Behind The Scenes (Pledging Votes)

I want to share some behind-the-scenes activity I've encountered.

I've been approached by three separate "micro-interest groups" who claim to get politicians elected through their network. In exchange for their support, they want me to pledge my future votes on specific issues.

This is fundamentally different from the work of a registered lobbyist. This is about securing a candidate’s loyalty through a binding pledge—and that’s a line I won't cross.

I'm running to be Councillor for Ward 25, Scarborough-Rouge Park, so I can help make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I want to fight for better transit, cleaner parks, safe streets, timely construction, and improved frontline services.

The reality is, I can't know exactly what will come before City Hall. I can't foresee how a motion will be worded or what an amendment might look like.

How could I, in good conscience, pledge to vote a certain way now for any group that isn't a resident, business, or stakeholder within our ward?

I wouldn't want to win under those terms, and I won't ever compromise my integrity.

My loyalty is to the people of Ward 25—not to any special interest group.

Everything I do is rooted in my love for my family, my faith, and my belief in the importance of community.

I will EARN your vote...not make backroom deals to influence it.

Sincerely,

Brian Matthews

PS: As a voter, giving your information to a third party puts you in their database. They then could sell that information to a candidate in the next election. The more names and phone numbers they have, the more powerful they become.

Also, ZERO 3rd parties have registered with the city as advertisers. This is a requirement and has not been done. No 3rd parties should be interfering in this election, no 3rd party groups should be advertising in this election.

Update 9/8/2025: Progress Toronto has registered as a 3rd party advertiser, which means they have a candidate who has pledged their future votes on council to the organization in exchange for help to get elected. 

Below are screenshots of the requests: