OTTAWA–A visibly angry federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt slammed Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s comments on violence against women Thursday, saying the mayor needs to “get his life in order.”

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to use imagery about violence against women when you have a problem or a conflict with a colleague. I just think it’s unacceptable,” Raitt, who represents the GTA riding of Halton, said. “So I wish him luck, you know, good luck with his life choices and all that stuff, but that’s not acceptable language in any sphere of politics or otherwise.”

Raitt was responding to a recording of Ford, obtained by the Toronto Sun, where the mayor was quoted as saying he wanted to “f---ing jam” mayoral competitor Karen Stintz.

The Sun reported Ford was also heard criticizing Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak for supporting flying the rainbow flag at Toronto City Hall, making vulgar and violent comments about his wife, and making racial slurs.

The Star reported Thursday that Ford was seen drinking to excess at the Muzik nightclub on March 15, and witnesses allegedly saw him doing lines of cocaine in April. Ford arrived at the club on a party bus he had ordered to his home with four men he met outside city hall.

A Toronto Star reporter on Thursday watched a video that shows Ford smoking what appears to be crack cocaine.

Ford on Wednesday announced he was taking a leave of absence from city hall.

When directly asked if Ford should step down, Raitt said: “the thing about politics is eventually you always face the electorate, don’t you? So that’s exactly when it will happen.”

In a prepared response, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s office called Ford’s comments and behaviour “very troubling.”

“We are pleased to hear (Ford) has entered rehab to seek treatment for his addiction,” wrote Jason MacDonald, Harper’s director of communications, in an emailed statement.

NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair called Ford’s comments on women “grotesquely inacceptable,” and repeated his earlier calls for the mayor to step down.

“I’ve been calling for some time for Mr. Ford to get help and to step down,” Mulcair said. “He seems to have gotten the first part of that right, but frankly, his continued presence there not only hurts Toronto, but it ultimately hurts all of Canada, and you know, the sooner he’s gone the better.”

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Parkdale-High Park MP Peggy Nash called Ford’s comments “beyond vulgar.”

“They were absolutely disgusting and very personal,” Nash said.

Read more about: