© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Rob Ford pulls out of Toronto mayor's race due to health concerns

robfordformayor.ca

There is another twist today in the municipal election in Toronto. Scandal-plagued mayor Rob Ford has quit the race, and will be replaced on the ballot by his brother.  A Toronto city clerk has confirmed that Rob Ford has withdrawn from the election campaign. Earlier Friday, his brother Doug Ford said the mayor is facing surgery and chemotherapy and could be bedridden for up to eight weeks. He is quoted as saying Rob Ford is in for the "fight of his life."

Friday afternoon was the city deadline for who will appear on the election ballot. With brother Doug now seeking the top job,  the mayor will now run in his old riding in the city council. The mayor's nephew, Mike Ford, who was running for councillor in that ward, has withdrawn.

Thursday night, Rob Ford underwent a CT scan at Toronto’s Mount Sinai hospital.   Doctors say there is a mass in his abdomen, and they have taken a biopsy, but the results won’t be known for nearly a week. He is also scheduled for an MRI today.  
 
Doctors wouldn’t speculate on the mass in Ford’s abdomen, saying only that it’s a "fair size" and he is described as being in some pain.

A spokesman for the mayor has asked for privacy for Ford and his family and thanked the residents of Toronto for their outpouring of support.
 

WBFO’s comprehensive news coverage extends into Southern Ontario and Dan Karpenchuk is the station’s voice from the north. The award-winning reporter covers binational issues, including economic trends, the environment, tourism and transportation.