Rob Ford mourned online by politicians and citizens across Canada
CBC News | Posted: March 22, 2016 7:40 PM | Last Updated: March 23, 2016
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.
Interim 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.
Former 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.
Toronto, 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."
Other local and provincial politicians, including allies, rivals and the leaders of all three major provincial parties, made public statements on social media, as well.
"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."
'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."
Artists 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.
Torontonians and other citizens shared photos of Ford, who always enjoyed taking time to get a picture taken with his constituents and fans.