Canada - Toronto Council Curbs Mayor - NYTimes.com After Mayor Rob Ford of Toronto, a self-confessed crack cocaine user, binge drinker and impaired driver, refused to step down, the Toronto City Council began stripping away his powers on Friday. A special session of the Council removed the mayor's power to appoint the members of the city's executive committee as well as the deputy mayor. It also transferred any powers Mr. Ford would have as mayor during a declared emergency to the deputy mayor. On Monday the Council will consider measures to eliminate the budget and staff for Mr. Ford's office. Mr. Ford said he would challenge the sanctions in court. The Council has no legal means to remove the mayor from office.