Mayor Rob Ford can’t escape controversy at Remembrance Day ceremony

Watch: Decorated in his chain of office, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford gave the key address at the Remembrance Day service.

TORONTO – Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford delivered an address at a Remembrance Day ceremony Monday morning after a week dealing with unprecedented scandals. Despite the somber tone of the ceremony, the mayor was unable to escape his lingering controversy.

The annual service at the Old City Hall Cenotaph in downtown Toronto marks the first time Ford has appeared at an official event since he admitted smoking crack cocaine.

A chorus of boos and cries of “Shame” could be heard from some in the crowd as Ford went up to speak.

What do you think: Should Mayor Rob Ford be speaking at a Remembrance Day event?

And at least one veteran refused to shake the mayor’s hand.

Tony Smith, 80, was stationed in Germany after the Second World War said he doesn’t agree with drugs and thinks the embattled mayor shouldn’t have attended the ceremony. As the mayor walked past a row of veterans following his speech, Smith refused to shake his hand because he says the mayor is a “druggie.”

Court documents released on Alexander “Sandro” Lisi’s drug arrest revealed the mayor was under surveillance by police with photographic evidence of him exchanging packages with his friend and occasional driver.

Toronto Police Chief William Blair also said that as part of an investigation focused on criminal behaviour and drug activity, police recovered a video depicting the mayor smoking what appears to be crack cocaine, something Ford has long denied did not exist.

Furthermore, there have been repeated calls from his colleagues at city hall to step aside.

READ MORE: Continuing coverage of the Rob Ford scandal

Even his brother, Councillor Doug Ford, said last week he should take “a couple weeks” off to get his “mind together.”

City councillors are expected to vote on a motion this week to urge Mayor Ford to take a leave of absence.

And councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong has proposed an amended motion that would petition the province to remove the mayor if he doesn’t step down.

Read the full text of Mayor Rob Ford’s Remembrance Day speech at Old City Hall:

“Canada’s Remembrance Day was held on this day in 1919 to mark the first anniversary of the end of the First World War. And so as we have done for the last 94 years the people of Toronto join all Canadians to remember and honour those who have fought for our freedom.

We honour and remember the service and sacrifice of more than 1.5 million Canadians.

It is hoped by remembering we will do all we can to strive for peace.

This year, Canada marks several significant anniversaries. This is the year that we officially recognize the six long years of the Battle of the Atlantic. We also mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

Canada joined the Korean War in support of the United Nations ideals of peace and freedom. In the pursuit of global peace, over 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean War. The names of the 516 Canadians who died are recorded in the Korea Book of Remembrance.

Since then, since then, over 125,000 Canadians have served in pursuit of global peace. Those, those who didn’t return are owed a debt that can never ever be repaid.

Today, today, we’ll remember those who have served Canada so valiantly in times of need. Thank you.”

– With files from The Canadian Press