What else happened with Rob Ford this afternoon?

What else happened with Rob Ford this afternoon?

(Image: Christopher Drost)

After Doug Ford’s press conference earlier today, the pace of Rob Ford news slowed considerably. Here’s what else there is to know about the mayor’s predicament, so far.

Deputy mayor Norm Kelly will assume the mayor’s powers

The process of moving Norm Kelly into the mayor’s seat began in November, when council stripped Ford of most of his administrative powers. Today, when Ford submitted his notice of leave, the process was complete. At a press conference, Kelly announced that he would be taking over Ford’s remaining duties “effective immediately” and that the city’s business would be unaffected. “The events that have brought us together this morning can be best described as a personal tragedy and should not be seen as a crisis of government,” he said.

Unless Ford resigns or is absent for an extended period of time, he will be able to resume his mayoralty when he returns to Toronto.

Destination unknown

The Ford family hasn’t disclosed where the mayor plans on spending his leave of absence. Doug Ford has told reporters that his brother is bound for “one of the best facilities in North America,” but that’s as specific as things have gotten. Global reports that the mayor took a flight to Chicago at some point after last night’s craziness, but there’s been no word on whether that’s his final destination.

Insult to injury

On top of everything else, next week’s city council agenda includes a new integrity commissioner’s report on Rob Ford. The commissioner investigated a November incident, during which Ford used robocalls to badmouth councillor Paul Ainslie’s stance on the Scarborough subway extension. The report concludes that Ford’s conduct was discreditable, and that it violated city council’s code of conduct.

The final insult

Also on the council agenda: councillors Paula Fletcher and Janet Davis want Ford to stop putting his signature on street signs the city plans to auction off. “Many enthusiasts would prefer not to purchase a sign that is signed by anyone, as it defaces the sign and reduces its value,” their motion says.

Also, the Iron Sheik is sad

Apparently he’s still in town, for some reason.