A teary-eyed Rob Ford said going to rehab saved his life and apologized for his past actions before launching into his standard stump speech.
Still resolved to by the mayor of Toronto, Ford said he had been denial about his drug and alcohol issues an decided to go to rehab “experiencing some of the darkest moments in my life.”
“I knew it was time to take action, it was time to get help, professional help,” said Ford to select members of the media. “I now know the staff at GreeneStone saved my life.”
Ford entered rehab at Greenestone in Bala, Ont. on May 1 after fresh reports of a new video of him in which he appears to smoke crack cocaine. Soon after, the Toronto Star published a bizarre report of a drunken night during which the paper said Ford offered his up his wife to another man and assaulting Alessandro Lisi, a man charged with extortion in relation to that first crack video.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford holds back his emotions while speaking during an invite-only press conference at City Hall in Toronto on Monday, June 30, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
Today, Ford said he has ended his associations with “some of the company I kept” and said he has no one but himself to blame for his actions.
“I want to sincerely, sincerely apologize not just to the people of Toronto but every single person who was hurt by my words and my actions,” he said. “It was never, never my intention to embarrass the city or offend my fellow members of council.”
He specifically singled out Coun. Karen Stintz, a fellow mayor candidate, to offer an apology. Just before he left for rehab, the Toronto Sun released an audio recording of the mayor in which he can be heard making lewd sexual comments about Stintz.
“To my fellow councillors, and especially to Karen Stintz, for m hurtful and degrading remarks, I offer a deep-felt apology for my behaviour,” said Ford.
He did make mention of other moments of misogyny, racism or homophobia and reporters were warned in advance he would not be taking questions. Only select members of the press were invited to attend today’s statement. City Hall regulars, including the press gallery president and national wire service the Canadian Press, didn’t make the cut.
Ford said he’ll be battling “this disease” for the rest of his life and that he will be receiving ongoing professional treatment, but he apparently intends to remain mayor as he does so.
“I am absolutely determined to make myself the best person I can be for my family, for the people of Toronto,” he said. “With your support, I’m also resolved to continue to work harder than ever for the taxpayers of this great city.”
He then moved into more familiar territory, speaking of his promises to “stop the gravy train,” garbage collection cost savings and reducing the size of government.
Ford is still on the ballot for reelection when Toronto votes on Oct. 27 and still has the support of 27 per cent of voters according to a recent Forum poll.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford enters his office at city hall on his first day back to work after taking part in a rehab program June 30, 2014 in Toronto. Brett Gundlock/Getty Images
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford arrives at his office at city hall in Toronto on June 30, 2014 amid a crush of cameras. GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty Images
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford arrives at his office at city hall in Toronto on June 30, 2014 amid a crush of cameras. GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty Images
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford arrives at his office at city hall in Toronto on June 30, 2014 amid a crush of cameras. GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty Images
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is greeted by a media throng as returns to his office at city hall in Toronto on Monday June 30, 2014, after his stay in a rehabilitation facility. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
A city hall technician sets up an audio feed inside the Mayor’s Office as preparations are made for Rob Ford’s news conference in Toronto on Monday, June 30, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
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