 Toronto Mayor Rob Ford holds the first day of practice for the high school football team the Don Bosco Eagles on Tuesday August 28, 2012. (MICHAEL PEAKE/QMI Agency)
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Mayor Rob Ford acknowledged Tuesday the conflict-of-interest lawsuit he's facing could force his departure from office.
Speaking for the first time since it was revealed he will have to take the stand in open court next week and face questions from lawyer Clayton Ruby, Ford acknowledged his job was on the line.
"He's going to cross-examine me and they want me out of office. And if I lose the court case, I guess I lose my job," Ford said during an interview on Newstalk 1010's Jim Richards Show.
"I don't know. It really bothers me. It really bothers me. So just hope for the best."
Ruby launched the conflict-of-interest lawsuit in March on behalf of resident Paul Magder.
If Ford is found guilty of violating the act, he would lose his seat and could be banned from running for council for up to seven years.
Ruby in March alleged Ford violated the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act during a Feb. 7 city council meeting.
At that meeting, councillors — Ford included — voted 22-12 to rescind a previous decision ordering the mayor to repay $3,150 in donations from lobbyists and clients of lobbyists to his children's football foundation.
Although he refused to go into detail about the case, Ford trumpeted his record of raising money for school football programs.
"I've got to be careful what I say, I've got to go to court next Wednesday or Thursday," Ford told the host.
"I have my Rob Ford Football Foundation, I've helped I think close to 13, 14 schools in high-need or underprivileged neighbourhoods and these kids have flourished."
When one of the radio hosts called the case against Ford "weaselly", Ford agreed and added, "if you don't like what I'm doing, you know there is an election Oct. 27, 2014."
"I don't think it is right what is going on but again I got to watch what I say," he said.
Ford's testimony won't be derailing one Toronto tradition.
During his radio interview, Ford announced Ford Fest - an annual party thrown at his family's Etobicoke home - will be happening again this year on Friday, Sept. 7.
"I want to invite the whole city again," Ford said. "(I) invite people to my backyard and we'll have a great time."
Ford also confirmed he'll be back on the air on Newstalk 1010 this September with his Sunday afternoon radio show. The show has been on a summer hiatus since June.
