Background
Rob Ford served as mayor of Toronto from 2010 to 2014. During his tenure, he faced repeated media scrutiny over personal conduct and substance use, which became a prominent public issue.
Incident Overview
In May 2013, the Toronto Star and Globe and Mail reported on a video allegedly showing Ford smoking crack cocaine. Ford initially denied the video's existence but later acknowledged past drug use in a public statement.
Political and Public Impact
The revelations led to widespread calls for Ford to step down. City council stripped some mayoral powers, and Ford continued to serve while facing ongoing legal and political challenges. The episode influenced public debate on accountability and substance abuse among elected officials.
Aftermath
Ford did not run for re-election as mayor in 2014. He was later elected as a Toronto city councillor and served until his death in 2016. The incident remains a widely cited example of substance use and political controversy in Canadian public life.
