Full text: Doug Ford’s statement to the media about his brother’s leave of absence
A few minutes ago at city hall, Doug Ford addressed the media about his brother’s leave of absence following Wednesday night’s revelations. Choking back tears, he expressed relief at Rob Ford‘s decision to step back temporarily from politics. Doug also asked the media to “respect [the mayor’s] privacy,” which seems like a tall order. He took no questions from reporters and didn’t specifically address any of the mayor’s recent misbehaviour.
A transcript of his statement is below.
Well folks, I can tell you that this is one of the toughest days of my life.
But in saying that, I also have a sense of relief. As an older brother, I’m relieved that Rob has faced his problems and has decided to seek professional help. This is not an easy thing for anyone to do, especially when you’re the mayor of the city.
I encouraged my brother to take this time for himself, and for the sake of his family. Many people believe they can handle any problem by themselves. However, sometimes you need the help of your family, your friends and professionals.
Rob was very emotional when he told me the hardest thing about this is he knows he let people down. He let his family down. He let his friends down. He let his colleagues down. He let his supporters down, and the people of Toronto.
I told Rob that everyone knows someone who has faced these challenges, and I know they will wish him well and a speedy recovery. I also believe this with even people that may not have the same political stripes as Rob does. I love my brother. I’ll continue to stand by my brother and his family throughout this difficult journey.
Please join me and keep Rob and his family in your prayers. In the interest of Rob’s family, I ask the media, please respect his privacy.
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/city/full-text-doug-fords-statement-media-brothers-leave-absence/&title=Full text: Doug Ford’s statement to the media about his brother’s leave of absence&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/doug-ford-serious-624x395.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_272441" align="alignnone" width="656"] (Image: Christopher Drost)[/caption]
A few minutes ago at city hall, Doug Ford addressed the media about his brother's leave of absence following Wednesday night's revelations. Choking back tears, he expressed relief at Rob Ford's decision to step back temporarily from politics. Doug also asked the media to "respect [the mayor's] privacy," which seems like a tall order. He took no questions from reporters and didn't specifically address any of the mayor's recent misbehaviour.
A transcript of his statement is below.
Well folks, I can tell you that this is one of the toughest days of my life.
But in saying that, I also have a sense of relief. As an older brother, I'm relieved that Rob has faced his problems and has decided to seek professional help. This is not an easy thing for anyone to do, especially when you're the mayor of the city.
I encouraged my brother to take this time for himself, and for the sake of his family. Many people believe they can handle any problem by themselves. However, sometimes you need the help of your family, your friends and professionals.
Rob was very emotional when he told me the hardest thing about this is he knows he let people down. He let his family down. He let his friends down. He let his colleagues down. He let his supporters down, and the people of Toronto.
I told Rob that everyone knows someone who has faced these challenges, and I know they will wish him well and a speedy recovery. I also believe this with even people that may not have the same political stripes as Rob does. I love my brother. I'll continue to stand by my brother and his family throughout this difficult journey.
Please join me and keep Rob and his family in your prayers. In the interest of Rob's family, I ask the media, please respect his privacy.){kind=link}
Perhaps Doug should have urged this treatment a year ago? Perhaps he should not have made excuses and lied about Rob’s issues? Perhaps he shouldn’t be helping him run for Mayor when he clearly isn’t capable? Doug needs to own his part in this too.
The Ford brother’s reign of terror over Toronto is coming to a close, they may have been able to carry on like bullies when they were councillor’s in Etobicoke, but it did not fly in Toronto. Too little too late now, please move along and go back to running your family business and keep your shenanigans out of politics
He was an enabler from the get go!
Sorry The Mayor is not off limits! It’s Open Season on this Lying degenerate!
I sympathize with him as someone who appears to be an addict for his kids sake. However, being a citizen of the city who he has constantly lied to and made a mockery of for such a long period of time is infuriating. It’s wasn’t funny the first time he messed up and it hasn’t been funny the past 100 times. I’m so sick of hearing about this man and allowing him to have a platform to voice his horribly racist, sexist and rude opinions on an international scale. Toronto is a fantastic city, but it has been withheld due to this lying moron for long enough.
Adiós Rob Ford.
I think its safe to now say that Rob Ford is unfit to be this great city’s mayor and always has been. The argument of keeping out of his personal life, while valid, is now too entangled with his ability to effectively perform his duties as a mayor. By taking a leave from campaigning it seems he is now more focused on his personal life than taking care of the city of Toronto. Second chances are usually given once, he’s had plenty….
Looking forward to October and electing a mayor that Toronto can not only be proud of, but hopefully correct the views of this city on the world stage
Is he the worst brother ever?
It’s difficult to feel bad for Doug when he has enabled his brothers’ behaviour by defending every idiotic thing he did.
Dear Dougie. Dear Robbie. You are unfit for public office. We don’t care now, and that is the greatest loss you’ve had. Why don’t you resign and get out of here!
“Keep Rob in your prayers” – Yeah I don’t think so Tim…
Fake tears.
Rumor has it that Rob Ford is at one of John Haines Rehab Centre’s. For the Taxpayers sake, I HOPE NOT!!!
John Haines is a CONVICTED DRUG DEALER. He has been Convicted of Money Laundering, Assaults, Drinking and Driving, Possession for the Purpose…, goes on and on. He is KNOWN FOR RIPPING OFF ADDICTIONS.
He operates Vita Novus, Addiction Canada Treatment Network, Pickerel Lake Recovery, Muskoka Recovery Centre, Ontrio North Addictions, How it works Recovery, Recovery Net…,
He has tons of lawsuites against him.
http://www.reviewstalk.com/complaints-reviews/illegal-rehab-operation-vita-novus-addiction-canada-treatment-network-john-haines-l32821.html
http://blog.canadiandrugrehabcentres.com/2011/12/16/welcome-to-pickerel-lake-recovery-center/
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/vita-novus-complaints-staff-selling-drugs-staff-popping-pills-unzoned-unlicensed-john-haines-vita-novus-addiction-canada-treatment-complaints-c695022.html
http://blog.canadiandrugrehabcentres.com/2012/08/25/muskoka-recovery-center/
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/muskoka-recovery-center-john-haines-muskoka-recovery-center-c627055.html
http://www.reviewstalk.com/complaints-reviews/addiction-canada-treatment-network-l33247.html
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/vita-novus-new-life-recovery-center-stouffville-ontario-c353871.html