Rob Ford returns to office after two months in rehab

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford returned to office Monday following a two-month stay in a rehabilitation facility for substance abuse.

Canadian outlet CBC News reports that Ford has returned to City Hall after a year of public scandals, including the release of a video of Ford smoking crack cocaine as well as incidents of public drunkenness.

Following those incidents, Toronto's city council took away the majority of Ford's mayoral powers, including his budget. But even if he's just a nominal mayor, Ford isn't going down without a fight. The mayor said that voters can decide his mayoral fate at the October 27 election, but he plans to stay in office until then.

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Ford delivered a speech to the media this afternoon, saying that his stay in rehab has "saved his life." He has previously likened his rehab experience to a childhood football camp. Ford also said that he was "ashamed, embarrassed and humiliated" by his actions under the influence.

Rob Ford's brother, Councillor Doug Ford, said his brother is excited to be back in office and that he "looks the same, but a little lighter." Ford's main opponents in the fall election, John Tory and Olivia Chow, have scheduled news conferences later this afternoon.