Ford faces uncertain future as appeal nears
On Monday, the legal team representing Toronto Mayor Rob Ford will be back in court trying to keep him in office.
That's when Ford will launch an appeal of his conviction on conflict of interest charges.
"I'm going to go to the appeal on Monday and we'll take it from there," Ford said Friday.
In November Justice Charles Hackland ruled Ford broke the rules of the Municipal Act and should be removed from office.
The judge stayed the order, allowing Ford time to appeal.
That appeal will be heard on Monday.
Ford's troubles date back to 2010 when he used city letterhead to raise money from lobbyists for his football charity.
On several occasions the city's integrity commissioner ordered Ford to pay back the $3,150 he had raised.
Ford steadfastly refused.
Later he participated in a debate when the matter was discussed at council and then voted on the matter.
The judge said that was a clear conflict.
On Monday, Ford's lawyer will argue the judge made errors in his decision.
The three Appeal Court judges will then consider their ruling, which is expected to be delivered sometime in early February.
Municipal law expert John Mascarin, says he doesn't think Ford's appeal will succeed.
"I think it's going to be very difficult for Mayor Ford's legal team to convince the judge that there was errors of law that should overturn the original decision."
Mascarin said in an interview with CBC News that Alan Lenczner, Ford's lawyer, will have an uphill struggle in presenting his arguments.
"(N)ot only does he have to convince the judges that (Justice Hackland) was wrong, but that the error of law was significant enough to overturn the decision," Mascarin said. "I'll be in court on Monday," Ford said.
But if he loses the appeal Ford has wavered when asked if he prefers a byelection for mayor or having someone appointed by council.
Whatever happens, Ford says, he'll be in the midst of the fight.
"I guarantee I'll be running in the next municipal election whether it's a byelection, or be it the 2014 election. I guarantee my name will be on that ballot for mayor."
