Ford meets the public

Rob Ford’s second day back on the job — after his rehab — featured his first chance to see how voters are reacting to his return. There were plenty of smiles and selfies — but not everyone is happy to see Ford back.

It was heckles and hugs for Toronto Mayor Rob Ford as he made his way to eight Canada Day events today. At a parade in East York, an irate man called Ford out about his record as mayor and his personal business dealings.

“Answer the questions. People have a million questions about your corruption, you’re a corrupt lying, racist homophobe.”

Not a good start to the first full day back for Mayor Ford. He refused again to answer reporters questions saying the day was a day for celebtrating Canada’s birthday.

Some people were happy to have the embattled mayor in their neighbourhood, giving him hugs, high fives and holding up “Ford for Mayor” signs.

But others said he was ruining their parade and one man, who said he was merely out for a jog when he came across the Ford circus on the street, was furious about the mayors refusing to answer questions about his conduct.

“What about wasting taxpayers money for your own business? This guy is a joke, it’s one thing to be sick that’s fine, but he has questions to answer to the people of Toronto and he simply won’t do it.”

Doug Ford: “Once in a while you get a nutcase out there that needs anger management.”

Rob Ford: “You know what we’re talking about — Canada Day today.”

Ford appeared visibly shaken after that encounter but later regained his composure and continued on.

His brother said all major media outlets will have the opportunity to ask the mayor questions, one on one, with CBC first up on Wednesday.