Governance in a democracy is not a right nor is it permanent, it is a privilege. The opportunity relies on a citizen’s right to vote and place their trust in a chosen candidate. When that trust is offered, it becomes a contract between the electors and the elected. Leadership, accountability and responsibility become one’s sworn duty. This is underscored by a defining mission: to serve the people with integrity, to listen and be present. One must always be grateful, steady, humble and focussed upon the well-being of the community.
I have asked myself that question throughout my life, as a soldier, a Member of Parliament, a volunteer, and now as a candidate for City Council in Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Every bit of support helps us connect with residents and build a stronger future for Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Ted Opitz, Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d), Former Member of Parliament
How Can I Serve? Ted Opitz has spent his entire adult life answering that one question, in uniform, in Parliament, and as a community volunteer.
The son of Polish parents who came to Canada after the Second World War, Ted Opitz was raised in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood and learned early that opportunity carries a responsibility to give back. He served 33 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a Lieutenant-Colonel, then represented Etobicoke Centre as its Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2015. A longtime community leader, he most recently chaired the Board of Copernicus Lodge. Now Ted Opitz is seeking to continue his lifetime of service as City Councillor for Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore, a councillor who is visible, listens before acting, and is accountable to residents every day, not just at election time.
Ted Opitz is the son of Polish parents who came to Canada after the Second World War seeking freedom, security, and the opportunity to build a better life. Raised in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood, he grew up understanding that opportunity carries with it a responsibility to give back. Those lessons shaped a lifetime of public service and ultimately led him to make Etobicoke his home.
Ted Opitz served for 33 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. A graduate of the Canadian Forces College, he held command and senior staff appointments, managed multi-million-dollar programs, and led soldiers and civilian teams through complex operational and organizational challenges. Throughout his military career, he earned a reputation for thoughtful leadership, accountability, and for leading by being present with the people he served, listening carefully, solving problems, and bringing people together to accomplish difficult tasks.
Following his military service, Ted Opitz represented Etobicoke Centre as its Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2015. In Ottawa, he served on the Standing Committees on National Defence, Citizenship and Immigration, and Procedure and House Affairs, one of Parliament’s most important committees.
Ted Opitz has long been active in multicultural and international affairs. In Parliament, he chaired the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group and served as Vice-Chair of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group, among several others. He was also a member of the Canada-NATO Parliamentary Association, representing Canada in Vilnius in 2014, and represented Canada at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. He has long been a strong advocate for democracy, security, human rights, and Canada’s international partnerships. In 2014, Ted Opitz was among the first 13 people in the world sanctioned by Vladimir Putin’s regime for his unwavering support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic values.
Community service has always been central to Ted Opitz’s life. As a long-time volunteer and community leader, he has helped organize major national and international events, serving as Operations Officer for World Youth Day 2002 and again in a senior operations role during Pope Francis’ historic 2022 visit to Canada, including the apology to Indigenous peoples. He has volunteered extensively with organizations including St. John Ambulance and has been recognized with numerous military, volunteer, and public service awards. Most recently, he served as Chair of the Board of Copernicus Lodge, helping guide one of Ontario’s most respected long-term care homes through a period of modernization and renewal.
Today, Ted Opitz is seeking to continue his lifetime of service as City Councillor for Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore. He believes residents deserve a councillor who is visible in the community, listens before acting, is accessible every day, and is accountable to the people he serves, not just at election time. For Ted Opitz, good representation begins by showing up: walking neighbourhoods, meeting residents where they are, responding to concerns, and working tirelessly to solve problems.
His priorities are straightforward:
Ted Opitz has spent a lifetime serving Canada. Now he is ready to show up every day for the people of Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Making a contribution is easy. You can send an e-transfer or, if you prefer, make a cheque payable to Ted Opitz Candidate - 2026 Municipal Election. Every donation, large or small, helps us connect with residents and build a stronger future for Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
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Toronto’s Contribution Rebate Program returns a large share of your donation.
| Total Contribution | Estimated Rebate | Your Net Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $25 or less | Not eligible | Full amount |
| $50 | $37.50 | $12.50 |
| $100 | $75.00 | $25.00 |
| $200 | $150.00 | $50.00 |
| $300 | $225.00 | $75.00 |
| $400 | $275.00 | $125.00 |
| $500 | $325.00 | $175.00 |
| $600 | $375.00 | $225.00 |
| $700 | $425.00 | $275.00 |
| $800 | $475.00 | $325.00 |
| $900 | $525.00 | $375.00 |
| $1,000 | $575.00 | $425.00 |
| $1,100 | $608.33 | $491.67 |
| $1,200 (maximum) | $641.67 | $558.33 |
A campaign contribution receipt and municipal contribution rebate application form will be provided after your contribution has been received and verified. Rebate eligibility is determined by the City of Toronto and is subject to the Municipal Elections Act and the City’s Contribution Rebate Program requirements.
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Advance voting runs October 6 to 11, 2026. Election day is October 26, 2026. You must vote in the ward where you live.
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You may only vote once in the municipal election, regardless of how many properties you own or rent in the city. You must vote in the ward where you live.
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Source: City of Toronto Elections mail-in voting procedure. Request packages via the Toronto Elections website or by calling 311.
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