Audit Ordered for Rob Ford's Campaign Financing

Friday's vote marks the first time a sitting Toronto mayor has been audited over campaign spending.

Toronto's compliance audit committee voted for a full audit of Mayor Rob Ford's campaign finances on Friday. The unanimous decision was in response to a request filed by Toronto residents Max Reed and Adam Chaleff-Freudenthaler, who allege Ford's unorthodox campaign financing breached provincial election laws. Much of the attention was focused on the role of Doug Ford Holdings Inc., the Ford family business that paid some $77,000 in early campaign expenses. "If that was a loan, Ford may have broken a provincial law stating candidates can borrow from banks and other recognized lending institutions," the Toronto Star reports. "If the no-interest terms constitute a donation, Ford broke a city ban on corporate donations." Ford’s lawyers now have fifteen days to appeal the committee’s decision. This marks the first time a sitting Toronto mayor has had his campaign finances audited.