Rob Ford mourned online by politicians and citizens across Canada
Former mayor remembered by citizens, political allies and rivals alike
The death of Rob Ford, councillor and former mayor of Toronto, set off a torrent of condolences, reaction and ruminations by Canadian citizens and politicians of all stripes from across the country.
They had no shortage of thoughts for the bombastic and polarizing political figure known for his controversial antics and statements as much outside the council chamber as in it.
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Prime Minister, federal leaders react
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among the swathe of federal and local politicians to send public condolences to the Ford family.
Rob Ford fought cancer with courage and determination. My condolences and best wishes to the Ford family today.
—@JustinTrudeauInterim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose released a statement on the party's website and on Twitter.
"Rob Ford was a tireless fighter for the taxpayer and a true advocate for the people he represented. His goal was to serve the people of Toronto the best way he knew how," she wrote.
My statement on the passing of Rob Ford: <a href="https://t.co/BJ12hqfoao">https://t.co/BJ12hqfoao</a>
—@RonaAmbroseFormer prime minister Stephen Harper, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and other federal MPs past and present also shared their condolences and memories of the former mayor.
Rob was a fighter throughout life & dedicated public servant who will be remembered for his courage, love for Toronto & his family. 1/2
—@stephenharperLaureen and I offer our deepest condolences to the Ford family. 2/2
—@stephenharperSincere condolences to Rob Ford's family during this difficult time. 46 is far too young to lose a loved one.
—@ThomasMulcairSending my thoughts and prayers to Rob Ford's family. He fought his battle with courage and determination <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobFord?src=hash">#RobFord</a>
—@BobRae48My deepest condolences to the family of Rob Ford.
—@MichelleRempelMy condolences to former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's family, following his battle with cancer. May he rest in peace.
—@jkenneyToronto, provincial politicians mourn Ford
"He was a man who spoke his mind and who ran for office because of the deeply felt convictions that he had," Toronto Mayor John Tory wrote in his official statement.
"He was, above all else, a profoundly human guy whose presence in our city will be missed."
Received sad news that Councillor and former mayor <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoRobFord">@TorontoRobFord</a> has passed away. Please find my statement here: <a href="https://t.co/WHhbk2oowv">pic.twitter.com/WHhbk2oowv</a>
—@JohnToryA book of condolences will be set up at City Hall. The public is welcome to leave a message for the family. <a href="https://t.co/gY3ZfeIQwa">pic.twitter.com/gY3ZfeIQwa</a>
—@JohnToryOther local and provincial politicians, including allies, rivals and the leaders of all three major provincial parties, made public statements on social media, as well.
Saddened to learn that former Toronto mayor Rob Ford has passed away. My thoughts & prayers are with Rob's friends, family & colleagues.
—@Kathleen_Wynne.<a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoRobFord">@TorontoRobFord</a> was passionate about people and public service. I always appreciated that he was unscripted and sincere. 1/4
—@brownbarrieMy heart, thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ford family during this difficult period. 4/4
—@brownbarrieMy most sincere condolences at this difficult time to the family of <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoRobFord">@TorontoRobFord</a>. May he rest in peace.
—@AndreaHorwathV saddened to hear <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobFord?src=hash">#RobFord</a> passing. Condolences to Ford family. Rob loved the City, its ppl & worked to his last breath to make it better
—@timhudakWishing <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoRobFord">@TorontoRobFord</a> and his family strength and love.
—@oliviachowMy statement regarding Rob Ford's passing earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/hGe9Paa8sS">pic.twitter.com/hGe9Paa8sS</a>
—@iamdavidmiller<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mississauga?src=hash">#Mississauga</a> joins with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Toronto?src=hash">#Toronto</a> in mourning and in remembering the life of former Mayor Ford. Statement: <a href="https://t.co/aJ8bL1TKwm">https://t.co/aJ8bL1TKwm</a>
—@BonnieCrombie"Rob Ford and I were elected one week apart in 2020," wrote Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. "What I saw in Rob, above all, was a fierce love for his city and a driving desire to do better for people every single day."
Very sad to hear of the passing of Rob Ford today. Some thoughts here: <a href="https://t.co/JDDEgl1Xis">https://t.co/JDDEgl1Xis</a> <a href="https://t.co/njNP4tt2ER">pic.twitter.com/njNP4tt2ER</a>
—@nenshi'Love you and will forever miss you' writes nephew Michael
Rob Ford's nephew, Toronto District School Board trustee Michael Ford, was the only member of the family to make a public statement, writing on Twitter, "Love you and will forever miss you."
Uncle Rob, You have fought the good fight long enough and now can rest in peace. Love you and will forever miss you. <a href="https://t.co/3tIM0KZJdK">pic.twitter.com/3tIM0KZJdK</a>
—@MichaelFordTOArtists and pop culture figures both local and international, including rapper Kardinal Offishal and television host Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted Ford on his show in 2014, made statements, as well.
Condolences to the family and fans of <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoRobFord">@TorontoRobFord</a> - an unforgettable guy who loved his job and city like few men I've met.
—@jimmykimmelMan-RIP Rob Ford. May your family find strength and peace at this time.
—@KardinalOCheers to a good guy with an awesome sense of humour :) <a href="https://t.co/cPpflGFArO">https://t.co/cPpflGFArO</a>
—@deadmau5Torontonians and other citizens shared photos of Ford, who always enjoyed taking time to get a picture taken with his constituents and fans.
<a href="https://twitter.com/CBCToronto">@CBCToronto</a> Met him in 2014; being mobbed by press but still took time. Later sent it in & he autographed it for me. <a href="https://t.co/gFBkPHDbyM">pic.twitter.com/gFBkPHDbyM</a>
—@markd428<a href="https://twitter.com/CBCToronto">@CBCToronto</a> met him this summer, he was such a nice guy, condolences to his family <a href="https://t.co/w3Uwq7cYDg">pic.twitter.com/w3Uwq7cYDg</a>
—@BalterRyanPrayers for <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoRobFord">@TorontoRobFord</a> thinking of his friends and family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobFord?src=hash">#RobFord</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RestInPeace?src=hash">#RestInPeace</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLQT3yMeqv">pic.twitter.com/nLQT3yMeqv</a>
—@lydiadevereauxRest in peace Rob Ford <a href="https://t.co/Q4Wn7FpenS">pic.twitter.com/Q4Wn7FpenS</a>
—@custodymusicHe had a great personality and will be missed. Thanks for this picture... It'll always make me smile <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPRobFord?src=hash">#RIPRobFord</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lck22qLr1j">pic.twitter.com/Lck22qLr1j</a>
—@vanebancheri