Doug Ford doesn't rule out run by family member for Toronto's Ward 2
'We really feel responsible for helping the people,' Ford tells CBC News
Doug Ford is not ruling out a bid by another member of his family to follow in the political footsteps of former mayor Rob Ford, who died of cancer on Tuesday.
-
Rob Ford to lie in repose at city hall, funeral set for Wednesday
-
Torontonians share their photos with the ever-approachable Rob Ford
Speaking to CBC News Friday for the first time since his brother's death, the former city councillor for Ward 2 responded to a question by reporter Shannon Martin about the future of the north Etobicoke ward, and his family's involvement there.
"It is too soon, but you know we really feel responsible for helping the people in Etobicoke North or anyone in the city ... and carry on [Rob Ford's] legacy of helping people," Ford said.
"That's why we do it and that's why Rob did it."
Earlier Friday in an interview with CP24, Ford hinted his family is considering what to do next politically, now that his brother is gone.
"People rely on us ... someone has to step up and continue serving the people of the city, having their voice. Someone has to continue carrying the mantle," he said.
"I have to sit down with my family and talk about it."
But Ford did not specify which member of the family would enter the political ring to carry on his brother's work, or when.
Byelection or appointment?
According to provincial law, councillors must declare Ford's seat vacant at either of their next two council meetings, which are scheduled for March 30 and 31, and May 3 and 4. They will then have 60 days to decide whether to appoint someone to the seat, or call a byelection.
Doug Ford represented Ward 2 from 2010 to 2014, winning the seat in the same municipal elections that swept his brother into the mayor's office.
When Rob Ford was diagnosed with cancer during the 2014 mayoral election, Doug Ford stepped in and took his place, losing to John Tory in a closer-than-expected race.
But he's not the only Ford with political experience. His nephew, Mike Ford, who's in his early 20s, is a Toronto District School Board trustee for Ward 1.
In 2014, he ran for the Ward 2 city council seat and was well-ahead in the opinion polls when he stepped aside so that Rob Ford could run for the council seat after his cancer diagnosis.