Rob Ford

Tuesday March 13, 2018

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday March 13, 2018

Christine Elliott concedes to Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford

Christine Elliott is conceding defeat to Doug Ford, congratulating the new Ontario Progressive Conservative leader and promising to run for the party in the June provincial election.

Her move brings to an end the extended drama of the party’s tumultuous leadership race, triggered six weeks ago by the sudden resignation of Patrick Brown amid allegations of sexual misconduct.  

Elliott initially disputed the results announced late Saturday, alleging “serious irregularities” in the voting. The party declared Ford the winner by a margin of just one percentage point.

But in a statement issued Sunday night, Elliott struck a conciliatory tone.

“Our team took the last twenty-four hours to review the results of an election that was incredibly close,” she said in the statement. “After completing my review, I am confident in the results. I extend my congratulations to Doug Ford on a hard-fought campaign.”

As CBC News reported first, Elliott initiated a meeting with Ford on Sunday afternoon. The pair met for “several hours,” according to a senior official on the Elliott campaign.

While the official said the campaign team believes they have a good case to dispute the result, the only recourse would be to go to court, and that is not something Elliott or her team want to do with the party facing an election on June 7.  

“Christine is choosing not to challenge this,” said the official. “Christine and the team were unanimous that this was the right way forward. The name of the game is unifying the party.”

“Ontario needs a Progressive Conservative government to finally defeat Kathleen Wynne,” Elliott said in her statement. “I look forward to running as a candidate.” (Source: CBC News) 

 

Friday October 16, 2015

 

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Friday October 16, 2015 Blue Jays win throws curve at election The federal election is dealing with a late curveball hurled by the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays. Blue Jays fans in the vote-rich 905 and 416 regions Ñ studded with ridings that could help determine who becomes CanadaÕs next prime minister Ñ are certain to tune into the Jays game on Monday night while possibly tuning out the election. The first pitch in the third game of the JaysÕ American League showdown against the Kansas City Royals is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, 90 minutes before the polls close to end an election campaign thatÕs been almost as enthralling to CanadaÕs political junkies as the Jays post-season run has been to the countryÕs sports fans. The teamÕs post-season games have earned huge ratings, with overnight numbers for the first three outings against the since-defeated Texas Rangers suggesting an average audience of 2.8 million for the Rogers-owned Sportsnet. Scott Moore, president of Sportsnet and NHL Properties for Rogers, tweeted that more than nine million Canadians watched Wednesday nightÕs thrilling nail-biter that ended with a 6-3 Jays victory and elimination for the Rangers. ÒSeriously. Elections Canada should consider setting up polling stations in sports bars on Monday night,Ó Conway Fraser, a self-described communications strategist, tweeted shortly after Major League Baseball announced the timing of the game. Added another: ÒSo the jays first ALCS home game is election night? . . . so much for voter turnout.Ó Yet another Twitter user chided any voters pondering skipping voting in favour of cheering on the Jays: ÒI canÕt stress enough that ALCS game 3 is at 8 p.m. on Monday. Voting goes ALL DAY people. Worst excuse to not vote,Ó tweeted Drew Garner. Nonetheless broadcaster CTV is conducting a web poll asking people: ÒWhich result will interest you more? The federal election or the Toronto Blue Jays

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 16, 2015

Blue Jays win throws curve at election

The federal election is dealing with a late curveball hurled by the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays.

Blue Jays fans in the vote-rich 905 and 416 regions — studded with ridings that could help determine who becomes Canada’s next prime minister — are certain to tune into the Jays game on Monday night while possibly tuning out the election.

2011-2015

2011-2015

The first pitch in the third game of the Jays’ American League showdown against the Kansas City Royals is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, 90 minutes before the polls close to end an election campaign that’s been almost as enthralling to Canada’s political junkies as the Jays post-season run has been to the country’s sports fans.

The team’s post-season games have earned huge ratings, with overnight numbers for the first three outings against the since-defeated Texas Rangers suggesting an average audience of 2.8 million for the Rogers-owned Sportsnet.

Scott Moore, president of Sportsnet and NHL Properties for Rogers, tweeted that more than nine million Canadians watched Wednesday night’s thrilling nail-biter that ended with a 6-3 Jays victory and elimination for the Rangers.

“Seriously. Elections Canada should consider setting up polling stations in sports bars on Monday night,” Conway Fraser, a self-described communications strategist, tweeted shortly after Major League Baseball announced the timing of the game.

Added another: “So the jays first ALCS home game is election night? . . . so much for voter turnout.”

Yet another Twitter user chided any voters pondering skipping voting in favour of cheering on the Jays: “I can’t stress enough that ALCS game 3 is at 8 p.m. on Monday. Voting goes ALL DAY people. Worst excuse to not vote,” tweeted Drew Garner.

Nonetheless broadcaster CTV is conducting a web poll asking people: “Which result will interest you more? The federal election or the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS Game 3?”

In response, one apparent Jays retorted: “Anything will be more interesting than the election results. Whatever they are, we have the next 4 yrs to discuss & argue.” (Source: Toronto Star)

 

Tuesday September 16, 2014

Tuesday September 16, 2014By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 16, 2014

Rob and Doug Ford’s symbiotic relationship and ideological mission behind passing of the baton in election

In a Mount Sinai hospital room in downtown Toronto late Friday afternoon, Doug Ford stood beside his stricken brother, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, with their mother, Diane, other family members and their lawyer and confidante Dennis Morris for a “bittersweet” passing of the baton.

For Rob Ford, who has withdrawn from his controversial and closely scrutinized bid for re-election Friday in a shock move after hospitalization for an abdominal tumour, it was hard to submit to the reality of quitting, said Mr. Morris.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Mr. Morris said as he drove away from the hospital visit. “He’s chomping at the bit. His mind says go but his body says no… He is quite convinced he would have won the election.”

Doug Ford — stepping in and registering as mayoral candidate in Rob’s stead on the last day for candidates to register for the Oct. 27 municipal election — showed “tremendously mixed emotions,” Mr. Morris said.

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“He is very heartbroken that he has to take over for the mayor but on the other hand he’s very doggedly determined to succeed,” he said.

“They both have the same platform… They share the same views in terms of political aim — they want to save money for the taxpayers and basically, that’s the end aim they have.”

It all speaks to the symbiotic relationship Doug Ford has with his brother Rob and to the deep-seated notion of the brothers being on an ideological mission.

As Mr. Morris put it, “they are almost joined at the hip in some way. They are very close in every way humanly possible.”

While Rob is often seen as the affable but problem-plagued personality, Doug is perceived as the tougher, sober sibling who became his younger brother’s advocate, protector, spokesman and surrogate. (Source: Toronto Star)

 

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Thursday July 10, 2014

Thursday July 10, 2014By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday July 10, 2014

Rob Ford’s sobriety coach kicked shirtless protester, says officer

A Toronto police officer spotted a member of Mayor Rob Ford’s entourage kicking a protester at a campaign event this morning.

“If you want me to help you out, you can’t be kicking [the protester],” said the uniformed officer to Bob Marier, Ford’s so-called sobriety coach. “I saw you kick him. I saw it happen.”

After the officer scolded Marier, he walked away without saying anything.

The exchange between Marier and the officer was caught on camera by local media.

Marier is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict who helps others with addiction problems stave off temptation. He has been travelling with Ford since the mayor’s return to his job after a two-month stint in rehab.

The officer on the scene was watching protesters gathered around the mayor at the Tuesday morning news conference.

The protest was an extension of Ford’s confrontation with a shirtless jogger in East York on Canada Day. Protesters have since followed the mayor, demanding answers from Ford whilst not wearing shirts.

Ford said he wasn’t bothered by the demonstrators — at one point stopping his speech to chuckle — and said “they can protest all they want.”

But his team actively tried to disrupt the gathering, standing in front of signs and confronting the protesters.

The result was a chaotic event.

Doug Ford, the mayor’s campaign manager for the October municipal election, dismissed the protest, accusing the protesters of being members of rival campaigns.

“People see through it,” he said. (Source: Toronto Star)