Canada’s Ford says no to Mandela tribute

Nelson Mandela File picture: Mike Hutchings

Nelson Mandela File picture: Mike Hutchings

Published Apr 3, 2014

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Ottawa -

Scandal-plagued Toronto mayor Rob Ford voted against naming a street in honour of Nelson Mandela on Wednesday before later claiming he had cast his ballot in error.

Ford, who made worldwide headlines last year after admitting to binge-drinking and smoking crack, has been stripped of most of his powers.

But the anti-tax populist still votes, usually against whatever the council is proposing, arguing that it will cost taxpayers too much.

When city lawmakers voted on whether a street should be named for late anti-apartheid icon Mandela, there was one vote against - from Ford, the Toronto Star reported.

Ford later requested a new vote, saying he had blundered by mistake, the paper said.

Ford retains the title of mayor, but Toronto City Council mid-November voted to transfer the bulk of his powers and duties to his deputy, Norm Kelly.

In January, nonetheless, he kicked off his re-election bid. - Sapa-AFP

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