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Rob Ford OUT as Mayor

Posted By: Dave Bradley · 11/26/2012 2:53:00 PM

Rob Ford is no longer the mayor of Toronto.

Ford was booted from office after being found guilty in a conflict of interest case against him.

It all started when Ford was a city councillor and had solicited donations for his Football Foundation using City of Toronto letterhead.

Since that's against the rules, in August of 2010, council and city integrity commissioner Janet Leiper suggested the mayor  pay back the 31 hundred dollars raised, out of his own pocket.

But when the mayor took part in a council vote on February 7th, 2012, that rescinded that suggestion, a complaint was lodged by Toronto resident Paul Magder.

During the trial Ford argued that he didn't understand the conflict of interest rules, and had he known he was in the wrong, he wouldn't have voted.

He even admitted to never reading the Conflict of Interest Act.

Justice Charles T. Hackland said because the decision means changes to the administration in the City of Toronto, the decision will be suspended for a period of 14 days.

In his judgement, Hackland said, "In view of the respondent's leadership role in ensuring the integrity in municipal government, it is difficult to accept an error in judgement defence based essetntially on a stubborn sense of entitlemeny (concerning his football foundation) and a dismissive and confrontational attitude to the Integrity Commissioner and the Code of Conduct. In my opinion, the respondent's actions were characterized by ignorance of the law and a lack of diligence in securing professional advice, amounting to wilful blindness. As such, I find his actions are incompatible with an error in judgement.

   In summary, I find that the respondent has failed in his burden to show that his contraventions of the MCIA were the result of a good faith error in judgement".

He went on to say, "For the reasons set out above, I have concluded that the respondent contravened s. 5 of the MCIA when he spoke and voted on a matter in which he had a pecuniary interest at the meeting of Toronto City Council on February 7th, 2012, and that his actions were not done by reason of inadvertance or a good faith error in judgement. I am, therefore, required by s. 10(1)(a) of the MCIA to declare the respondent's seat vacant. In view of the significant mitigating circumstances surrounding the respondent's actions, set out in paragraph 48 of these reasons, I decline to impose any further disqualification fron holding office beyond the current term.

Accordingly, I declare the seat of the respondent Robert Ford, on Toronto City Council, vacant."

There are a number of things that could happen now. First, is Ford's possible next steps. He can appeal, but he must request a stay of the decision to stay on as Mayor. That would then move the case onto a three judge panel, who can uphold the original decision, order a new trial, or come to their own decision.

Second, council will be in charge when it comes to selecting a new leader of the city. They have two options to do this: They could call a by election or they could appoint a new mayor. That person does not have to be a member of council.

Newstalk1010's legal experts say it appears Ford will be able to run again, if there is a by election called.

Ford says he will appeal the decision.

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  1. Mark Ellis posted on 11/26/2012 10:56 AM
    While it may be that this is an accurate following of the letter of the law regarding the Municipal Act, and while it cannot be argued that conflict of interest in government is sacrosanct, why is it that historically REAL conflicts have been undertaken with impunity (for example, Hazel McCallion, the McGuinty government regarding power stations, etc., etc.) and with no consequence. This remains an unbalanced and improperly-motivated goal of Paul Magner with the result that a duly-elected mayor has been removed from office based upon a charitable pursuit that was, admittedly, poorly executed. Too bad for all of us.
    1. alex demanin posted on 11/26/2012 01:52 PM
      @Mark Ellis Exactly, if we truly judged all of these men and women on their integrity we would not have ANY politics to speak of
  2. Brigitte posted on 11/26/2012 11:01 AM
    Ignorance of the law is NO excuse and as Mayor he should have at least read the rules.
    I believe the right decision was made, and it is time that a person entering office have enough respect for the system to educate himself/herself prior to taking on the position.
    1. barb posted on 11/26/2012 11:15 AM
      @Brigitte I cannot believe that the judge decided in the favour of this witch hunt. Paul Magder, the lefty council, mena spirited, nasty, nasty people and now an elected Mayor is OUT because of the antics of these Ford haters. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME. I hope all these Ford haters and all of the greddy, grasping, lefty council, the ones that made hsi life miserable from dayone, I hope you dot all of your i's and cross all of your t's, because all eyes will be on you. Adam Vaughan and his ilk along with the unions must be poppong champagne corks now. I am appalled and ashamed. The sh#t that other politicians have gotten away with is astonomical and this poor guy just tries to do the right thing and at every turn is blocked. I hope Bridgitte that you mean what you say and feel that every politiocian, especially those on the city council educate themselves. This is a asad day for Toronto. Obviously the judge didin't like him either. UNIONS start your engines.
  3. peter schnitzler posted on 11/26/2012 11:13 AM
    As I understand the conflict of interest laws the mayor is technically guilty so should be held accountable . Seems a little harsh removing him from office . Council voted themselves a pay increase in January 2012 and that to is against the conflict of interest rules as they benifit financially from something they voted on . Interesting how the rules are applied to some and not others.
  4. C Bowman posted on 11/26/2012 11:23 AM
    It's a sad day for Toronto and only reinforces the saying "be careful what you wish for". We are now one step further from building a city that has potential, but sadly will never reach the world class status it espouses.
    This just opens the door for fewer good policies and more bad stunts from our current council.
    John Tory, please step in and save this city from itself!!
  5. allan posted on 11/26/2012 11:31 AM
    The witch hunt was successful. It was unfortunate. Ford ( was ) a good mayor but he needed to be as clean as a whistle to keep the hungry left from devouring him.
  6. Eva Falconer posted on 11/26/2012 11:34 AM
    Two wins in two days for Toronto. So, will Rob Ford, regular citizen keep his vanity radio show on Sunday?
    1. barb posted on 11/26/2012 11:56 AM
      @Eva Falconer Yeah real win. You sound like a winner yourself.
  7. mark ellis posted on 11/26/2012 11:38 AM
    Doesn't this feel a little rudderless?: no participatory premier, no sitting mayor, no hockey. Now we source "integrity" by hearing from George Smitherman, rudderman for E-Health. We have democracy operating efficiently through an independent judiciary, but we have government at a standstill. Not at all okay to be happy, or even sanguine. Sad day, Mr. Ruby?: correct.
  8. K Trotman posted on 11/26/2012 11:42 AM
    it too bad that instead solving the problems of toronto - that our tax dollars are engaged in more and more red tape and useless legal endeavours.

    Rob Ford is a rough diamond ... he doesn't fit the perception of a polished politically persona. He , like all of us , speaks his mind directly and acts from heart. And like the rest of tax paying citizens - we do so without thinking 20 twenty steps ahead or considering ALL possible ramifications.

    Fortunately for us we can sit at home without being judged too harshly for small mistake. Rob Ford was run over by the bus instead.
  9. greg posted on 11/26/2012 11:52 AM
    Why does McGuinty ...get away with I.e. power stations,Ornage,e-Health need I go on!
    Yes Ford screw up, but why do all the other Politicians get away with things with no accountability!!
    The Province of Ontario is in state of pathetic state of Fiscal affairs.I'm considering moving to Alberta!!
    1. Joe posted on 11/26/2012 12:04 PM
      @greg McGuinty quit and ran.
    2. JASON posted on 11/26/2012 12:17 PM
      @greg Thank you Paul Magder for restoring justice from this corrupt regime that swindled $3200 of private money to a charity. You sir, are a champion of democracy. It is a sad day when a scumbag with a lot of money can remove an elected official in a supposed democracy. WHAT A JOKE! Yes Rob Ford made a mistake. Yes he should have been found guilty. Removed from office for raising a few dollars for charity is ridiculous.
  10. MichaelP posted on 11/26/2012 12:10 PM
    so they've booted the major because he raised 3 grand for a football team and wouldn't pay it back out of his own pocket. Politicians who blow thousands of taxpayer money on parties is ok but THIS GUY needs to be replaced. It's pathetic. The city will deserve the next thief that they elect. We're now being controlled by people who take glee in getting an honest men removed from office on a technicality. So embarassed for the city.
    1. Dixie posted on 11/26/2012 01:12 PM
      @MichaelP they booted him because he voted on whether he had to pay it back, not because he did it in the first place or refused to pay it back. Before you weigh in on something you should make some attempt to understand it!
    2. JoeBoner posted on 11/26/2012 01:16 PM
      @MichaelP Honest men that get caught soliciting donations on city letterhead, no matter what the amount, repay the money.

      If I'm an honest man and I find 3200 dollars in a wallet in the street with a drivers license next to it, I return the money. I don't get forced by a court to repay the money after the guy who lost his wallet complains, and then refuse, and then vote to pass the "Finders Keepers Act of 2012".
  11. Mary Bannister posted on 11/26/2012 12:29 PM
    Let me tell you what this looks like from outside the city - this ws a witch hunt pure and simple. This decision makes me glad that I left Toronto. Toronto should be ashamed of itself! So glad that TO has so much time and money to waste!
  12. Adrian Cawley posted on 11/26/2012 01:09 PM
    Well finally the left leaning socialist counsel has gotten their way, forget what the public wanted. The courts should never be allowed unless gross abuse is found to overturn the decision of an election. All the rest better never do anything dishonest like charge for bunny costumes or they better go too. The counsel said right after the election they would ignore the public guess they finally found a way to stick it to the public for electing Rob Ford Mayor. Guess the gravy can flow again.
  13. Bryan w posted on 11/26/2012 01:13 PM
    He was his own worst enemy. He did not deserve the kind of scrutiny and low handed tricks the looney left through at him. I hope this back fires on these over entitled, self righteous, pompous, trough huggers. We need a clean sweep.
  14. calvinhc posted on 11/26/2012 01:13 PM
    Ford's cockiness pisses off the left, so naturally they watch him with a microscope looking for his toe going over the line.

    An intelligent person who deserves to be mayor will taunt their opposition every chance they get, but will not cross that line.

    Ford crossed that line with his finger when he pressed the voting button on the issue of him having to pay back the money. Anyone, left or right, who cannot see the need to step back on that does not have the judgement needed to be mayor, or any position in politics.
    1. Kant posted on 11/30/2012 09:36 PM
      @calvinhc He does his job dumbass!

      What do you personally know him? How do you know he's cocky? Everyone has been picking on him from the start. He does things people don't like, and slices things in half so the TAXPAYERS LIKE ME, can get something back from the theiving politicians or should I say criminals at city hall.

      It's right for him to be in office. He helps the majority of the the city. And even if they kick him off, there will be another election. And guess what, if Rob ford is on the panel. He will win again. HANDS DOWN. It WAS the people who voted him IN the office dumbass.

      If you think football corresponds with what he's doing to help the city. Then your just like all those shallow pricks out there.

      Besides even if someone was cocky and did his job right. WHO GIVES A SHIT, AT LEAST HE does his job right. he can be cocky all he wants. Go suck on your apple, for him to be out of office, won't be for long anyways. Enjoy this little moment of silence in wasting our money. The people WILL SPEAK.
  15. Lynda posted on 11/26/2012 01:15 PM
    Sad day for Toronto! A little severe for raising $ for a charity...I believe Magders intention was to get Mayor Ford out of office anyway he could. I wonder what political persuasion he is? I too believe this was a witch hunt. The lefties on council must be popping the bubbly. Magder achieved something they couldn't achieve since Ford was elected. If one was to watch city council meetings they would understand how hard it is for Ford to get anything accomplished with the haters (lefties) on council. The silent majority will re-elect Ford given the chance!
  16. Jeffrey posted on 11/26/2012 01:33 PM
    I am deeply upset with the decision made by a man (in my opinion) not capable to make such a decision. What I mean is, the judge who was given the right to make such important decisions is not an elected public worker.

    Judges are constantly giving pathetic rulings for all kinds of crimes such as murder, rape, drunk driving, assault, etc, etc. These judges should have their jobs on the line.

    I hate when I see Canada always doing what the United States does, but in this particular issue I would LOVE to see Canada follow the United States' example.

    In the United States, judges are elected officials. If a judge makes a bad decision it can cost him his job.

    For example: If an individual kills a person while driving under the influence and the judge sentences him to 4 weeks of AA and a year or 2 in jail then he will likely not be elected again.

    I'm positive that if judges were elected to power they would think about what is right and what the majority want.

    This moron who started this man-hunt said that he is all pro democracy. HA!! He is funnier than George Carlin! The Mayor has been VOTED in to office! Not the people who removed him. What a god damn JOKE!

    I want to see Rob Ford back in office ASAP! I also think this country really needs to think about... wait no... I'm sick of hearing the government think. I want to see this country bring in the ability to vote those who have power of judgement into the court. Not tomorrow BUT NOW! Who wouldn't want that?

    Rob Ford is cool beans! I look at him as being the only non-corrupt politician in Canadian history.

    I rather see 3 hundred thousand go to sports for kids to try and keep them on the right track and out of jails. Heck 32 hundred is chump change. Nobody gives a flying hoot about the millions others have dumped down the drain, but God forbid Ford spends it on some kids.

    Thankfully I don't live in Toronto anymore. Based on the way the city votes for the premier of Ontario you're clearly all moronic fools who love corruption. Dalton for how many years only because of Toronto... Wow... Rob Ford beaten by a bunch of corrupt morons who don't even see Dalton as a problem. Pathetic. Toronto the biggest city in Canada... Guess it's only fitting the highest population of dumb asses live their.

    Jeff
    1. Kant posted on 11/30/2012 09:28 PM
      @Jeffrey I totally agree with the situation. But going as far as to calling everyone that lives in Toronto are dumbasses. No.

      For gods sake, you once lived there. What then weren't you a dumbass then? Think before you write too. Typo on "their" dumbass.
  17. steve posted on 11/26/2012 01:35 PM
    as 1 caller said on the 'Jerry Agar show' , judges are NOT elected. What is the point of spending all the money, time & effort in elections if a court can put the official out of office? Changes have to be made. Maybe the elected officials in the higher government house as a whole , should overlook these issues (in other words the provincial house; including liberal, PCs & NDPs.withouthtedln
    1. Jeffrey posted on 11/26/2012 01:36 PM
      @steve I agree. I just made comments on that in the above comment. What a joke this whole situation is.

      Jeff
  18. Lukemj posted on 11/26/2012 01:43 PM
    This is not the left's fault. This is Ford's fault. There was no question he was quilty. Isnt that what he ran on? Accountability? Respect for the taxpayers etc? He has neither. All he had to do was accept the ruling and pay it back, follow the rules. He thinks he is above the law, and now his stubborness is going to cost the taxpayers millions of dollars.
    1. Adrian Cawley posted on 11/26/2012 01:51 PM
      @Lukemj Millions of dollars were lost because the left wanted to look for any minor issue to attack Rob Ford with. Lets have a by election and let him run again see if the public thinks he deserves to be Mayor.
    2. sal posted on 11/26/2012 02:43 PM
      @Lukemj @Lukemj
      finnaly some is spaeking the truth. Mayor did do this even after being warned by Council, Integrity commissioner and his staff. That is called blatant disregard of the law. No one should be above the law
  19. proton posted on 11/26/2012 02:16 PM
    Perfect example of the left circumventing democracy, albeit legally. Any leftie politician who steps one micron out of bounds should also be kicked out of office.

    This should become a rallying cry for citizens who want the city run efficiently and are sick and tired of the wastefulness of the left.
  20. steve posted on 11/26/2012 02:16 PM
    Ford could have avoided this situation, but what about the next thing brought up against him.
    The judge could have ruled him guilty by technicality of law. The judge could have decided on much less deterrent.
    We all know Ford can be bull headed, but, concerning things he believes in. This was all for Charity. We have to give him a break for this - he did not gain financially.
    1. Adrian Cawley posted on 11/26/2012 02:30 PM
      @steve The judge had the power to find Rob Ford guilty but as it was insignificant amount and he didn't profit personally put no penalty. That would be the right level of enforcement.
  21. Brian posted on 11/26/2012 02:47 PM
    This is not about Left Or Right is it is about the rule of law - if Ford was allow to break the law then we would be no better that Egypt - because he said he was going to cut the fat does not allow him to ignore the law - if you don't like it change it not break it
    1. barb posted on 11/26/2012 03:18 PM
      @Brian This is definitely about Left or Right, if this was truly about the law, McGuinty would be in a holding cell right now with charges or corruption, deceit etc. too numerous to count. This whole witch hunt is trumped up by For Haters and left councillors who said right from day one that they didin't cosider him the Mayor and would not work with him. The viciousness and hypocrasy is astounding and the phony moral outrage is downright laughable. If anyone of these people whgo are gloating right now lost their jobs the way Ford has they would be calling in the union and launching law suits, not to mention looking for sympathy and support. The neaness of people throughout this whole turmped up mess is incredible. Hope all of you who feel he has to "pay for his action" are all squeaky clean with the highest of values.
  22. steve posted on 11/26/2012 03:20 PM
    There is one type of legislation to compare McGuinty's decisions in the province to Mayor Fords - the is a vote from parliament by all members.
  23. anne posted on 11/26/2012 03:43 PM
    I have a question: If everyone at cit hall has to be held up to the highest of moral standards (that is an oxymoron in itself), will Anna Bailao lose her job if convicted of impaired driving? Just asking.
  24. F. Vanden posted on 11/26/2012 04:06 PM
    The man made a mistake in judgement when he voted on the issue and that is quite clear. However, he's not a crook and shouldn't be treated as one. He never took a penny for himself and should be permitted to remain in his position as was the wishes of the electorate. A judge shouldn't be permitted to circumvent democracy. Send it back to the voters and let them decide if he should stay or go (regardless of the cost of such a referendum).
  25. Dan posted on 11/26/2012 04:31 PM
    haha bad month for right wing douchebags.
    1. Stug posted on 11/26/2012 07:23 PM
      @Dan you think they have a school for right wing dorks that teaches them rules. probably not!
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