The Supreme Court of Canada will reveal today if it will hear an appeal in a conflict of interest challenge that previously threatened to oust Toronto Mayor Rob Ford from office.
Toronto resident Paul Magder filed an application in an Ontario court last year, alleging that Ford had violated conflict of interest legislation when he participated in a council vote that absolved his need to pay back funds donated to his private football foundation.
The controversy had begun two years before the application was filed, when Toronto?s integrity commissioner recommended to council in August 2010 that Ford pay back the donations that had been improperly solicited on letterhead with official city markings. Council adopted her recommendations.
In January 2012, the integrity commissioner informed council that Ford had not provided proof of reimbursement. That preceded the vote that occurred days later, which resulted in council deciding to drop the issue and take no further action. Magder filed his application in March 2012.
In court, Ford would testify that he never read the legislation he was accused of violating, nor the materials that the city gives to its elected officials explaining their obligations in declaring conflicts.
In November of last year, a Superior Court justice found that Ford had violated conflict of interest rules and ordered the mayor removed from office.
Ford appealed the matter and a Divisional Court subsequently overturned the removal order in January.
But the day that Ford won the appeal, Clayton Ruby, the lawyer for the Toronto resident who filed the application, indicated that he would ask the Supreme Court of Canada to hear an appeal.
The top court is due to announce its decision on whether it will hear the appeal shortly before 10 a.m. ET.
Tumultuous tenure as mayor
Ford, who recently turned 44, was elected as the mayor of Canada?s most populous city in the fall of 2010.
His tenure has been marked by controversy at times, as he has clashed with councillors on key issues including labour, budget and transit files. Ford has advocated for lower taxes and a smaller municipal government, but has struggled to lead the council that surrounds him.
Ford has also made headlines for his driving, his behaviour out of the office and his intensive involvement with high school football.
Most recently, reports have emerged that Ford was recorded on video using crack cocaine.
Ford has denied the video's existence. He has also said he does not use crack cocaine, nor is he addicted to it.
The story about the alleged drug video has drawn attention around the world and has led to an increased media focus on his life and work at city hall.
Before he was elected mayor, Ford served as a city councillor in Etobicoke, the Toronto suburb where he lives with his family.
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