Challenges Faced by Rob Ford: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Rob Ford faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

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.

2000: Gang Violence in Ward 2

In 2000, Ward 2 experienced gang violence, including six murders.

2002: Heated Exchanges with Giorgio Mammoliti

In 2002, Rob Ford and Giorgio Mammoliti had heated exchanges during municipal budget debates, with Mammoliti calling Ford a "goon" and Ford calling Mammoliti a "scammer" and a "Gino-boy." Mammoliti filed a complaint alleging a racist remark.

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.

April 15, 2006: Ford attended a Toronto Maple Leafs game

On April 15, 2006, Rob Ford attended a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game at the Air Canada Centre, where he was reported to be intoxicated and acting inappropriately. He initially denied being at the game but later admitted it and apologized.

September 2006: Death of Rob Ford's father

In September 2006, the death of Rob Ford's father, Doug Ford Sr., due to cancer, marked a period when Ford transitioned to crack cocaine use in addition to alcohol. According to reporter Robyn Doolittle, Ford would come home at night and either drink heavily or use hard drugs or prescription pills.

2006: Ford's alcohol and drug abuse grew after his father's death

After the death of his father in 2006, Rob Ford's alcohol and drug abuse grew, leading to public episodes of intoxication and subsequent denials. His abuse led to him being stripped of much of his power as mayor.

2008: Ford was charged with assault and threatening to kill his wife

In 2008, following a 9-1-1 call from the Ford home, Rob Ford was charged with assault and threatening to kill his wife. The charges were later dropped due to credibility issues with his wife's statements. Ford and his wife sought marital counseling afterward.

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.

March 2012: Ford was "very intoxicated" at City Hall and a downtown restaurant

During Saint Patrick's Day festivities in March 2012, Rob Ford was "very intoxicated" at City Hall and a downtown restaurant. He held a "wild party" in his office, knocked down a staffer, insulted others, and allegedly did cocaine in a private room at the restaurant. He made racial slurs to a cab driver and wandered around City Hall with a bottle of brandy.

February 2013: Ford attended the Garrison Ball and was reported to be incoherent

In February 2013, Rob Ford attended the Garrison Ball and was reported to be incoherent. His staff ushered him out after an event organizer asked him to leave.

February 2013: Video of Ford smoking crack cocaine was recorded

In February 2013, Rob Ford was recorded smoking crack cocaine from a glass pipe. The video was released on August 11, 2016.

March 2013: Ford accused of groping Sarah Thomson

In March 2013, Rob Ford was accused of groping former mayoral candidate Sarah Thomson at a social event, and Thomson publicly stated that she thought that he was high on cocaine. Around that time, Ford was recorded on video smoking crack cocaine.

November 2013: Incident at St. Patrick's Day festivities revealed

In November 2013, an incident that occurred at St. Patrick's Day festivities in March 2012 was revealed after an e-mail from a City Hall security guard describing the incident was found through access to information requests.

November 2013: Ford denied making lewd remarks and later apologized

In November 2013, on live television, Rob Ford denied that he had made lewd remarks to a female aide but later apologized for his graphic remarks.

April 2014: Ford denied access to Director's Lounge at the Air Canada Centre

In April 2014, Rob Ford was denied access to the Director's Lounge at the Air Canada Centre, and he was video-recorded using profanities during an argument with security staff. He denied being intoxicated and blamed the incident on voting against a contribution to MLSE's plan to expand BMO Field.

September 12, 2014: Ford withdrew his mayoral candidacy

On September 12, 2014, Rob Ford withdrew his candidacy for mayor due to the discovery of a cancerous tumor in his abdomen, and his brother Doug registered in his place.

September 2014: Ford admitted to hospital with abdominal tumour

In September 2014, Rob Ford was admitted to Humber River Regional Hospital with an abdominal tumour. He announced that he would not run in the 2014 mayoral election, and his brother Doug would run in his place.

September 2014: Diagnosis of Abdominal Tumour

In September 2014, Rob Ford was hospitalized and diagnosed with an abdominal tumour, leading to his withdrawal from the mayoral race.

September 17, 2014: Ford diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma

On September 17, 2014, Dr. Zane Cohen revealed that Rob Ford had been diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He was treated with chemotherapy and surgery.

October 2014: Ford Withdraws From Mayoral Race

In October 2014, Rob Ford withdrew from the mayoral race, initially scheduled for October 2014, due to being hospitalized with an abdominal tumour. He then ran for his old city council seat instead.

May 11, 2015: Ford to have surgery

On May 11, 2015, Rob Ford had a lengthy surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. He announced that he would be "out of commission" for four months.

October 28, 2015: Ford revealed new tumour on bladder

On October 28, 2015, Rob Ford revealed that a new tumour was growing on his bladder, later confirmed to be cancerous and consistent with liposarcoma.

March 2016: Death After Cancer Treatment

In March 2016, Rob Ford passed away after his cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, proved ineffective. He had briefly returned to council before his death.

March 17, 2016: Ford in hospital with family

On March 17, 2016, Rob Ford's office announced he was in the hospital with his family beside him as chemotherapy treatment had not been successful. His health was being reviewed to determine if he could continue treatment.

August 11, 2016: Crack cocaine video released

On August 11, 2016, the original video of Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine was released from publication ban by the Toronto Police Service after the extortion charge against Sandro Lisi was dropped. The video, recorded in February 2013, showed Ford smoking crack cocaine from a glass pipe.