Big City Mayors’ conference held captive in shadow of Rob Ford

The visions and fears of Canada's major cities may be held hostage this week by the political ambition of the country's most controversial leader.

It may be hyperbole to say the success or failure of a Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Ottawa on Wednesday rests in the shadow of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. But Ford’s sudden decision to take intra-municipal politics seriously, compounded with sound bites and battle lines crafted for a mayoral campaign, could trend the gathering into a state of absurdity.

Ford snubbed the conference through the first three years of his tenure as mayor, but chose to attend this week to push the federal government for subway funding. Leading into the conference, several city leaders said they were concerned Ford's unexpected attendance would prove to be a distraction.

Within hours, those fears appeared justified as Ford held a disjointed press conference in which he repeated campaign promises and announced, off topic, that he would vocally oppose the federal government's decision to do away with Canada Post urban home delivery.

"I really believe we've got to keep the door-to-door mail. I get it at my house and I disagree with them trying to get rid of it," Ford said, according to the Canadian Press.

"I don't want to lose my delivery of mail to my house, and that is something I will fight for and I will talk to the federal government."

As noted by the Toronto Star, Ford had no meetings planned on Parliament Hill during his time in Ottawa, nor was he scheduled to meet with Canada Post representatives.

[ Related: Why do Winnipeg kids love their city? Because Rob Ford isn't their mayor ]

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Big City Mayors' Caucus is a gather of large municipal leaders intended to address issues related to the federal government. This week's conference will focus on social housing and infrastructure, specifically a $14 billion fund recently announced by the Conservatives.

Ford has snubbed the mayoral gathering since being elected in 2010. His decision to attend this week, amid a mayoral campaign, was derided by a few attendees ahead of the conference.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre told the Globe and Mail he intends to avoid Ford.

“I’m not going to give him any importance, because he doesn’t deserve any,” he said. “I’m not going to be with that guy. ... I don’t think he’s a model of municipal power.”

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage also told the newspaper he hoped his focus on housing and rail safety would not be overshadowed by Ford's appearance.

[ Related: Mr. Ford goes to Ottawa: Toronto mayor eyes federal funds ]

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said he had faith the gathering would focus on the issues at hand, rather than be "sidetracked" by personal or political sideshows.

Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion said her focus was on securing infrastructure funding to help combat unemployment. McCallion said she was "delighted" Ford decided to join the mayor's caucus, adding that he should have joined when he was first elected in 2010.

"I think he has come to the realization that the City of Toronto should join with all of us in making things happen," she said. "We need all the mayors at the table. We are suffering, we need help. And the only way to get it is a united approach. Divided we fall, united we stand strong."

Ford's focus at the conference will be ensuring Toronto receives a "fair share" of federal funding to expand its subway system. The federal government has already offered $660 million to build a three-stop line into Scarborough, but Ford's campaign promise is to build three other lines.

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson has similar desires for transit funding. He told reporters in Edmonton that he would call on federal ministers for funding assistance to build that city's light-rail transit system.

"We have been heard. That is the assurance I have been given from the province and from Ottawa," he said. "Now we need to see that turned into action. We need to see the Building Canada Fund allocated to this project, so there is still work to do there."

Ford’s trip to Ottawa appears to have got off to a smooth start. He was notably absent from a morning gathering as Watson and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, the caucus chair, spoke publicly about the concerns facing municipalities. Robertson said Ford had been part of an earlier meeting.

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