On April 2nd of this year, almost one month ago, I produced a live event for Nick Ainis. It was a public recording of his podcast Building Toronto's Skyline with special guest Brad Bradford, who earlier today registered to run for mayor in Toronto's 2026 municipal election.
Prior to the event, Nick spoke with the city's election people to assure them this wasn't a fundraiser, because it wasn't. Brad was to receive no money from this event. He was there to chat with Nick, and I was there to record the audio and video and to ensure the live audience could hear every syllable.
Here's me talking to Toronto Star columnist Ed Keenan about this live podcast event with Brad Bradford and Nick Ainis on my podcast Toronto Mike'd, recorded on April 8, 2026.
Earlier today, Progress Toronto predictably filed a City Integrity Commissioner complaint against Brad Bradford for his involvement in this live event I produced for Nick Ainis.
As I told Ed Keenan, this was not a fundraiser. We were well aware that a fundraiser couldn't occur before May 1, 2026. I got there early, saw Brad Bradford arrive, recorded his conversation with Nick, and watched him meet people as I tore down my studio. I've confirmed with Nick that neither Brad nor his campaign recieved a penny from this event.
This is one big fat nothing burger, and it's disappointing to see Progress Toronto play such petty dirty pool.
If you'd like to hear Nick and Brad that evening, here it is in its entirety.
