Rob Ford discussed his addiction issues and asked for forgiveness from the city, fellow councillors and his family at a news conference this afternoon marking his return from rehab to city hall. But rivals in Toronto's mayor's race may not be ready to accept his apology.
Ford has been out of office for two months getting addiction treatment at Greenestone, a facility north of the city. He used his return to pledge that he is clean and will continue treatment.
He also recommitted to winning the election, saying he hopes to lead the city as mayor for many years to come.
Olivia Chow, who is also seeking the mayor's job in the Oct. 27 municipal election, said Ford's sobriety is not the issue. She called him a "failed mayor."
"I wish him well. Substance abuse is a disease, and he is sick," she said. "But Rob Ford needs to be replaced."
She said his apology seemed sincere, but again reiterated he has failed the city with his policies.
She said she would not call on him to step down, however. She wants voters to decide that on election day.
"The people of Toronto need to issue a verdict," she said. "Let us collectively, democratically send Mr. Ford out of office."
Rival candidate John Tory said there are too many unanswered questions for Ford to be able to continue as mayor.
He said Ford had "massively embarrassed" the city and is "incapable of working with council and other levels of government."
Tory agreed it was an emotional day for Ford, but pointed to other problems with his mayoralty besides addiction.
For instance, he said, Ford was "mixing private and public business" as mayor, referencing an allegation of inside lobbying at city hall.
Tory said the risk is too high to have Ford continue as mayor.
While Ford was away, Chow released several attack ads characterizing the mayor's behaviour as embarrassing. Tory framed his attack at Ford in the form of a 10-point personal "code of conduct" he vows to adopt if elected.
Ford, Chow and Tory are in a crowded field of candidates seeking the mayor's job in the Oct. 27 municipal election.
