Kenney calls on Ford to resign
Brings ‘dishonour’ to public office, minister says
OTTAWA — One of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s top cabinet ministers is calling on Toronto Mayor Rob Ford to resign after bringing “dishonour” to Canada’s largest city — as some differing opinions emerge on the issue from the Conservative government.
A day after the Prime Minister’s Office called allegations against Ford “troubling” — but avoided saying whether he should resign — Employment and Social Development Minister Jason Kenney on Tuesday took a much sharper tone.
Kenney said he believes Ford — who has admitted to smoking crack cocaine while mayor — has embarrassed the city and should resign.
“I will say, though, as an elected official, that I think Mr. Ford has brought dishonour to public office, to the office of mayor, and his city,” Kenney told reporters Tuesday in Ottawa. “I wished he had taken a leave of absence some time ago to go and deal with his personal problems. But not having done that, I personally think he should step aside and stop dragging the city of Toronto through this terrible embarrassment.”
Other cabinet ministers, however, stopped short of saying Ford should step aside.
Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney said it’s “regrettable and deplorable” for people to use illegal drugs. But when pressed about what Ford shoulddo, Blaney said the mayor should answer that question.
“No one is above the law and obviously, I’d add that any person who faces charges or is found guilty must face the consequences. Now our society follows the rule of law in which a person is innocent until proven guilty,” Blaney said.
Justice Minister Peter MacKay took a shot at Ford and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, who have both admitted to using drugs while an elected official.
“My views as attorney general and justice minister on drug use are pretty clear. I think any politician who is active in public life that is admitting to drug use has to do some serious reflection on what message that sends, so that includes Mr. Trudeau, Mr. Ford,” MacKay said.