London Muslims Vote sent every candidate the same 13 questions, on faith, free expression, community health and schools, and it publishes every answer word for word.
Some of these questions belong to Ottawa, Queen’s Park or the school boards, and a city councillor has no vote on them. Where that’s the case, I’ve said so plainly.
On the questions council does decide, I applied the same test I use everywhere: every Londoner gets equal treatment from City Hall, whatever their faith or background, and the law applies to everyone the same way. Not every answer will please every reader, but every reader gets the same honest answer.
Here is every question and every answer I sent, word for word.
All the questions, and my answers
Faith and community
Will you support, and vote to fund, the City of London’s Action Plan to Disrupt Islamophobia?
Matt’s position: No
Every Londoner should be able to walk to their place of worship or the grocery store without being threatened, and anyone who attacks or threatens someone for their faith, or any other reason, should face the full force of the law.
But any City program gets judged by the same test in my book: does it serve all Londoners equally, does the benefit justify the cost, and does it actually work? A plan built around one specific group doesn’t pass the first test, and I’d give the same answer to a plan built around any other specific group.
Do you support Quebec’s Bill 21, which bars some public employees from wearing religious symbols such as the hijab, and the laws that have since extended it?
Matt’s position: N/A
Bill 21 is Quebec law, and only a provincial legislature could pass something like it. A city council has no power to, as it would be blocked by both the Charter and Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Should employers, starting with the City and school boards, give staff time for Friday (Jumu’ah) prayer and religious holidays?
Matt’s position: No
I wouldn’t expect employers to make special exceptions for any group, and I’m an advocate for personal responsibility: each individual should choose a job that fits their lifestyle. The City has to follow Ontario’s Human Rights Code like every employer, and I wouldn’t push it beyond what the law requires.
School boards set their own staff policies, which is outside council’s authority.
Palestine and free expression
Should Canada stop all arms exports to Israel?
Matt’s position: N/A
Arms exports are a federal matter, outside the scope of a city councillor.
Should the City of London adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism?
Matt’s position: No
The City shouldn’t adopt any definition that turns speech into a category for enforcement, whoever it’s meant to protect. My bar is the criminal law: threats, violence and harassment get enforced against anyone, of any background or belief.
Do you support the right to protest peacefully for Palestine, including on university and college campuses?
Matt’s position: Yes
Peaceful, lawful protest is a right for every cause, on every side, and the City should treat every cause the same on its public property. Illegal acts get prosecuted no matter the cause.
Campus rules are set by the universities and colleges themselves, which is outside council’s authority.
Life and community health
Should medical assistance in dying (MAID) be expanded to people whose only condition is a mental illness?
Matt’s position: No
On principle I disagree, but MAID is controlled by federal law, outside the scope of a city councillor.
Should the City limit the number of new cannabis stores?
Matt’s position: No
The province’s AGCO licenses cannabis stores and already keeps them at least 150 metres from schools. Council’s formal role is a written comment during a 15-day public notice. I won’t ask the province to cap a lawful business because of how anyone feels about the product.
Where a specific location doesn’t fit a neighbourhood and faces opposition, I’ll stand with the residents.
Should drinking alcohol be allowed in City parks?
Matt’s position: No
Ontario law bars drinking in public places unless a council designates them, and I wouldn’t vote to designate London’s parks.
Should the City further restrict payday lenders?
Matt’s position: No
While their practices seem predatory, adults should have the option. Ontario already regulates what they can charge, and beyond that I’d leave it to the market.
Parents and schools
Should schools notify parents promptly if their child wants to socially transition at school?
Matt’s position: Yes
On the principle of parental rights I agree, but school policy is set by the province and the school boards, outside the scope of a city councillor.
Should schools publicly disclose all instructional materials, student surveys and consultant materials?
Matt’s position: Yes
On the principle of parental rights I agree, but school policy is set by the province and the school boards, outside the scope of a city councillor.
Should schools have a clear procedure for parents to opt children out of instruction that conflicts with their family values or religion?
Matt’s position: Yes
On the principle of parental rights I agree, but school policy is set by the province and the school boards, outside the scope of a city councillor.
That is every question I answered. If you can help me sharpen my positions, please get in touch!