Ford coaching controversy sparks latest conduct complaint

A Toronto resident has filed a complaint about Mayor Rob Ford, after allegations surfaced that he has been using his office staff and city cellphones to support the youth football teams he coaches.

Jude MacDonald confirmed to CBC News on Thursdaythat she has filed a complaint with the citys integrity commissioner, as she believes Ford has violated the councils code of conduct.

"I think that government is supposed to be accountable and transparent and I think the code of conduct is a good one and I dont think its a good thing for a mayor to be in breach of it," said MacDonald.

MacDonald previously filed a complaint about the expense claims submitted by the mayors office in the first quarter of last year.

Buther most recent complaint comes a day aftera Globe and Mail reportalleged that at least two special assistants in Ford's office used their city-supplied cellphones to keep in contact with players on the teams the mayor coaches.

The Office of the Integrity Commissioner does not acknowledge or comment on complaints that have been filed.

After the Globe and Mail report was published,Ford issued a statement saying that any criticism should be directed toward him and not his staff.

Coun. Joe Mihevc, who has opposed the mayor on many issues, had predicted on Wednesday that the report would spark a complaint to the integrity commissioner.

He said the mayor's behaviour has made Toronto "the laughingstock across the country."

"We're not taking down the mayor, the mayor's taking himself down," he said.

Fords football activitieshave been the source of other controversies as well.

Earlier this week, Fordskipped most of an executive committee meeting so that he could coach football.

He left the Monday meeting at 2:30 p.m. and did not return by its conclusion at 8 p.m.

The mayor is alsoawaiting a decision from a judge in a conflict-of-interest lawsuit that could potentially oust him from office.

Another Toronto resident, Paul Magder, filed the suitafter Fordtook part in a February council votethat absolved his need to pay back donations that were collected for his private football foundation.