A próxima eleição municipal de Toronto será um teste crítico à direção política da cidade. No centro da corrida à presidência da câmara está Olivia Chow, que procura permanecer no cargo e continuar a moldar o futuro da maior cidade do Canadá.
A eleição exigirá que os residentes de Toronto considerem várias questões importantes: Está a cidade a mover se na direção certa? Cumpriu a presidente da câmara as suas promessas? Consegue ela dar resposta à crise de acessibilidade financeira de Toronto, à escassez de habitação, às preocupações com a segurança pública e aos desafios dos transportes? E, talvez o mais importante, acreditam os eleitores que ela merece outro mandato?
Com o gabinete da presidência da câmara a atrair uma atenção significativa, a corrida poderá tornar se num dos confrontos municipais mais acompanhados do país.
Estará Olivia Chow na liderança?
Sim, com base nas sondagens disponíveis mais recentes, Olivia Chow está a liderar a corrida à presidência da câmara, mas a eleição está longe de estar decidida. O seu principal opositor é o vereador Brad Bradford, que tem feito campanha em torno de questões como a segurança pública, o congestionamento e o custo de vida. O antigo ministro do gabinete federal Chris Alexander também está na corrida, adicionando outro nome ao confronto. Uma sondagem da Liaison Strategies divulgada no final de agosto colocou Chow à frente de Bradford entre os eleitores decididos e inclinados. Outra sondagem da Polaris Polling revelou que Chow lidera sobre Bradford por 50 por cento contra 39 por cento quando os eleitores indecisos são excluídos. No entanto, as sondagens são apenas um retrato da opinião pública, não uma previsão do resultado.
Chow tornou se presidente da câmara em 2023 após vencer uma eleição intercalar na sequência da demissão de John Tory. Procura agora o seu primeiro mandato integral eleito como presidente da câmara. A sua campanha pode apontar para iniciativas que envolvem refeições escolares, tarifas da TTC, habitação, financiamento de transportes e serviços públicos. O seu desafio será convencer os eleitores de que estas conquistas fizeram uma diferença significativa nas suas vidas quotidianas.
Bradford, um vereador da cidade que representa Beaches-East York, apresenta se como uma alternativa a Chow. A sua campanha tem se focado no crime, no congestionamento e na acessibilidade financeira. A sua maior oportunidade reside em transformar a insatisfação com a atual administração em apoio para a sua própria liderança. Contudo, ele tem de convencer os eleitores de que oferece mais do que simplesmente uma mudança na Câmara Municipal.
Alexander, um antigo ministro do gabinete federal e embaixador, entrou na corrida à presidência da câmara mais tarde do que Chow e Bradford. A sua candidatura poderá afetar a corrida ao atrair eleitores que procuram uma alternativa a ambos os candidatos liderantes. A questão mais importante é saber se ele consegue construir reconhecimento e apoio suficientes antes do dia das eleições.
A eleição municipal de 2026 está agendada para segunda-feira, 26 de outubro de 2026. Os eleitores de Toronto elegerão um presidente da câmara, vereadores municipais e conselheiros escolares. A cidade também verá disputas nos seus 25 wards municipais. Mas há outro fator importante a considerar: a cidade de Toronto tem um grande grupo de eleitores indecisos e esses serão os decisores se o confronto se tornar mais apertado nas semanas que se seguem.
Um facto importante a ter em conta é que a meio da semana Doug Ford veio a público e basicamente apoiou Olivia Chow para o cargo de presidente da câmara e deu lhe a sua bênção. Durante a campanha eleitoral de 2023, Ford alertou que uma vitória de Chow seria um “desastre absoluto”. Desde que Chow se tornou presidente da câmara, no entanto, os dois desenvolveram uma relação de trabalho apesar de grandes divergências em questões como as ciclovias e a intervenção provincial nos assuntos de Toronto. Ford está agora a enfatizar o que aconteceu quando os dois governos trabalharam juntos em vez das suas diferenças ideológicas. Poderá querer fazer a pergunta de por que razão são Ford e Chow tão bons amigos com perspetivas políticas nos extremos opostos do espetro?
Uma resposta simples… dinheiro, dinheiro e dinheiro. Os comentários de Ford surgem num momento interessante. Não se limitam a elogiar Chow; reforçam o argumento de que Chow estabeleceu uma relação de trabalho com Queen’s Park. A ironia aqui é que há uma reviravolta política marcante entre a presidente da câmara e o primeiro-ministro provincial.
Leiam nas entrelinhas… para uma campanha à presidência da câmara, isto é o mais próximo de um apoio político do que dizer: “Votem em Olivia Chow.”
Vincent Black/MS
O conteúdo do website do Milénio Stadium é traduzido automaticamente pelo Google Translate.
I hope you find yourselves in good spirits and in good health.
September has already passed its halfway mark, much like the phases of the moon in decreasing order to give way to month X. Thus the wind carries us along.
This week, I write to you off topic, as I will leave elections to the experts.
I tried to understand the state of the world in the 21st century, and what that really means for us as a Society.
The state of the world in the 21st century is marked by geopolitical transitions, accelerated technological advances, and global systemic crises. Analyses of this period, such as those discussed by specialists in reflections on the same subject, highlight profound transformations in sovereignty, the economy, and society. Namely:
Geopolitics and Global Power
Rise of new powers: China has consolidated itself as a central player and the world’s second largest economy, redefining the rules of multilateralism and challenging the traditional hegemony of the United States.
Russia and conflicts: Russia has emerged as an active military power, while the international system faces growing tensions and geopolitical instability.
Democratic erosion: Several democracies around the world face pressure from populist movements and authoritarian tendencies.
Technology and Infrastructure
Digital revolution and AI: Dominance in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence has become the new pillar of national sovereignty.
Innovation: This century has witnessed the democratization of smartphones, advances in private space exploration, and scientific milestones like the detection of the Higgs boson.
Global Crises and Challenges
Public health: The COVID 19 pandemic severely marked global health in the first half of the 2020s.
Socioeconomic tensions: Financial crises (such as 2008) and disputes over strategic resources, like rare earth minerals, shape global economic competition, not to add the measures and tariffs imposed by the “Madman” U.S. President, D “C” T. , (I leave the C to your discretion and mental capacity to describe), measures as I was saying that will erect high barriers not only for us (Canada), but for everyone as a global society.
It is what it is and will always be worth what it’s worth.
An evening of theatre brought together different generations in a celebration of culture, memory and community. Over four days of work, culminating in a final performance, theatre brought together people of different ages, experiences and life journeys in an initiative marked by emotion, togetherness and sharing. Created by Maria João Gouveia and “Estúdio13,” “Volta” is a participatory project that brings professional and non-professional artists of different ages and backgrounds to the stage. The multidisciplinary performance draws on the stories, customs, life experiences and traditions of members of the community in Canada.
Among those who took to the stage was Jaime Nascimento, an actor in the production, who describes theatre as much more than an artistic activity: “It’s a way of life.” For Jaime, theatre is also a source of rejuvenation and a way to escape the worries of everyday life. “When we put on this uniform, we immediately forget everything that affects us,” he explained. The stage thus becomes a space where worries are left at the door, making room for friendship, companionship and the joy of creating together.
Although the group is made up of non-professionals, Jaime emphasized the commitment invested in the project. The performance was prepared in just four days, through a process carried out with enthusiasm and dedication. “I truly do it for the love of it,” he said, highlighting the commitment of all those involved.
One of the most striking aspects of “Volta” was the diversity of the group, which brought together people ranging in age from 19 to 94. For Jaime, the interaction between different generations and life experiences is one of the greatest strengths of the project. It also represented a return to a passion he believed had become distant from his life. “I thought I was already at the end of that chapter, disconnected from these things,” he confessed, expressing his happiness at once again doing what he loves: theatre.
With the support of Sara Costa (Leve Group), the initiative also involved the Casa do Alentejo of Toronto, presented as a space open to culture and the community. Sandra da Silva, who is responsible for the organization’s public relations, highlighted precisely that mission. “This house is an open door, an open window,” she said, referring to the role of Casa do Alentejo as a space for meeting, socializing and cultural creation. According to Sandra, the performance was the result of several elements coming together: people from Portugal, the work developed throughout the week, a workshop, and the participation of members of the organization and the wider community. For her, culture should occupy a central place in society, regardless of the form it takes. “It is theatre, music and affection,” she summarized, assuring that the organization is available to support different forms of cultural expression.
For Maria João Gouveia, the project’s creator, the days spent with the community were equally meaningful. Visibly emotional, she admitted that the experience had left her “a little speechless.” “They were very beautiful days,” she said, adding that the project will remain a significant part of both her professional and personal journey.
For Maria João, the closeness to the community was what made the experience even more special. The concept of “Volta” took on a particular meaning through the stories and life experiences of the participants. The artist highlighted the generosity and unity she found within the community. “There are no egos here,” she said, emphasizing the authenticity of the participants and their ability to work together.
In the end, the main message she takes away is the strength demonstrated by people in the face of life’s difficulties and changes. “There are people whose lives have taken many turns, full of strength, determination and obstacles, but who are able to transform those obstacles,” she said.
More than a theatrical performance, “Volta” became a meeting point between generations, experiences and memories. It was a stage where professionals and non-professionals came together, and where personal stories, customs and traditions took on a new dimension through art.
Between theatre, music, movement, companionship and affection, one certainty remained: culture can also be a way of returning to one’s roots, preserving memories and, at the same time, building new stories in the present.
RMA/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
The Lebovic Golf Club, in Aurora, hosted the third edition of the Magellan Community Charities Golf Tournament, organized by the Magellan Community Foundation. Sold out, the event brought together business owners, representatives of community organizations, supporters, guests, and participants, on a day when golf became a gathering point for solidarity and support for the future Magellan Centre.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and celebration. More than a sports competition, the tournament’s main objective was to raise funds and strengthen support for the construction of the Magellan Centre, a project designed to respond to the needs of Portuguese-speaking seniors through long term care and housing, as well as a space for meeting, culture, and community integration.
For Manuel DaCosta, President of Magellan Community Charities, this third edition represents another step in a journey that has lasted for over three years. “The Magellan Centre is not a project just for the Portuguese community; it is a project that aims to serve all of us and leave a legacy for the future,” highlighted DaCosta, emphasizing the significance of seeing companies, organizations, and individuals united around the initiative.
The leader recalled that fundraising continues to be essential to ensure the progress of the construction. The next major initiative will be the gala scheduled for November 7th, which is expected to bring the community together once again around the project “it is a large-scale project and unexpected situations always arise that require additional resources. Therefore, events like this tournament and the gala are fundamental to keeping the project financially healthy.”
Beyond the financial and operational challenges, DaCosta sees the Magellan Centre as a responsibility toward the older generations, who played a fundamental role in building the Portuguese community in Canada “our community will continue to age. We have an obligation to look after our seniors, because they are our history and they were the ones who opened many of the doors that allow us to be here today.”
The need to keep the community mobilized was also at the center of the speech by José Maria Eustáquio, President of ACAPO, who reinforced the importance of the involvement of the entire community in bringing the Magellan Centre to fruition. “Magellan is not just about a golf tournament or a gala. We need everyone’s support. It is important to have a space where our seniors can receive proper care, but also maintain our culture, so they feel truly at home.”
Behind the realization of the tournament is also the work of a team of volunteers and leaders. John Da Costa, a board member of Magellan Community Charities, was directly involved in the organization and did not hide his satisfaction upon seeing the event come to life. “I confess there is some relief, because getting to this point, with everything prepared and running as expected, naturally brings some concern. But I really enjoy being here and being part of this initiative. I deeply believe in the project. It is something our community has needed for a long time.” John Da Costa also highlighted the progress achieved and the expectation that the Magellan Centre can open its doors in November 2027, a goal that continues to mobilize everyone involved.
The spirit of support was equally present in the words of Paulo Pereira, business agent for Local 30 Sheet Metal and Roofers Union and tournament participant “we have to support the community and the seniors. This should have been done long ago and we will continue to support whenever we can.”
Kai Guest, a member of Local 30 Sheet Metal and Roofers Union, also wanted to join the message of solidarity, recognizing the work carried out by the organization “it is a pleasure to be here today supporting such an important cause and the excellent work developed by Magellan Community Charities.”
With the November gala on the horizon and the opening of the Magellan Centre expected for November 2027, the work continues. The third Golf Tournament demonstrated once again the community’s capacity to mobilize and the importance of creating moments that allow for fundraising, raising awareness of the project, and bringing people together.
Francisco Pegado/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) marked, in Toronto, 150 years of history and 15 years of presence in Canada. The celebration took place at the Consulate General of Portugal and brought together diplomatic representatives, leaders of the institution, clients, members of the Portuguese community, and other guests.
Among those present were the Ambassador of Portugal to Canada, Bernardo Lucena, the Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Ana Luísa Riquito, the head of the CGD Representative Office in Canada, Marisol Ribeiro, and Maria de Lurdes Sousa, director responsible for the Offices of the Representative Offices of Caixa Geral de Depósitos.
Founded in 1876, the largest Portuguese financial institution has accompanied the economic and social evolution of the country and, over the decades, reinforced its international presence. In Canada, Caixa has built a close relationship with clients and with a community that remains strongly connected to Portugal.
For the Ambassador of Portugal to Canada, Bernardo Lucena, the longevity of the institution is also a matter of trust “Caixa Geral is a reference institution, which deserves the trust of the Portuguese in Portugal and the Portuguese abroad.”
The diplomat also highlighted the international dimension of CGD and the work carried out by the team in Canada, considering it an important presence for the community and for Portuguese diplomatic representation.
Coming from Portugal to participate in the celebrations, Maria de Lurdes Sousa, general director of CGD’s Representative Offices, stressed her pride in celebrating this date with the Portuguese in Canada. The official argued that Caixa should remain close to the diaspora and support the economic connection to Portugal “we want to continue alongside the diaspora and our community, so that they continue to invest in Portugal.”
The 15 years in Canada are, for Marisol Ribeiro, head of the CGD Representative Office in the country, a source of pride, but also a commitment to the future “we may look like teenagers when talking about 15, but we have the maturity of 150.”
Caixa Geral de Depósitos’ presence in Canada goes beyond banking activities. The institution maintains a commitment to the community through support for social responsibility initiatives and projects developed in partnership with Portuguese institutions, namely in the areas of education and culture.
For Marisol Ribeiro, these initiatives are important to keep the connection to Portugal alive and to value the diversity of Portuguese culture. “This is also our culture and, at times, it is small actions that allow us to remain present alongside the community and those who walk with us.”
The relationship with the community is also reflected in the customer experience. Aldina Pereira, a CGD client for several years in Canada and in Portugal, leaves a simple message “I have been a Caixa customer for many years and have always been very well served. Congratulations and many years of success!”
Between 150 years of history and 15 years of presence in Canada, the celebration in Toronto was also an opportunity to look to the future.
A future marked by the continuity of the connection to the Portuguese, to businesses, and to the communities that, beyond borders, continue to keep their ties with Portugal alive.
Francisco Pegado/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
With the theme “Grandparents, Parents, and Grandchildren – everyone welcome!”, the Casa do Alentejo of Toronto marked Grandparents’ Day with an afternoon of socialization, culture, and sharing.
The initiative was promoted by the Ontario Migrant Women’s Association (AMMO), in partnership with the Casa do Alentejo of Toronto, the Reading Club, and the Novos Horizontes School, bringing together community members, community leaders, and the Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Ana Luísa Riquito.
For Manuela Marujo, from AMMO, celebrating the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is essential “we are all grandchildren first. It is very beautiful to see people united around something as important as the roots between grandparents and grandchildren,” she stated.
One of the highlight moments was the exhibition “Lenços e Laços de Amor”, dedicated to memory, affection, and Portuguese traditions. The initiative gained particular significance given the recognition of the Lenços de Namorados do Minho, which, since May 26, 2026, have been protected as a Geographical Indication throughout the European Union.
The Consul General highlighted the role of grandparents in connecting generations “our grandparents are our past and our future. They are a repository of wisdom, comfort, and affection,” she stated. Her final message was simple: “Long life to all grandparents.”
The program also included the traditional “Chá Gordo”, the presentation of the video “I Hear You in Four” by Sean Kim, music, and moments of fellowship. Several books dedicated to the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren were also available.
The Reading Club, represented by Ilda Januário and Carmen Carvalho, joined the initiative, underlining the importance of valuing a date that does not always receive the same attention as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. “anything regarding Portuguese culture that we can support, we do with great pleasure,” they highlighted.
The Novos Horizontes School also participated in the celebration. The director, Teresa Luís, explained that the students prepared cards and a short video for their grandparents “the children say there is nothing better in the world than grandparents: the food, the kisses, the hugs, and grandma’s lap,” she shared.
Among the participants was also Ana Carvalho, who shared her experience as a grandmother and great grandmother “I am already a great grandmother and it was very good to be here, in this gathering with all the grandparents and grandchildren. It was very pleasant.”
Between smiles, memories, and hugs, the afternoon ended with one certainty: celebrating grandparents is celebrating our roots, our history, and the bonds that, from generation to generation, continue to unite families and communities.
Francisco Pegado/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
The celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres in Brampton began last Friday, September 11th, with an Inaugural Gala Dinner that brought together members of the Portuguese community, guests, and representatives from various institutions.
Held at the headquarters of LiUNA Local 183 in Vaughan, the dinner marked the beginning of a weekend dedicated to faith, culture, and Azorean traditions, recalling two decades of history and devotion to Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres.
Throughout the evening, milestone moments of these 20 years were recalled and the importance of preserving religious and cultural traditions among the younger generations was highlighted.
For Guido Pacheco, president of the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres in Brampton, these 20 years also represent a personal journey. It was from this journey that the dream of bringing a replica of the Portas da Cidade of Ponta Delgada to Brampton was born. “Although the Gates represent Azoreans, they were built by all Portuguese people,” said Guido Pacheco.
On Saturday, September 12th, the dream became reality with the inauguration of the replica of the Portas da Cidade of Ponta Delgada, at Azores Park in Brampton. The monument aims to represent the connection between the Azores and Canada and to honor successive generations of Azoreans who made this country their home, while maintaining a strong connection to their roots.
The Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, highlighted the bonds between the Portuguese community, the Azores, and the city “these Gates represent our connection with Portugal, in particular with the Azores, and are a beautiful celebration of friendship and community in Brampton.”
The Ambassador of Portugal to Canada, Bernardo Lucena, also underlined the significance of the inauguration “it is a great celebration of Portuguese identity, especially the Azorean component of the Portuguese community in Canada.”
The inauguration also had a special significance as it took place in the year marking two decades since the arrival of the image of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres at the Parish of Our Lady of Fátima, reinforcing the religious, cultural, and identity dimensions of the festivities.
For José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, the celebrations represent a historic moment due to the inauguration of the monument and the continuity of Azorean traditions in Canada “we are living, with these celebrations, a historic moment.” The leader also used the occasion to thank Canada and Canadians, as well as its political and social institutions, for the welcome and for the relationship built over the decades.
The presence of the Portas da Cidade materializes the connection between both sides of the Atlantic and pays tribute to the generations of Azoreans who built their lives in Canada without failing to recognize their roots.
Between faith, memory, and culture, the weekend was marked by the celebration of two decades of the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres and by the inauguration of a monument that now comes to represent, in Brampton, the Azorean presence and heritage.
The Portas da Cidade stand as a permanent symbol of the connection between the Azores, Portugal, and Canada.
There are hundreds of thousands of Luso Canadians in Ontario, but when looking for those who, within this community, decide to take the step of running for local governance, the list is manifestly short. Even so, when we look at the lists of contenders in these 2026 municipal elections, we find several names of candidates, from Toronto to Cambridge, from Mississauga to Kitchener, from London to Brampton, from Oshawa etc., who carry surnames that we recognize as ours and who are already on the ground asking for the vote of their neighbors. Some are already familiar faces in these endeavors; others have accepted this challenge for the first time.
On these pages we gather the names of some of them. We tell you where they are running and what they propose to those who could elect them. It is a small sample, we know it, there are many others who, with courage, are in the fight of municipal politics, but we had to make a choice for obvious reasons. However, this group of people that we bring to you here shows that our presence in local politics, even if timid, exists and has been growing. In a way, getting to know these candidates is also recognizing the space that we, Portuguese descendants, still have to occupy in Canadian society.
Tony Chaves — Cambridge, Mayoral candidate
Milénio Stadium: As a Portuguese-Canadian running for the top job in Cambridge, what does your community background bring to how you’d lead the city?
Tony Chaves (DR)
Tony Chaves: My Portuguese-Canadian background has given me a strong appreciation for community, family, hard work, and helping one another. But after 11 years as President of the Portuguese Club, I’ve learned that community is much bigger than one culture.
Over those 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life. I’ve listened to their concerns, celebrated their traditions, and seen firsthand how much stronger Cambridge is when we come together.
That’s the kind of leadership I would bring to the Mayor’s office. I wouldn’t lead for one culture or one group of people. I would lead for all of Cambridge.
I want every resident to feel heard, respected, and included. My background has taught me that when you open your doors, listen to people, and bring communities together, you build a stronger city for everyone.
MS: How do you plan to engage Cambridge’s Portuguese community specifically if elected?
TC: After 11 years as President of the Portuguese Club, I already have strong connections within Cambridge’s Portuguese community. If elected, I would continue listening, attending community events, meeting with residents and organizations, and making sure their concerns are heard at City Hall.
But I want to be clear: I’m not just a mayor for the Portuguese community. I’m a mayor for all of Cambridge. My experience has taught me the importance of bringing different cultures and backgrounds together and making sure everyone has a voice.
MS: Cambridge is dealing with rapid growth and a housing affordability crunch. What’s the one concrete action you’d take in your first year to address it?
TC: My first concrete action would be to introduce a first-time homebuyer property-tax relief program, providing eligible first-time buyers with a 50% reduction in municipal property taxes for their first two years.
We need to make homeownership more attainable for Cambridge residents who are trying to put down roots in our city. At the same time, I would work with Council and staff to identify practical ways to increase affordable and attainable housing while making sure growth is properly planned and supported by the infrastructure our city needs.
MS: What sets you apart from the other candidates in this race, and why should voters trust you, rather than an incumbent or a more established name, to lead Cambridge?
TC: What sets me apart is simple: I’m not a career politician. I’m a regular person who has spent 60 years living in Cambridge, building a business, raising a family, and serving my community.
For 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of being President of the Portuguese Club, where I’ve worked with people from every culture and background. I’ve listened to thousands of people, heard their concerns, and learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about listening and doing something about what you hear.
I’m not running because I need a political title. I’m running because I believe Cambridge needs a leader who will put residents first, be transparent, hold people accountable, and make every dollar count.
I don’t answer to politicians. I answer to the people of Cambridge. They’re the bosses.
That’s what sets me apart — and if I earn your trust, I’ll work every day to prove you made the right choice.
Miguel Araujo — Oshawa, Ward 3
Milénio Stadium: What led you to run for Ward 3 in Oshawa/Durham?
Miguel Araujo (DR)
Miguel Araujo: I decided to run for councillor of Ward 3 in Oshawa/Durham because I am always following development news and what is happening in and around Oshawa and I feel that I would represent the residents Ward and fight for there best interests.
MS: What do you consider to be the most pressing issue in Ward 3 right now, and what would you propose to do in your first year in office to address it?
MA: I believe that the pressing issue in Ward 3 is that there are still many parks that are under utilized and to fix this issue I would propose in the upcoming budget for 2027 to redevelope these parks by adding splash pads, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and replacing playground equipment to more modern equipment, etc.
MS: There are seven people running for the same position, how do you intend to convince voters that your candidacy is the best to represent them and what sets you apart from the other candidates?
MA: I am running in a ward against 7 other candidates but I feel that what sets me apart from the others is that since I have lived in the ward for over 30+ years and I have seen and am aware of what issues that haven’t been fixed in the past so with that knowledge I would know what needs to be addressed as a priority and would be close with the residents of Ward 3 by being a phone call or email away.
MS: If elected, how do you plan to balance housing growth/urban development in Oshawa with current residents’ concerns about infrastructure and services?
MA: If elected I plan to balance housing growth/ urban development with current residents concerns of infrastructure and services by doing various studies of fire services, paramedic services, policing services, etc. to see which areas need new facilities to be added or expanded etc. and if the roads can handle more traffic in the areas before permits are approved for construction of new growth.
Marco Martins — Toronto, Ward 9 (Davenport)
First-time candidate
Marco Martins (DR)
Safety
Pushes for more visible and community-based policing, and for measurable response times
Spending
Wants to review City spending to eliminate unnecessary costs and reduce “red tape” for small businesses
Investment equity
Claims that Davenport receives half the capital investment per capita compared to other wards, and promises to fight for the ward’s “fair share” in services, parks, and funding
Transit
More safe and connected bike lanes, more service on overcrowded bus lines, practical solutions for congestion
Housing
Supports housing growth, but demands that infrastructure and transit keep pace with development
First 100 days plan
Publish response standards; open a “public action tracker” and Ward 9 construction calendar; meet with all BIAs, residents’ groups, police, and TTC service planning; hold three listening sessions (north, central, south); launch audits of parks, traffic trouble spots, and construction communication; publish a 100-day progress report
Lurdes Jordão — Kitchener, Ward 3
First-time candidate; resident of the ward for over 27 years.
Lurdes Jordão (DR)
Thoughtful growth and strong neighborhoods
Advocates for development that considers traffic, infrastructure, green spaces, affordability, and the character of existing neighborhoods
Safer streets and communities
Practical solutions for speeding, congestion, and pedestrian safety, in collaboration with the city and the Waterloo Regional Police
Responsible spending and affordable cost of living
Brings project management experience (over 30 years) to prioritize investments that do not overburden residents in the future
Representation with respect, transparency, and accessibility
Commitment to creating real opportunities for engagement between residents and city hall
Community track record
Over 20 years on the board of the Settler’s Grove Community Association, currently on her condominium board; supports Breakthrough T1D Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society
George Tavares — Mississauga, Ward 7
Ran for Mayor in 2022 and 2024.
George Tavares (DR)
Taxes
Scrutinize every line of the budget before approving increases; vote against increases without a clear benefit to residents
Demand transparent reporting on tax spending
Transit and roads
Road repairs and maintenance within deadlines
Traffic calming measures in residential areas
Hold City Hall accountable for meeting infrastructure deadlines
Housing and development
Demand that developers honor community benefit commitments
Ensure new population density is accompanied by corresponding infrastructure
Support genuinely affordable housing (not just in name)
Peel Police Funding
Formally contest, at Regional Council, the current 62%-38% funding split
Demand an independent review of the funding formula (population, service calls, real demand)
Independent Auditor General
Relaunch the proposal for an independent Auditor General for Mississauga
“Value for money” audits of major programs and projects, with public results and follow up on recommendations
Hazel McCallion LRT and transit
Demand a clear public timeline for construction completion and the start of passenger service
Practical traffic management during construction; protect pedestrian and business access in Cooksville
Improve LRT connections to GO Transit and MiWay
Public safety and enforcement
Visible policing near Cooksville Four Corners, GO station, parks, and transit stops
Strengthening safety rules for e-scooters
Evaluate programs by results, not by the amount spent
Martin Medeiros — Brampton, Wards 3 & 4
Incumbent
Martin Medeiros (DR)
Safe, clean, and well-maintained neighborhoods
Increased police presence in Wards 3 and 4
Proven traffic calming measures: speed cushions and all-way stop intersections
More municipal bylaw officers, proactive enforcement, and heavier fines for infractions
Affordability and responsible spending
Keep property taxes affordable
Eliminate unnecessary spending at Brampton City Hall and the Region of Peel
Ensure residents know their money is spent sensibly, responsibly, and efficiently
Neighborhood investment
Greater investment in parks, trails, and recreational facilities in Wards 3 and 4
Economic growth and employment
Attract new businesses and investment to Wards 3 and 4
Support local commerce and revitalize commercial areas
Transparency and accountability
Make Brampton City Hall more open, responsive, and accountable
Clear public information, greater oversight, and real opportunities for residents to be heard
David Ferreira — London, Ward 13
Incumbent
David Ferreira (DR)
Downtown evolution
Shape the next chapter of downtown as a neighborhood, civic gathering spot, cultural center, and economic engine that serves the entire city of London and strengthens the shared identity of the community
More housing options, stronger protections
Create and protect affordable housing through responsible development, better use of existing buildings, and practical decisions that respect both family budgets and public money
Safe streets, human dignity
Safer streets, stronger public spaces, and better support for people in crisis — so that everyone feels safe, respected, and treated with dignity
Neighborhood voice and community strength
Strengthen the voice of Ward 13 citizens in decisions that shape the streets, parks, buildings, services, and character of their neighborhoods
Real accountability and respectful government
Genuine transparency: clear public reports, effective accountability, trusted partnerships, and higher standards for how City Hall serves the public, works with communities, and honours the trust it was given
Paul Vicente — Brampton, Wards 1 & 5
Incumbent
Paul Vicente (DR)
Health first
Current focus: ensure the construction of the second hospital without delays, plan a third, and move forward with the cancer center and more long term care
Urban mobility
Work toward the construction of the LRT
Deliver a downtown transit hub
Partnership with Metrolinx for the Queen Street BRT
Bring two way GO train service every 15 minutes to downtown
Increase fines for repeat property standard, parking, and noise infractions
Libraries for everyone
Help advance three new branches: at the Howden Recreation Centre, at the Embleton Community Centre, and at the downtown Centre for Innovation
Smarter roads, less congestion
As Chair of the Public Works and Engineering committee, I helped launch the new Advanced Traffic Management System, which connects the city’s traffic lights to respond to real traffic in real time
Next step: expand with smart traffic lights and intersections
Há poucos dias, foi o suborno; se os americanos, (de direita), votassem nas próximas eleições intercalares e ele conseguisse manter a Câmara e o Senado, então cada adulto no país receberia um cheque de cinco mil dólares, num total de sensivelmente 40 biliões de dólares. Um suborno claro e calculado, que em qualquer outro lugar colocaria o dito político nos tribunais. Mas como ele não quer saber disso, dado que controla a administração de cobardes, oportunistas e lacaios, e aparentemente protegeu toda a gente, incluindo a si próprio e à sua família, de responsabilidades pelas suas ações, julgo que ele pode fazer quase tudo o que lhe apetece.
Hoje, ouvimos falar do negócio de armas de 2,8 mil milhões de dólares com o governo israelita, 40000 bombas, muitas das quais da variedade de uma tonelada. Desde que assumiu a Casa Branca, ele tem gasto muito dinheiro dos contribuintes a fornecer armas ao governo israelita. Em 2024, Biden retribuiu retendo um envio, citando preocupações sobre as capacidades de destruição maciça que estas bombas de 2000 libras possuíam. Assim que DT assumiu o controlo, uma das primeiras coisas que fez foi levantar a ordem de Biden. No ano passado, ele contornou a revisão parlamentar normal e aprovou um envio de mais de 35000 destas bombas. Em janeiro, ele aprovou outro contrato de mais de 6 mil milhões em armas. Como é que o governo israelita paga tudo isto? Com o dinheiro do povo americano, através do US Foreign Military Financing, um mealheiro criado no final dos anos 70, para garantir que os países amigos dos EUA tivessem o equipamento e a formação para fazer a sua vontade.
O Iraque de Saddam Hussein foi um desses beneficiários. De qualquer forma, a maneira como funciona é que Trump recebe o pedido, envia o dinheiro a Netanyahu, e este entrega rapidamente o dinheiro aos fabricantes de armas dos EUA, que depois o enviam o mais expedito possível. Eles nem sequer pagam para destruir os seus vizinhos. Boa oportunidade, contudo. Envia a mensagem de que DT sabe que está em sarilhos, embora continue a insultar todos os que questionam os seus movimentos e o seu caráter, e a mentir continuamente sobre o quão excelente tudo está a correr, e que presidente incrível ele é; o melhor de sempre, na verdade. Ele está a contar seriamente com o seu culto MAGA analfabeto, porque qualquer pessoa com algum cérebro, ou educação, não vai ajudar este gajo. Mesmo com todo o apoio sionista que ele tem, a treta dele é simplesmente demasiado óbvia e estúpida; não há mesmo outra forma de chamar a isto. Faz me perguntar como é que isto vai correr depois de ele ser corrido da Casa Branca. Quanto tempo levará para começar a normalizar o mundo que ele tenta continuamente quebrar, e como irá o próximo governo, deveria dizer os Democratas, que também têm ligações estreitas com os sionistas. Por falar nisso, e quanto ao Raggedy Andy, ou deveria dizer Ed Sheeran? Descartou todos os seus valores e os seus amigos para agradar a um grupo de bilionários sionistas? Mal posso esperar para ver a reação a isto. Não me parece que ele vá conseguir apoiar se na sua aparência infantil para obter simpatia, especialmente porque afirma que quer permanecer neutro.
A questão é que ele apoiou a Ucrânia, angariando fundos ao participar num concerto de solidariedade em 2022. Ele até escreveu uma carta aberta à Primeira Ministra Theresa May, contra a concretização do acordo do Brexit; ele até apoiou o líder do Partido Trabalhista, Jeremy Corbyn. Nunca gostei dele como artista, mas pelo que li, nem a Irlanda quer que ele continue a afirmar que é irlandês; aparentemente uma das avós dele era, ou é, irlandesa. Isso, meus amigos, é um valente chuto no traseiro típico dos anos 2020!
Be well,
Raul Freitas/MS
O conteúdo do website do Milénio Stadium é traduzido automaticamente pelo Google Translate.
For decades, those who left Portugal carried the country in a cardboard suitcase, wrapped in letters, worn photographs, and the promise or even oath to return in August. For the millions of Portuguese and Portuguese descendants spread across the world, many of them right here in Canada, where the winter ice has never managed to cool the warmth of our Portuguese identity, the umbilical cord has always fed on sacrifice, nostalgia, and hard work.
But the world has changed. Today, technology and Artificial Intelligence emerge not to distance us, but as the most powerful tool to humanize, bring closer, and empower our global community. The algorithm, incredible as it may seem, is learning to speak Portuguese with an accent of nostalgia. For the new wave of emigration, that highly qualified youth who today fill offices around the world, but who also continue to master construction sites, Artificial Intelligence is a bridge to economic sovereignty.
Portugal cannot continue to afford the luxury of “losing” this talent forever. The Government and institutions must wake up to this reality: through intelligent platforms, it is perfectly possible to cross-reference the profiles of the brains we have in the diaspora with brains and research projects on national soil. It is no longer necessary to pack bags back to help build the country’s future; it is enough to be connected in a network. Our greatest tragedy, however, remains the loss of identity in the second and third generations. How many times do we see, in our associations and clubs in Canada, grandchildren of Portuguese people who barely master the language, but who feel pride in the blood that runs through their veins? The answer to not losing them lies also in education through Artificial Intelligence. Virtually, it is possible today to teach the Portuguese Language, adapting to the interests of each young person, using history, gastronomy, or even learning more about the village from which their grandparents once departed. Culture ceases to be a boring curricular obligation and thus becomes an interactive, living, and emotional experience.
But technology must also serve those who need it most. For our older emigration, the one that built the foundations of this diaspora with blood, sweat, and tears, dealing with consulates at a distance, handling pensions, or updating tax addresses remains an absolute bureaucratic ordeal. It is urgent that the Portuguese public administration moves forward without fear: the introduction of virtual voice assistants, for example, would allow an elderly person in the diaspora to simply speak into their phone and get clear, simplified answers about their rights. Less paperwork, less waiting, more respect for those who gave so much to the country.
Protecting the Portuguese Language these days is not a whim, it is truly a matter of sovereignty. Artificial Intelligence will not replace Portuguese identity; it will expand it. By shortening thousands of kilometers through data with a human face, we prove that distance is no longer what it used to be.
The future of our diaspora is no longer written solely with tears of nostalgia, but with innovation, connection, and intelligence. It only remains for those who govern to know how to take advantage of it and not miss the train that is passing at high speed.
Vitor Silva/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
Emídio Sousa, Secretário de Estado das Comunidades Portuguesas, ladeado por Idalmiro da Rosa, Cônsul Honorário de Portugal em San Diego, e pelo empresário luso-americano Kenny Alameda, durante a exposição dedicada à história. (DR)
Earlier this September, Lisbon hosted the 104th annual meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), the organization responsible for the conservation and management of tuna and other species in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Headquartered in La Jolla, San Diego, California, United States of America, the IATTC brings together 21 members, including the European Union, through which Portugal participates in the management of Eastern Pacific fisheries.
Since October 2017, Portuguese researcher Alexandre Aires-da-Silva has served as the Head of Scientific Research at the IATTC and head of its Scientific Research Division. A specialist in fisheries science and sustainable management of marine resources, he has developed an international career linked to the study of large pelagic fish and scientific cooperation in the fisheries sector.
It was in this context that Alexandre Aires-da-Silva, together with Idalmiro da Rosa, a native of the island of Pico, community leader and Honorary Consul of Portugal in San Diego, and Kenny Alameda, a Portuguese-American businessman and founder of Clipper Oil, promoted a tribute to the Portuguese pioneers of tuna fishing, held at the Navy Museum in Belém.
The initiative was filled with particular historical significance. If Lisbon represents one of the great matrices of Portuguese maritime vocation, San Diego constitutes one of the most important destinations of Portuguese emigration linked to the sea, fishing, and the canning industry. For much of the 20th century, the city was known as the “tuna capital of the world”, with Portuguese fishermen, mostly from the Azores and Madeira, playing a relevant role in the development of its maritime economy.
The Portuguese presence in San Diego dates back to the 19th century, with successive migratory waves settling particularly in Point Loma, where the connection to the sea became one of the identifying marks of the community. Currently, it is estimated that around 20 thousand people of Portuguese descent reside in San Diego County. The memory of fishing, religious traditions, gastronomy, and community associations continue to affirm the Portuguese-American identity.
This story also intersects with João Rodrigues Cabrilho, a navigator in the service of the Spanish Crown who, in 1542, reached the coast of California and entered San Diego Bay, traditionally identified by Portuguese and Portuguese-American historiography as Portuguese.
The tribute, held next to the Jerónimos Monastery, had the support of the Portuguese Navy, the Navy Museum, Portuguese authorities, the European Union, the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), organizations linked to the fisheries sector, and families from the Portuguese community. The session featured interventions by the Director of the Navy Museum, Captain-of-Sea-and-War Augusto António Alves Salgado, and the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, Emídio Sousa, followed by a presentation by Kenny Alameda, titled Across Two Oceans, on the history of tuna fishing in the Eastern Pacific and the contribution of Portuguese fishermen and their families.
The initiative also included an exhibition dedicated to the Portuguese pioneers of tuna fishing and extended, a week later, to the Azores archipelago, the birthplace of many of those emigrants. With the support of the Regional Secretariats for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities and for the Sea and Fisheries, public sessions were held in Horta and Lajes do Pico, deepening the scientific, historical, and human dimension of this transatlantic connection.
In Horta, on September 7, the session took place in the Auditorium of the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive, with the participation of Andreia Braga Henriques, Regional Director of Fisheries, Alexandre Aires-da-Silva, Idalmiro da Rosa, and Ricardo da Rosa, shipowner of the Pacific Princess and vice president of United Portuguese SES, Inc.
The following day, in Lajes do Pico, the Auditorium of the Whalers’ Museum hosted a historical session, with the participation of Alexandre Aires-da-Silva, Idalmiro da Rosa, José Andrade, Regional Director for Communities, Manuel Costa, Director of the Museum of Pico and president of the Consultative Commission for Regional Whaling Heritage, and Rúben Alves, a businessman linked to tuna fishing.
The tribute to the Portuguese pioneers of tuna fishing was, therefore, much more than the evocation of an economic activity. It constituted a recognition of the generations that carried with them the knowledge, courage, and culture of a people deeply connected to the sea, contributing to the development of their host communities. It was also an expression of appreciation for the Portuguese diaspora, its role in preserving ties with Portugal, and its contribution to the economic, social, and cultural history of the countries where it settled.
Emídio Sousa, Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, flanked by Idalmiro da Rosa, Honorary Consul of Portugal in San Diego, and Portuguese-American businessman Kenny Alameda, during the exhibition dedicated to the history and legacy of the Portuguese pioneers of tuna fishing, at the Navy Museum, in Lisbon.
Daniel Bastos/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
My dear readers, there are things that have no explanation and, in the middle of it all, we are fooling one another or, in reality, half the world is fooling the other half. I, as a rule, like to listen carefully to what is said in corner conversations, although many years ago I permanently dropped the habit of hanging out on corners and filling my brain with nonsense talk. The fact and reality of things often deserve a lot of attention.
Technologies appeared with great force and a large part of society is starting today to realize that they have pros and cons. We could talk here for hours, but, in my symbolic opinion, it is at 50/50.
Much has been said about living through the 80s. Without a doubt it was a decade that marked generations and whoever lived those years remembers well the differences compared to present day. There was time to converse, youth was happy with so little and did not know it, communication was often more professional and efficient than it is today. Children invented their own toys, there was pride and grit to become someone in life, to be independent. People knew how to sell the product, looked at things with respect and listened to the older folks more.
It does not mean that today there is no respect or that there are no other good things, but in different ways. How many times do we call someone, the call is declined and we receive a message saying, “I’ll call you later.” But that call rarely happens. It is a simple fact that shows the difference between today’s times and the old days. And there is much more. Here exists a problem we have to start correcting, because, if we do nothing, it could worsen in the future.
Today, more and more, parents do not want their children to start working before finishing their degree. In my opinion, they are wrong. In the past, great men and women were formed because, when they finished a degree, they knew how to sell their product and had experience with the reality of the job market.
Today there are many people who think they have more rights than duties simply because they finished a degree. My dears, that, by itself, means very little when it is time to enter the job market. It is necessary to know how to sell our product to a company and prove capability, experience, and willingness to learn.
A person can have education, but, if they never had contact with the reality of work, they are missing an important part of preparation for life. Believe me, without work, one does not develop experience either.
But, right now, there is much talk about artificial intelligence. Without any doubt, according to what they say, it will be part of our future. It is increasingly evident that AI will be able to replace some tasks and reduce the need for labor in certain professions. But calm down, in many cases, AI will not eliminate an entire profession. It will eliminate certain tasks within it and increase the productivity of those who know how to work with this technology.
I am no expert on this subject, but I listen very carefully to what the experts say, because I do not see certain young people getting the necessary guidance, that is, someone who advises them on what education they should pursue to have better opportunities in the future.
Some professions could be particularly affected, such as secretarial work, data entry, some reception duties, more routine accounting, payroll processing, more basic graphic design and other repetitive tasks linked to digital information.
But there is something young people should start thinking about. A good electrician, plumber or specialized construction professional should not be seen as someone who will be left behind because of AI.
My friend, artificial intelligence can help make estimates, drawings, planning, purchases, documentation and even diagnostics. But there still needs to be someone on site to execute the work. A person with experience, technical knowledge and ability to solve problems will have great value in the future, at least in the short and medium term.
And this will happen with many professions that require manual labor, human contact, responsibility, decision making capacity and leadership.
Deep down, my opinion is simple, the generation that is on its way out has more difficulties adapting to new technologies, especially to artificial intelligence. The new generation accepted them and is adapting much better. The shock was, without a doubt, much stronger for the older folks than for the younger ones.
But do not forget, before deciding your future, or the future of your children, think carefully. The world of work is changing and many jobs will be transformed or could disappear with AI, while others will gain much more value.
Artificial intelligence can be a threat to some, but it can also be a great opportunity for those who are prepared.
Have a good weekend!
Augusto Bandeira/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
One day, my youngest grandson got into my car and, as soon as he put on his seatbelt, looked at the side compartment, picked up a brochure that was there, opened it and asked:
Grandma, who still uses maps?
Of course the question did not surprise me coming from a young person who knows no other form of navigation than GPS, in its various modalities. However, not being a practitioner of this modality myself at the time, I explained to him that, while recognizing all its advantages, I still liked paper maps; tracing their insides, following the trail of roads, the course of rivers and an entire orography that both lengthened and shortened travel time; decoding signage and assessing distances that allowed for choosing itineraries; reading the names of localities and discovering the reason why some, being so insignificant, were not marked despite being part of our affective geography.
I witnessed the rapid progression of digital technology, having seen my grandchildren grow up and graduate almost without using paper books. Today, we are beginning to notice a shift toward the reverse path. Nordic countries, for example, are returning to books, to handwritten text production, and, at the higher education level, making the oral defense of submitted papers mandatory to detect potential use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in their preparation.
I belonged to the generation of the single textbook. However, being the firstborn gave me the privilege of starting with brand new books every year. Therefore, September will continue to evoke memories of my enthusiasm for this back to school season. I see myself visiting bookstores, dictating the list of compendiums and dictionaries, which grew in proportion to my academic advancement. Then, the daily notebooks – ruled, squared, blank – one for each subject -, ah… and the rough notebook, always a notebook that served as a draft for everything, and which, despite its purpose, remained clean. Finally, all the other materials, absolutely necessary for a good performance in the profession of student: pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, tape, rulers, squares, compasses, gouaches, brushes of different sizes and textures, India ink, not forgetting the rolls of patterned and colored paper to cover books and notebooks.
This task gave the home an atmosphere of opening the school year and revealed the skill required to properly cover a book. The paper was unrolled and cut to the size of the book, leaving the necessary margin for the inner fold of the front and back covers. It was creased very well and the margin tucked inside. For the job to be considered complete, one final operation remained: folding each corner into a triangle shape, both at the meeting point of the upper and lower margins, which was secured with a strip of tape to make it safer. To distinguish them, we then placed a label. In the case of books, affixed to the spine; on notebooks, on the cover.
On one of those afternoons, my brother decided to start touching everything, messing up my work. Mere provocation? I only know that I expressed my displeasure at his attitude and asked him not to touch my things. I must have lent that request all the authority that the status of older sister gave me, making him feel like an intruder profaning what was most sacred to me – the books! He went away, but returned driven by the curiosity that the colorful stack of books provoked in a territory that was forbidden to him.
Even today, in every ritual of opening a new school year, I recall my return to classes imbued with the scent of paper and ink from new books.
Aida Batista/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
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