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STORY: As the Toronto city council debated further curbing the powers of embattled Mayor Rob Ford on Monday, slashing his office budget and offering his staff a chance to transfer to new jobs, Ford argued that he would be unable to meet constituents' needs under the recommended changes.

Ford, who has admitted to smoking crack cocaine, buying illegal drugs and driving after consuming alcohol, has issued a string of emotional apologies but has refused to resign.

The council cannot remove Ford from office or strip him of roles laid out in provincial law, such as representing the city at events, but it has been looking for ways to limit his power.

As the contentious meeting progressed, some people in the public gallery began yelling at Ford, who ran across the room, knocked over an official, then helped her back to her feet.

People could be heard chanting, "Shame," "Is this behavior for a mayor? and "You are a disgrace."