Since admitting last year that he had smoked crack cocaine, substance abuse had haunted Toronto Mayor Rob Ford again when multiple reports said that a video has been released of him smoking the drug again. Ford will reportedly take a leave of absence to seek help for his substance abuse.
In a statement yesterday, the 44 year-old politician said, "I have a problem with alcohol, and the choices I have made while under the influence. After taking some time to think about my own well-being, how to best serve the people of Toronto and what is in the best interests of my family, I have decided to take a leave from campaigning and from my duties as mayor to seek immediate help."
According to Ford, he is planning to get professional help and vows to be 100% fully committed to get himself right. He had also expressed plans to continue with his re-election campaign in the biggest city in Canada in October, according to his lawyer Dennis Morris said in an interview broadcast on CP24 television yesterday. Ford's responsibilities will be taken over by Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, the latter told reporters.
Globe and Mail earlier reported that it had seen a video by a self-described drug dealer who had taped Ford allegedly smoking the substance. The newspaper added that two of its reporters had seen the video of the beleaguered Toronto mayor taking a drag from a long copper-colored pipe and exhaling a cloud of smoke after. The newspaper's website clai that the video is one among the three the drug dealer reportedly had filmed on April 26 in the basement of the mayor's sister.
Aside from the substance abuse video, The Toronto Sun said that it had obtained an audio recording of Ford complaining about his wife Renata and making lewd comments about mayoral candidate Karen Stintz.
Mayoral candidate John Tory said on CP24 television last night about Ford's latest scandals, "I am deeply disappointed by these revelations. For the good of the city, I call on Mayor Ford to resign."
Councilor Shelley Carroll, who is also on the same station, chimed in and said, "The mayor's attitude towards women comes out when he is in the throes of substance abuse."
