LIVE CHAT: Toronto mayor Rob Ford ousted from office

We took your questions and comments from 6-7 p.m. live on CityNews.ca about the unprecedented developments out of city Hall

Hi everyone and welcome to this special live chat on the wild news day down at City Hall. In case you didn't hear, a judge has ordered Rob Ford's removed as mayor after he violated conflict-of-interest rules stemming from donations to his private football foundation.

by CityNews.ca 11/26/2012 11:11:19 PM
Avery Haines is just about to introduce the live chat live on CityNews. She and I will be moderating questions and comments until about 7 pm. We're sure it's going to be a lively chat as we've already received dozens of comments.

by CityNews.ca 11/26/2012 11:12:17 PM
Don't forget to vote in our snap poll on whether his pending appeal will be successful.

by CityNews.ca 11/26/2012 11:12:41 PM
As some more background, we have the full text of the decision here: www.citytv.com

by CityNews.ca 11/26/2012 11:13:18 PM
Avery: thanks for joining us.

by CityNews.ca 11/26/2012 11:15:53 PM
@CityNews.ca Richard...good to be here!

by Avery Haines (@CityAvery) 11/26/2012 11:16:16 PM
As you mentioned on air a few moments ago, this is definitely the talk of the town right now. Before we jump into viewers' comments and questions, were you surprised by the ruling this morning?

by CityNews.ca 11/26/2012 11:16:57 PM
@CityNews.ca I think everyone in the city was surprised, and the newsroom here @citynews is no exception. Most figured at the very most the Judge would give him a slap on the wrist. Few (except maybe the legal eagles) believed today's ruling would end in Fords removal of office.

by Avery Haines (@CityAvery) 11/26/2012 11:18:19 PM
Ok, let's get to some questions from our audience. We've got a whole bunch in the hopper ready to go...A reminder: this is a moderated chat. We will try our best to get to as many comments/questions as possible.

by CityNews.ca 11/26/2012 11:18:32 PM
we need new face

by sami 11/26/2012 11:19:08 PM
Since the court has ordered his immediate resignation, does Mayor Ford have to move out of his office in 14days or can he stay on office until after his appeal is heard? Will his appeal be taken to the Supreme Court of Canada since it is the higher court?

by Libbyrose 11/26/2012 11:19:14 PM
You will be missed.....but I'm sure you will be back there is no city without you Ford!!

by Wilson 11/26/2012 11:19:19 PM
Mayor Ford needs to respect the rule of law. His intent to fight the ruling only underlines that he believes there is a seperate set of rules fo his conduct.

by ....pam `.miller 11/26/2012 11:19:23 PM
I think the man is an idiot. I always have. He can barely put a sentence together. BUT I would prefer that he remain in office so that he can be trounced at the next election. So that he realizes that Toronto expects a full time mayor. Not someone who misses council or conferences to coach football. Perhaps if he had gone to the orientation where conflict of interest was explained, he wouldn't be in this mess. The man is a train wreck, and his allies will now start deserting him in droves.

by Philip Kerr 11/26/2012 11:19:51 PM
Rob Ford is a BULLY, he has proven it time and again. If not removed for legal reasons, he should be removed for being paid a full time salary for a part time job. He is an embarassment, and a buffoon. Read Rosie DiManno ... his staff are quitting because of incoherent phonecalls at 4 a.m ? Do us all a favour and Check into Rehab, Rob.

by Michael John 11/26/2012 11:20:01 PM
Why would the judge make a 7 day ban for Ford not to run when it should be 7 years given the seriousness of the situation?

by Michael 11/26/2012 11:20:06 PM
The now ex-mayor missed the meeting of the big city mayors earlier this month as he had to coach foot ball. In the private sector he would be out, no question. So glad he doesn't have all the power like the majority prime minister.

by Remind me, what was the... 11/26/2012 11:20:14 PM
It's about time. Rob Ford doesn't qualify in any way to be mayor of a world class city. Now the rest of Canada can stop laughing at us!

by Meg 11/26/2012 11:20:24 PM
@Libbyrose The court has ordered he be removed from office. But the judge has given City Hall 2 weeks breathing space to get it's house in order. In that time, the mayor can appeal but must apply for a STAY of today's ruling in order to remain in office while that appeal is heard.

by Avery Haines (@CityAvery) 11/26/2012 11:20:33 PM
If Rob is guilty he is not above the law and should not be in office. Why can we not find trustworthy honest people anymore. Rob is a mentor to young football players? I think Rob needs a turn on the tv show "Scared Straight!"

by Brenda Simpson 11/26/2012 11:20:52 PM
Lets do a back check on the Dynamic Duo Lawyer Clayton Ruby & Paul Magdar , lets see who is backing them up.

by Joe Parky 11/26/2012 11:20:56 PM
Hey yo. What will Rob do now?

by AlexHarveyBand 11/26/2012 11:20:58 PM
Nice to see City Hall clean out the Bullies, hopefully his sidekick Doug Ford is next...

by Richard Brown 11/26/2012 11:21:01 PM
Ford should do what's best for the city in the interim - leave! He can run again in two years after he can prove that he is a mature and capable to lead Toronto.

by Ken 11/26/2012 11:21:08 PM
I worked as Town Clerk for a number of years and I am very familiar with the Conflict of Interest and a Code of Conduct Policy for Memboers of Council. He knew exactly what he was doing. The Conflict of Interest Act is a very short Act to read and the Code of Conduct that the City of Toronto has in place would have been passed by the Council and is presented at the beginning of every Term of Office. This is what angers me. He knows he was in the wrong, but is playing stupid. Sorry he should not be allowed back in. He knows that the Conflict of Interest is like a bible that has to be adhered to. Also the Code of Conduct. I could say so much more but I had better stop now.

by Bailey 11/26/2012 11:21:30 PM
The court system is very easy on any member of Council who does not abide by the Conflict of Interest. Unfortunately Rob Ford did not commit a Criminal Offence. Therefore, I would be shocked if he lost his appeal.

by Bailey 11/26/2012 11:21:34 PM
Just go with a little dignity ! You stand NO ... 0 .... chance of being re-elected in any form . Enjoy the fresh manicure around the family business and concentrate on that businees

by Sean 11/26/2012 11:21:39 PM
Since day one, the Mayor has been bullied by the left and now they're having a party with the help of media. If the Mayor loose his appeal, it's a sad day for Scarborough. No Mayor has fought for Scarborough like him. The council rejected subway for Scarborough but now lobbying to add subway lines in downtown with our tax money including Scarborough which has been denied its subway.

by Fedup 11/26/2012 11:21:52 PM
Gone with the ford

by Simon 11/26/2012 11:21:53 PM
May be Mr Rob is good at his job of Mayor, I agree with kicked him out of office. As being a personality like Mayor being involved in conflict of interest, 2 counts of distracted driving and using TTC bus for his football team (Tax payers money)

by Bob 11/26/2012 11:22:03 PM
It's unfortunate, but everyone has to follow the rules. Great lesson in civics for many people.

by Kevin Harron 11/26/2012 11:22:06 PM
@AlexHarveyBand What does he do now? Fight. He said he will fight tooth and nail and says todays ruling is the work of a "left wing politico's".

by Avery Haines (@CityAvery) 11/26/2012 11:22:23 PM
Not only does the Mayor have contempt for the City... now the judge doesn't deserve respect either! For the good of Toronto Ford needs to resign!

by goodtimn 11/26/2012 11:22:24 PM
Nobody's perfect. The judge is erred to give harsh punishment for menial error. Nobody can work if he's been subjected to harrasment and sabotage daily as Rob Ford has suffered.

by Fedup 11/26/2012 11:22:29 PM
Using your political influence to help a children's charity is not the worst thing I have heard in municple politics...

by scoytas 11/26/2012 11:23:01 PM
I'm disappointed in the man. He says the left is out to get him, yet he paints the target himself.

by John 11/26/2012 11:23:16 PM
Ford has no excuse, either he's completely incompetent, or doesn't give a rats ....

by Donald Holben 11/26/2012 11:23:19 PM
So does this mean we're stuck with deputy mayor, or would there be an election?

by Ryan 11/26/2012 11:23:29 PM
@Fedup There have been a number of comments about it being ludicrous that the mayor is being kicked out of office over a 3 thosuand dollar donation. Others say it speaks to a much larger issue of integrity.

by Avery Haines (@CityAvery) 11/26/2012 11:23:48 PM
While I am not a fan of Rob Ford, I take no great satisfaction in his being removed from office. However, our conflict of interest laws exist for a reason, and they must be enforced vigorously and without exception. The very foundation of our democracy depends on it.

by Torontonian 11/26/2012 11:24:39 PM
If he did what they said he did or not, I believe that the people of Toronto have the right to vote for or against the removal of the mayor Rob Ford. I personally believe that he should serve the remainder of his term and then let Toronto and its voting citizens decide who shall serve office next.

by Dhart 11/26/2012 11:24:45 PM
Do you honestly believe those charges of conflict of interest would have been brought if it was David Miller. I strongly believe it would not have. This is definately another attack originating from the left wingers like Vaghn and Carroll and the other cronies of ex mayor
Miller

by Rick 11/26/2012 11:24:51 PM
@Ryan There are a number of otpions. Council must decide whether to appoint a new mayor (either a current councillor or someone from the outside), the deputy mayor could run the rest of the mandate, or Ford could win a stay and be allowed to keep his office while he appeals the ruling.

by Avery Haines (@CityAvery) 11/26/2012 11:24:53 PM
what did he do exactly? i am so confused

by wait, what is rob ford... 11/26/2012 11:24:53 PM
How much did Ruby rake in, or was it pro-bono?

by Mark-Alan Whittle 11/26/2012 11:26:14 PM