Career Timeline of Rob Ford: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 17, 2025

How Rob Ford built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rob Ford was a Canadian politician and businessman best known for serving as the 64th Mayor of Toronto from 2010 to 2014. Prior to and following his mayoral term, he was a city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North. He initially entered Toronto City Council in 2000 and was re-elected twice before becoming mayor. Ford's tenure was marked by both his populist appeal and significant controversies.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1995: Father becomes MPP

In 1995, Rob Ford's father became a Progressive Conservative member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP).

1997: First Run for Toronto City Council

In 1997, Rob Ford first ran for Toronto City Council in Ward 3 Kingsway-Humber but placed fourth.

1999: Father's Term as MPP Ends

In 1999, the term of Rob Ford's father as a Progressive Conservative member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) ended.

2000: Start of Term as City Councillor

In 2000, Rob Ford began his tenure as a city councillor, representing Ward 2 Etobicoke North.

2000: Elected as Councillor for Ward 2

In 2000, Rob Ford was elected as a councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North, defeating the incumbent Elizabeth Brown. He received the endorsement of the Toronto Star.

2000: Election to Toronto City Council

In 2000, Rob Ford was elected to the Toronto City Council, marking the beginning of his career in municipal politics.

2001: Ford coached at Newtonbrook Secondary School

In 2001, Rob Ford first coached football at Newtonbrook Secondary School, but was later dismissed due to a dispute with a player.

2001: Proposed Budget Cuts

In 2001, Rob Ford proposed cuts to councillors' office budgets, travel expenses, and perks, aiming to save $100 million. He voted against a 5% property tax increase and paid for his office expenses from his own salary.

2001: Budget Deliberations and Passionate Speeches

In 2001, during budget deliberations, Rob Ford gained a reputation for passionate speeches, criticizing government spending and red tape. He argued against spending on a suicide prevention barrier and suggested focusing on child molesters instead.

2003: Endorsement of Political Candidates

In 2003, Rob Ford endorsed twelve political candidates on a platform of fiscal responsibility, targeting fellow councillors whom he accused of mismanaging funds. Most of the targeted councillors were re-elected, except Sherene Shaw, who was defeated by Michael Del Grande.

2003: Re-elected with 80% of the vote

In 2003, Rob Ford was re-elected in Ward 2 with 80% of the vote, defeating two candidates from the local Somali community.

2005: Constituent Responsiveness

In 2005, Rob Ford's responsiveness to constituents' problems was tested by local radio station AM 640. He was one of only three councillors to call back in person within a day to report a pothole.

2006: Ford Wins Election Again

In 2006, Rob Ford won the election again, defeating Somali-Canadian candidate Cadigia Ali, with 66% of the vote.

October 2010: End of Term as City Councillor

In October 2010, Rob Ford's term as city councillor concluded after serving since 2000.

December 2010: Inauguration Ceremony and First Council Meeting

In December 2010, Rob Ford's inauguration ceremony took place at the first meeting of the new council, where Don Cherry introduced him and put the chain of office on him. Cherry's remarks garnered some controversy.

2010: DUI and marijuana possession became an election issue

During Rob Ford's 2010 mayoral campaign, a 1999 arrest in Miami, Florida, for DUI and marijuana possession became an election issue when the Toronto Star published details of his arrest. He initially denied it but later apologized.

2010: Doug Ford became city councillor

In 2010, Doug Ford, Rob Ford's brother, became the Toronto city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North, coinciding with Rob's term as mayor.

2010: Ford becomes Mayor of Toronto

In 2010, Rob Ford assumed office as the 64th mayor of Toronto, marking a significant point in his political career.

January 1, 2011: Cancellation of Vehicle Registration Tax

On January 1, 2011, the council cancelled the annual $60 personal vehicle registration tax, fulfilling a campaign promise of Rob Ford's. This tax cancellation was passed by the previous council.

2011: Ford's first year as mayor

In 2011, during Rob Ford's first year as mayor, the council mostly endorsed his proposals. Garbage pickup west of Yonge Street was privatized, and there was no property tax increase. The council also voted to declare the TTC an essential service.

2013: Ford was dismissed from Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School

In 2013, Rob Ford was dismissed from his coaching position at Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School after a controversial television interview led to a review of his coaching.

2013: Council endorsed Ford's plan to cancel "Transit City"

In the summer of 2013, the City Council endorsed Ford's plan to cancel the "Transit City" transit plan and build the Scarborough Subway Extension, fulfilling one of Ford's main campaign promises. This project was later approved and received funding both provincially and federally.