Mayor Ford apologizes for criticizing medical officer

The Canadian Press

Posted: Feb 14, 2013 2:20 PM ET

Last Updated: Feb 14, 2013 3:31 PM ET

Nine months after sharply criticizing Toronto's medical officer of health on a radio talk show, Mayor Rob Ford has apologized.

The mayor's apology is included in a report from Toronto's integrity commissioner, which is posted on the city's website and will be dealt with by council next week.

Integrity commissioner Janet Leiper found Ford and his brother — Coun. Doug Ford — breached council's code of conduct for comments they made in April 2012 on a radio show.

The Fords blasted a report from medical officer of health Dr. David McKeown that recommended lower speed limits to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe, and the mayor called McKeown's salary "an embarrassment."

Leiper recommended in October that council find the mayor breached the code for demeaning the professional reputation of the medical officer of health, and reprimand his brother.

But the report says McKeown accepted an apology from the mayor on Tuesday and Leiper is now recommending no further sanction.

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