Rob Ford’s controversial refusal to step down as the Mayor of Toronto after he admitted to smoking crack has left many Torontonians confused and frustrated. Not only do the Mayor’s actions impact residents, but what impact do Ford’s actions have on local business?

Globe and Mail article:http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/torontos-business-community-gives-ford-a-thumbs-down/article15465346/

According to Andrew Liang, director of Cormex’s MediaLAB project, the negative publicity concerning Ford will harm the city, as the city’s administration has been ridiculed around the world. Liang continues questioning “why anybody down the road would think favourable on this city as a place to invest it”.

Along with impacting business, it damages the city’s image abroad. Marketing experts claim that “it weakens the brand, it distorts it”; ruining the city’s reputation as a “culturally rich, financially vibrant world-class city”.

However, not all parties agree with Mr. Liang. Janet Ecker, president of the Toronto Financial Services Alliance explains that the “theatre of the absurd” politics does not impact investments if the fundamental business aspects of the city remain unchanged.

Even though there are many views, they all lead in the same direction, Mayor Ford must resign in order to salvage Toronto’s image as a city.

CBC video:http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/mayor-rob-ford-s-crack-use-weakens-toronto-s-brand-1.2417003