Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Rob Ford

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Rob Ford.

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

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.

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.

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.

June 2006: Controversial Comments on AIDS Funding

In June 2006, Rob Ford opposed the city donating $1.5 million to AIDS prevention, arguing it wasn't a concern for most taxpayers.

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.

March 7, 2007: Comments on Cyclists Sharing Roads

On March 7, 2007, Rob Ford spoke against cyclists sharing roads with motorists, arguing that roads were built for buses, cars, and trucks, not bikes.

March 5, 2008: Remarks About Oriental People

On March 5, 2008, Rob Ford stated "Those Oriental people work like dogs", a remark he later formally apologized for while stating that he meant it as a compliment.

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.

May 2010: Apology for AIDS Comments

In May 2010, Rob Ford apologized for his 2006 comments on AIDS funding after his opponent, George Smitherman, questioned his character.

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: Bike Lanes on Jarvis Street

In 2010, bike lanes were installed on Jarvis Street over the objection of traffic advocates.

October 25, 2011: Police called to Ford's home for domestic dispute

On October 25, 2011, police were called to Rob Ford's home to investigate a domestic dispute. No charges were filed.

December 25, 2011: Police called to Ford's home on Christmas Day

On December 25, 2011, police were called to Rob Ford's home on Christmas Day due to concerns that Ford, who had been drinking, was going to take his children to Florida against his wife's wishes. No charges were filed.

2011: Reversal of Bike Lane Decision

In 2011, as mayor, Rob Ford got the council to reverse the decision to install bike lanes on Jarvis Street, a move that was criticized by cycling advocates and led to protests.

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.

December 2012: Removal of Jarvis Street Bike Lanes

In December 2012, the Jarvis Street bike lanes, which cost $86,000 to install in 2011, were removed at a cost of $200,000–$300,000. Physically separated bike lanes on Sherbourne Street were installed at the same time.

2012: Domestic incident calls to police

In 2012, further domestic incident calls were made to the police at Rob Ford's home. No charges were filed.

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.

August 27, 2013: Police called to Ford's home for domestic dispute

On August 27, 2013, police were called to Rob Ford's home for another domestic dispute. No charges were filed.

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.

2013: Substance Abuse Scandal

In 2013, Rob Ford faced a substance abuse scandal that garnered widespread national and international media coverage. Following his admission, the city council transferred mayoral powers to the Deputy Mayor.

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.

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.

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.