By: Jesse Noseworthy and Casey Taylor
Toronto mayoral candidate, Doug Ford, has dropped out of today’s mayoral debate. It marked the first rematch for Doug Ford, Olivia Chow and John Tory since Tuesday’s raucous contest that saw a shouting match between candidates and supporters.
Today’s debate, hosted by the Empire Club of Canada, charged $80 per-person.
Ford dropped out of the debate shortly before its start, claiming in a statement, that it was too expensive for the average person to attend.
Part of Doug Ford statement on skipping today's Empire Club debate #TOpoli pic.twitter.com/gUsijH5sWK
— Don Peat (@donpeat) September 26, 2014
Ford Nation is scheduled to host an event next Monday where ticket prices are slated at $750.
Doug Ford fundraiser this coming Monday (29th) costs $750 per person or a table of four for $2500 #TOpoli
— Mark McAllister (@McAllister_Mark) September 26, 2014
The $750 ticket includes "a dinner and a chance to sit and talk with Doug" according to invite #TOpoli
— Mark McAllister (@McAllister_Mark) September 26, 2014
Fellow mayoral candidate, Jonn Tory, had previously stated that he’d only participate in a debate where his counterpart, Doug Ford, attended.
“He’s a chicken,” Tory told reporters as he walked into the Empire Club of Canada. “Colonel Sanders should be looking for him.”
“Bullies’ only show up when they can win,” Amanda Galbraith, spokesperson for Tory’s campaign, told CP24.
Follow the debate here.