Premier Wynne’s Statement on Rob Ford’s Passing

Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement regarding the passing of Rob Ford: “It was with deep sadness that I learned that former Toronto mayor Rob Ford has passed away. As the son of the late Doug Ford Sr., a former MPP, Rob Ford grew up in a family with a strong tradition of political involvement and community service. And he upheld that tradition throughout his life. In 2000, at the age of just 31, Rob Ford became a Toronto city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North. He served three terms in that role before being elected as mayor of Canada’s largest city in 2010. Grave health issues forced Rob Ford to withdraw from Toronto’s 2014 mayoral election campaign. But he demonstrated his fierce determination to continue in public service by campaigning successfully to win back his former position as Ward 2 councillor. Rob Ford earned widespread respect for his unwavering persistence in the face of serious health concerns — which he summed up in a statement released from his hospital bed during the 2014 campaign: ‘Be strong, stay positive and never, ever give up.’ On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I want to express my condolences to Rob Ford’s friends, family and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”