Rob Ford screws up minutes after returning to the public eye

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      Mere minutes into Rob Ford's apology tour of Toronto, the recently rehabbed mayor was already receiving complaints about his public conduct.

      In a letter dated June 30, 2014, integrity commissioner Janet Leiper wrote to Ford to advise him that he may have broken civic rules.

      According to the letter, her office "received numerous complaints" after Ford's press conference at Toronto City Hall that day.

      "The individuals who contacted my office complained that your speech included campaign-style rhetoric and should not have been made on City premises," wrote Leiper. "Your use of the phrase, 'much, much more to accomplish' was provided as an example of this sort of rhetoric."

      Leiper also noted that "[Toronto] City policy and the Code of Conduct prohibit campaign speeches on City premises. This is the essence of the issue being raised."

      In his June 30 statement, Ford also said, "I plan to continue fighting for the taxpayers of Toronto. But over the coming months my top priority will be rebuilding trust with the public and my fellow members of Council." He also spent part of his speech recounting his achievements as mayor, including the ending of a garbage strike and his ability to save taxpayers money.

      Ford has until July 16 to make a response to the city in the matter.

      Since his return to the public eye, Ford has refused to answer media questions, cancelled numerous interviews, and has faced a constant barrage of criticism, including a Canada Day encounter with "shirtless jogger" Joe Killoran, who called Ford "a corrupt, lying, racist homophobe".

      On July 8, Toronto City Council is scheduled to discuss whether Ford earlier breached the Code of Conduct by sending out robocalls accusing Councillor Paul Ainslie of "not listening to his constituents on the Scarborough Subway vote".

      Ford is being asked to make a full apology to Ainslie.

      Mayor Ford, it's good to have you back?

      Comments

      4 Comments

      James Blatchford

      Jul 4, 2014 at 6:23am

      This is the problem with rehab....gets rid of the 'drunken' but still leaves the 'idiot'.

      Pat Crowe

      Jul 4, 2014 at 10:00am

      Did anyone expect any less from the crack head, man baby, buffoon?

      Chris A

      Jul 4, 2014 at 2:01pm

      But don't you know he is God & Toronto is the centre of the universe & the rest of us Canadians are uncultured.
      So please fellow Canadians I beg you, bow down to him when you are in his presence, bear him gifts of gold.
      (it's all in the book of Revelation)
      BTW in course you think I'm being serious (because I know some people are gullible & will actually think I am) I AM JUST KIDDING AND BEING SARCASTIC.

      Michele Baillie

      Jul 4, 2014 at 3:47pm

      I honestly think Rob Ford doesn't know any better.... though he may yet learn...the crux of the issue is; I don't think the people of Toronto should have to pay his tuition for his lessons.