This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Toronto’s Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly has now officially assumed the position of the city’s de facto mayor until Mayor Rob Ford returns. The announcement was made by Mr. Kelly at City Hall just before noon on Thursday, i.e. few hours after Ford submitted a formal notice of leave and left the office to seek help for his alcohol problem.
During the press conference, Kelly said that “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 added that “the actions of the mayor are inexcusable. It is fundamental that we as members of a council respect each other and the people we represent.” Kelly announced that “as such, I have agreed to assume the responsibilities of mayor” and “this transition is effective immediately.” However, Kelly had already acquired majority of the mayoral powers last November when Ford admitted to smoking crack cocaine and buying illegal drugs.
Kelly and city manager, Joe Pennachetti, both asserted at the press conference that it will be “business as usual” at City Hall while Ford is away. He said that the “Council will continue to move forward steadily and we build on the successes we’ve achieved over the past five months.” Kelly had urged Ford to take a leave when the first crack scandal intensified and now wished the mayor well in rehab. He alleged to welcome back Mayor Ford once he gets “professional help.”
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