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“If council were to clearly indicate that they lack the ability to function as a result of this matter, the province would respond to a request from council to be provided new tools, depending on what that request might be.”

Wynne said she would consult with other parties in the minority legislature “to see if our legislature could move unanimously if required.”

The premier was careful to say the province would not be imposing its will on the city of Toronto, but would be empowering the city to make its own decisions.

“It is up to the municipal level of government to address the issues they face. It is not the provincial government’s role, nor its intention to impose its preferences upon that government,” she said.

City council, by a large majority, passed a motion Wednesday asking the mayor to step down to deal with his personal issues. However, City Council does not have any power to remove Ford from the mayor’s office.

Several councillors have called for the province to step in to remove Ford, which it can do through an amendment to the City of Toronto Act or special legislation.

Earlier Thursday, Ford said he is receiving help from health care professionals and apologized for profane comments made earlier Thursday, but defiantly said his former staffers were “lying” about allegations of escorts and cocaine use.