

Chris Fox, CP24.com





The co-chairman of the Toronto Santa Claus Parade has penned a letter, calling on Mayor Rob Ford to refrain from walking in the parade on Sunday.

The letter, sent by Ron Barbaro to Ford’s Chief of Staff Earl Provost on Tuesday, asks the mayor to revert to his “original decision” and watch the parade as a spectator rather than in an official capacity.

On Monday, parade organizers told CP24 that Ford’s office had informed them that the mayor would not walk in the parade this year but hours later Ford’s spokesperson announced that the opposite is true.

“With the media following the mayor in everything he does, we do not want this distraction to take away from the anticipated fun and enjoyment that children will have on parade day,” the letter states. “Our request is simple, we know the mayor loves the parade, but for this year let’s avoid this distraction and put the focus back on Santa and Mrs. Claus.”

Ford has walked in the Santa Claus parade since assuming office in 2010.

In his letter, Barbaro said the mayor has “every right” to walk in the parade this year as well, but he urged him to reconsider doing so given the scandal currently surrounding him.

“We are appealing to the Mayor, as a parent to reconsider this decision,” he said. “The Santa Claus Parade is presented for children and families and the single focus is the magic of Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving to usher in the Holiday Season.”

The letter was written on behalf of the board of the Toronto Santa Claus Parade.

Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.

Letter from Santa Parade to Mayor Ford's office