Ford became mayor of Canada's biggest city by taking 47 per cent of the vote and outpacing his closest competitor by 10 points. While his candid talk led to clashes with some of his fellow councillors, Ford gained a following for trying to reduce bureaucratic waste and show 'respect for the taxpayers.' His promise to 'stop the gravy train' at city hall became the central mantra of his 2010 mayoral campaign and ultimately lifted him to victory. The senior Ford later served as an Ontario MPP, a posting that inspired Rob and his brother Doug's entry into municipal politics. I want to keep working for the people of this city.' From businessman to politicianįord had everyman appeal despite having less-than-humble beginnings himself. He and his brothers worked for Deco Labels & Tags, the multimillion-dollar family business founded by his father, Doug Ford, Sr. 'I love the work that I do and I'm going to keep doing it. 'I have made mistakes and all I can do right now is apologize for those mistakes,' Ford said at a news conference in June 2014, after a two-month stint in rehab. It was a testament to his common touch that even as Ford faced a growing number of controversies related to drug use, public drunkenness and racist and sexist comments, many voters in the so-called 'Ford Nation' continued to stand by him. He was equally defined by his apparent contradictions: a millionaire with a working-class attitude a cost-cutting crusader who promoted subway expansion over less expensive transit solutions and a man who while serving as mayor often seemed more interested in coaching high school football. Over his decade and a half in municipal politics, Ford won a devoted following for being a straight talker who championed the average taxpayer.' The family will not be making any statements to the media or taking any questions. Information will follow at a later time regarding memorial services. The family asks that you respect their privacy and join them in their grieving and their prayers. 'With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved son, brother, husband, and father, Councillor Rob Ford earlier today at the age of 46.Ī dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto. His death was confirmed by his chief of staff Dan Jacobs, who issued the following statement:

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Rob Ford, the former Toronto mayor who polarized voters with his brash, uncompromising political style and became an international celebrity for his drug and alcohol use while in office, has died.

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