Statement by Olivia Chow about Rob Ford

Toronto Mayoral candidate Olivia Chow. Photo from Wikipedia

Below is the statement of Toronto mayoral candidate Olivia Chow about current Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.

“Last night, I was angry when I learned the latest about Rob Ford. I was particularly angered by his offensive comments about women. This time, about Councillor Karen Stintz.

It is long past time we had a mayor who respected the dignity of everyone in our city.

And I am embarrassed to see our city in headlines around the world, once again. Not for good reasons. Not for reasons that make us proud.

It’s clear Mr. Ford is sick. He has serious substance abuse problems. I am sure everyone in our city joins me in extending hopes for him as a person to recover from this sickness.

As a mayor, however, he had his chance.

He chose to ignore calls to get help last year. The appropriate time to take a leave was then. The appropriate course now is for voters to choose a new mayor on October 27.”