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TORONTO - Mayor Rob Ford won't be at the ceremony to raise the Pride flag above Nathan Phillips Square again this year.

"I've already committed to something else," Ford told reporters Friday

Ford's brother, Councillor Doug Ford, said he hoped to make Monday's ceremony.

The mayor was sharply criticized last year for skipping the flag-raising — the ceremonial kickoff to Pride week in Toronto — and the Pride parade.

Ford confirmed in April he would be missing the parade for a second year and would instead be spending the holiday weekend with his family at the cottage be he left the possibility of attending the flag-raising open.

A survey by the Toronto Sun of city councillors in April found the majority of councillors were planning on going to the event.

Ford attended his first pro-gay event as mayor last month.

Ford shocked many when he unexpectedly arrived at the flag-raising ceremony for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia at City Hall.

After being greeted by cheers at that event, the mayor read out his proclamation naming May 17 as a day against homophobia and transphobia in the City of Toronto.

"(I) encourage the people of Toronto to send a strong message to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited and transsexual communities, (that) like all the communities, (they) are welcome, safe and valued in this great city we call Toronto," Ford said.