Rob and Doug Ford gang up on Toronto’s chief medical officer
Rob and Doug Ford may have gone too far in their war of words against the war on cars. On their radio show this week, the brothers targeted Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s medical officer of health, who last week recommended a city-wide reduction of speed limits (the board of health has since suggested pilot projects to reduce speed limits, but only in neighbourhoods that want them). The mayor called McKeown’s $290,000 salary “an embarrassment” and something he’d look into, while Doug—doing some long-distance bullying from Florida, where his daughter is competing in a cheerleading competition—questioned why McKeown even had the job. That speechifying caught the attention of health board chair John Filion, who promised to see how the board can respond. Apparently it’s inappropriate to publicly criticize an independent staff member for giving fact-based recommendations (NOW Magazine even interpreted the Fords’ comments as a precursor to a Gary Webster–style firing). Though we don’t dispute the Fords’ love of zooming down the freeway, we’re hoping the brash talk is just an attempt to pep up a less than electrifying radio show and not a plan of action. [Toronto Star]
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Rob and Doug Ford may have gone too far in their war of words against the war on cars. On their radio show this week, the brothers targeted Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's medical officer of health, who last week recommended a city-wide reduction of speed limits (the board of health has since suggested pilot projects to reduce speed limits, but only in neighbourhoods that want them). The mayor called McKeown’s $290,000 salary “an embarrassment” and something he’d look into, while Doug—doing some long-distance bullying from Florida, where his daughter is competing in a cheerleading competition—questioned why McKeown even had the job. That speechifying caught the attention of health board chair John Filion, who promised to see how the board can respond. Apparently it’s inappropriate to publicly criticize an independent staff member for giving fact-based recommendations (NOW Magazine even interpreted the Fords’ comments as a precursor to a Gary Webster–style firing). Though we don’t dispute the Fords’ love of zooming down the freeway, we’re hoping the brash talk is just an attempt to pep up a less than electrifying radio show and not a plan of action. [Toronto Star]){kind=link}
I don’t know…I think the Ford brothers should show Toronto’s medical officer of health a little more respect. At their weight, they may be needing the good doctor sooner than they’d like.
Doctors shouldn’t get rich on government money, they should be getting rich by bilking and ripping off their patients in a free market health care delivery system.
The Brothers Ford continue their war on pedestrians and bikes. Just one look at the guys, and we can see what their embrace of car culture has done to their health.
When its a doctor proposing lower speed limits (something Rob is against), Rob wants him out. When its a doctor proposing a subway along Sheppard East, Rob thinks he’s a genius.
Just say if someone is against him, they should all be fired, but if they are for him, they should stay.
Oh, you wouldn’t like him if he gets angry.
It won’t be long…or perhaps it’s already been done…before the good people of Toronto will start calling these guys “Bob and Doug”, lol….hosers, eh?
Another completely inappropriate pronouncement by the brothers Ford. By all means look into this, Rob – by all means debate the Dr., Dougie. I would love to see you two go up against an EDUCATED man. You are both complete embarrassments to the City of Toronto. History is going to treat you like the jokes you are – but unfortunately we have to live through your bumbling to get there.
Ah yes, Dough Ford questioning why someone holds their job. Kind of ironic, isn’t it? Hey Doug, why do you have your job? No political experience, no education, not even a resident of the ward you represent….oh your last name is Ford? Right, I forgot. That entitles you to the entire city. Carry on.
Fact based recommendations? OK so saying at current speed limits we have x accidents and by lowering speed limits we will have less is not a fact, is speculation at best.