign governments, while also pledging a property tax freeze and lower water bills."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/toronto-2026/news/brad-bradford-afghan-canadians-freedom-expression-october-24"
last_updated: "2026-10-25T23:47:21.354Z"
---

Brad Bradford told Wesal TV that Toronto must protect the right of Afghan Canadians and other newcomers to criticize foreign governments, including those they fled. Frequency News reported the interview on October 24, 2026.

"Freedom of speech enshrined in our constitution is something that we can never bend on," Bradford said. He said the city should protect residents' right to speak out against foreign governments while distinguishing free expression from hate speech.

Bradford also used the interview to lay out several of his affordability commitments, including a one-year property tax freeze for homes and businesses and a proposal to reduce annual water bills.

## Property tax freeze and water bills

Bradford pledged a one-year property tax freeze for homes and businesses. The City of Toronto's 2026 property tax increase was 2.2 per cent, combining a 0.7 per cent general increase and a 1.5 per cent City Building Fund levy. The City said that added about $91.53 to the annual property tax bill for an average home. The City Building Fund pays for transit, affordable housing and other major projects.

Bradford also proposed reducing annual water bills by $300 by establishing a publicly owned municipal water utility. The $300 figure is Bradford's own campaign claim.

## Bradford on traffic and opportunity for newcomers

A TomTom traffic report released in January 2026 found Toronto drivers lost an average of 100 hours to rush-hour traffic in 2025, ranking the city second in Canada for congestion, behind Vancouver. Bradford said long travel times make it harder for people to work, raise families and run businesses, and has made reducing gridlock a central part of his campaign.

On newcomers, Bradford said he sees shared values between Toronto and the Afghan Canadian community, including around entrepreneurship and family life. He said the city should provide education, job training and employment to help newcomers build secure futures. "We want to make sure that we're a city that is safe and tolerant for everybody," he said.

## How to vote on Monday

Voting in the 2026 Toronto municipal election is on Monday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your voting place at toronto.ca/vote.

You can see all mayoral candidates, including [Brad Bradford](/on/toronto-2026/candidates/brad-bradford), at [/on/toronto-2026/candidates#mayor](/on/toronto-2026/candidates#mayor).

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See the full [sitemap](/on/toronto-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.