Ford pushing for private video viewing

(Updated) Toronto mayor Rob Ford isn’t backing down from his fight to see the video that appears to show him smoking crack cocaine. He now has his lawyer involved in talks with police to get the ball rolling.

Ford’s lawyer Dennis Morris has told The Globe and Mail he’s negotiating with police right now to get the mayor to view the video in private. Ford has repeatedly asked that the video be released, saying he doesn’t remember there being a tape.

Investigators are reportedly asking to question the mayor in return for the video.

Federal finance minister Jim Flaherty spoke briefly about his longtime friend Rob Ford this morning. During a news conference, a visibly choked-up Flaherty gave his thoughts when asked whether he thinks Ford should seek treatment.

“At the end of the day, he has to make his own decisions about what he has to do. Certainly his family is helping him. That’s all I can say.”

Meanwhile, Ford is facing increasing pressure from all sides of city council to step aside. Deputy mayor Norm Kelly was previously tight-lipped about his meetings with Ford, but yesterday said the mayor should take a pause and regroup.

Councillor and executive committee member Denzil Minnan-Wong says he’s now amending a motion previously asking Ford to take a temporary leave of absence, saying he’s now petitioning the province to make legislative changes to boot Ford from office if he doesn’t voluntarily leave.