Supreme Court asked to look at ouster action against Toronto Mayor Ford

TORONTO – The man who almost managed to have Toronto Mayor Rob Ford turfed from office is hoping the country’s top court will hear the case.

Paul Magder is asking the Supreme Court of Canada to overturn a ruling that allowed Ford to stay in the mayor’s chair.

In his application, Magder says the case raises novel questions about the powers of municipalities to govern themselves and to hold public officials to account.

Last fall, an Ontario court ordered Ford removed from office for violating conflict laws by taking part in a vote in which he had a financial interest.

Ford, however, argued on appeal to Divisional Court that the ruling was in error — and the court sided with him on what was essentially a technicality.

It could be many months before the Supreme Court decides whether to hear the case.