Toronto Mayor Rob Ford to take a leave of absence; will seek help for substance abuse
- 10 years ago
Infamous Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has put his re-election campaign on hold to seek professional help for substance abuse.
On Wednesday he announced his intention of seeking help for a drinking problem after local newspapers published reports of his alleged drug use and a supposed recording of the mayor ranting and swearing in a bar earlier in the week.
Last year, after months of speculation, the 44 year-old admitted to smoking crack cocaine. Although many of his mayoral powers and his budget were swiftly stripped from him, he refused to resign or take a leave of absence.
City councillor Doug Ford, spoke of his relief that his brother had opted to undergo treatment.
“As an older brother, I am relieved that Rob has faced his problems and has decided to seek professional help,” he told a press conference. “This is not an easy thing for anyone to do, especially when you are the Mayor of a city.”
Several videos purportedly showing Ford either taking drugs or heavily under the influence of alcohol have emerged in the year since allegations of his substance abuse first came to public attention.
In spite of his notoriety, Ford says he expects to be reelected to office in October’s election.
On Wednesday he announced his intention of seeking help for a drinking problem after local newspapers published reports of his alleged drug use and a supposed recording of the mayor ranting and swearing in a bar earlier in the week.
Last year, after months of speculation, the 44 year-old admitted to smoking crack cocaine. Although many of his mayoral powers and his budget were swiftly stripped from him, he refused to resign or take a leave of absence.
City councillor Doug Ford, spoke of his relief that his brother had opted to undergo treatment.
“As an older brother, I am relieved that Rob has faced his problems and has decided to seek professional help,” he told a press conference. “This is not an easy thing for anyone to do, especially when you are the Mayor of a city.”
Several videos purportedly showing Ford either taking drugs or heavily under the influence of alcohol have emerged in the year since allegations of his substance abuse first came to public attention.
In spite of his notoriety, Ford says he expects to be reelected to office in October’s election.