For a stronger community
I’m Matthew Schaffer, and I’m running to make local government more responsive, more connected, and more focused on what matters most to our neighbours.
Focused on the essentials
Get to know me
I have proudly called Oshawa’s Ward 3 home for most of my life. I was born and raised here, my family lives here, and my partner Ken and I are proud homeowners in Ward 3 alongside our two Italian Spinones, Harper and Finn.
Over the years, I’ve often been asked where I live. When I answer “Oshawa,” I sometimes get a skeptical look. My response is always the same: Oshawa is my home. While our city has faced challenges and doesn’t always receive the recognition it deserves, there is so much to be proud of here. We are a community filled with hardworking people, vibrant neighbourhoods, and tremendous potential.
I want to help Oshawa grow in a way that works for everyone. I want to see a downtown that is safe, welcoming, and thriving. I believe residents deserve value for their tax dollars, with municipal spending focused on the services, infrastructure, and priorities that matter most to our community.
Experience that serves Ward 3
For the past nine years, I have worked for the Government of Ontario in the Ontario Public Service, specializing in strategic policy and information technology project management. Through this work, I have gained firsthand experience in governance, public administration, and how decisions are made within government. I understand how to navigate complex issues, manage public resources responsibly, and deliver results.
I am seeking a seat on Oshawa City Council because I want to put that experience to work for Ward 3 residents. I am committed to listening, being accountable, and advocating for practical solutions that strengthen our neighbourhoods and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Oshawa home.
Why I’m running
I’ve lived in Toronto and other places over the years, but I’ve always come back. There’s a comfort in knowing your neighbours, understanding your community, and feeling connected to the place where you live. Oshawa helped shape who I am, and I believe I have an opportunity to give back to the city that raised me.
As I get older, I see my nieces and nephews growing up in an Oshawa that is very different from the one I experienced as a child. I also see my aging parents and many of my neighbours adapting to a city that has changed significantly over the years. Oshawa has grown rapidly and become more diverse, bringing new perspectives, cultures, and opportunities that strengthen our community. At the same time, these changes raise important questions. Are we creating neighbourhoods where people feel connected and supported? Are newcomers finding the same sense of belonging that has always kept me rooted here? And are we planning responsibly to ensure residents have access to the services and infrastructure they need?
I think about the little things that make a city feel like home. I’m happy to help my neighbours shovel the bottom of their driveway after a snowfall, but shouldn’t seniors who need a hand have access to municipal supports, helping them remain independent? When I see kids playing hockey on the street, I wonder whether we’re doing enough to calm traffic and keep neighbourhoods safe for families. These everyday experiences remind me that local government has a direct impact on our quality of life.
I’m running for City Council because I have the opportunity, experience, and commitment to make a positive difference. I want Oshawa to remain a place where people know their neighbours, families can afford to put down roots, seniors are supported, and city services work for the people they serve.
I love this city, and I want to help ensure that everyone who calls Oshawa home feels that same sense of belonging and community that keeps me here.
Let’s talk
Share your priorities, invite Matthew to a neighbourhood conversation, or find out how you can help build this campaign.
Matthew Schaffer — Municipal Campaign