John Tory reveals 'code of personal and political conduct'

John Tory takes part in the first debate for the Toronto mayoral race in Toronto on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

In his latest campaign plank, mayoral candidate John Tory released a "code of personal and political conduct" he said he would abide by, if elected.

The code of conduct, that might be construed as an attack on Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, is "uniquely important to this campaign," Tory said at a news conference.

"Many Torontonians, myself included, supported elements of Mr. Ford's fiscal plan when he was first elected, but things have changed with this mayor," he said.

"Torontonians did not know they were electing a mayor who would hang out with criminals and people involved with drugs, the very people he should be trying to get off our streets."

Ford has admitted to smoking crack cocaine and purchasing illegal drugs while in office. The mayor is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, but no allegations have been proven in court and Ford has not been charged with a crime.

Tory said his code, which he has printed and signed, will govern his behaviour should he be elected.

"Platforms and policies are important, but they are meaningless without personal integrity," he said.

"Today, I want to leave no doubt about the conduct Torontonians can expect from me as their mayor."

John Tory's code of conduct

Reaction from opponent

After the news conference, a representative from Olivia Chow's mayoral campaign office suggested that Tory has a history of breaking the rules.

In 2003, Tory accepted the endorsement of the Toronto Police Association, Eiman Zarrug wrote in a statement.

Under the Police Services Act, it is illegal for any municipal police officer to engage in political activitiy.