The Canadian Press
Toronto: Toronto’s new mayor has thanked his ailing predecessor for his continued public service, and is wishing Rob Ford a speedy recovery from cancer and return to civic life.
In another sign of conciliation after the election campaign, John Tory and Ford shared a fist bump _ Ford is avoiding exposure to germs during chemotherapy _ after a motion of thanks proposed by the mayor passed unanimously following a public swearing-in ceremony for city council.
Ford, who easily won re-election as a councillor after his cancer diagnosis forced him to drop out of the mayoralty race, gave Tory a thumbs up.
In his maiden speech to council, Tory vowed to bring an end to what he called the division that has paralyzed city hall in the last few years.
Ford was stripped of most of his powers last year after his 
admission of drug use while in a “drunken stupor.”
In contrast to the controversial remarks by outspoken hockey commentator Don Cherry during Ford’s swearing-in four years ago, Tory chose a renowned anti-violence advocate to speak at today’s ceremony.
Ford’s family was in attendance, while Tory had former Progressive Conservative premier Bill Davis among his guests.
In all, 44 councillors were sworn in along with Toronto’s 65th mayor.
© 2014 The Canadian Press
