Premier Doug Ford Reverses Decision to Develop Greenbelt as Two Ministers Resign in Wake of Controversy

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed his decision to develop parts of the Greenbelt, a protected environmental zone surrounding the Greater Toronto Area, following intense scrutiny and the subsequent resignation of two cabinet ministers. Despite initially defending his position, Ford apologized for breaking his commitment not to encroach upon the Greenbelt.

The Premier’s statement in Niagara Falls, Ont. reflected his acknowledgment of rushing into the decision and potential biases that arose from it. “We moved too quickly and we made the wrong decision,” he expressed. This acknowledgment comes in the wake of MPP Kaleed Rasheed’s resignation due to his office providing inaccurate information during an investigation concerning a Greenbelt land swap.

Kaleed’s departure was preceded by former housing minister Steve Clark’s resignation, following findings by the province’s Integrity Commissioner, J. David Wake. Wake’s investigation revealed Clark’s failure to monitor his chief of staff, which led to the biased selection of Greenbelt lands for development. This flawed process has faced sharp criticism, especially after reports from both Wake and former Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk. Lysyk’s findings asserted that the land selection process was prejudiced and primarily benefited certain developers, resulting in a massive $8.3-billion gain from the removal of these lands.

Though the government hinted at a Greenbelt review, it remained steadfast on its decision to designate 14 sites for housing projects. The initial intent behind the Greenbelt development, as per the Ford administration, was to increase housing and address the ongoing housing crisis in the region, even though this contradicted their prior promises of leaving the Greenbelt untouched.

Elevating concerns around this matter, the Ontario Provincial Police have handed the issue over to the RCMP for potential further investigation.

In another twist, the Integrity Commissioner recently published a report discussing a stag and doe party for Ford’s daughter following allegations by Global News about the involvement of developers and lobbyists in the event, with attendees asked to buy tickets and donate to the couple. Although Ford previously dismissed inquiries related to the gathering, the recent report indicates a further investigation into the incident.

Information for this story was found via the Canadian Press. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Baselode Energy To Acquire Forum Energy: The Merger Of Equals Deal

TriStar Gold: The Revised Castelo de Sonhos Prefeasibility Study

Gold is Up 30%, But the Real Bull Market is Only Starting Now! | Adrian Day

Recommended

ESGold To Expand Mine Building At Montauban In Advance Of Gold & Silver Production

Goliath Resources Expands 2025 Drill Program To 60,000 Metres

Related News

Ontario Premier Calls for Mexico’s Exit from North American Trade Pact

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Tuesday called for Mexico’s potential exclusion from the North American...

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 02:18:00 PM

Ford Links Indigenous Funding To Opening First Nations Lands for Mining

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s off-the-cuff warning that First Nations “can’t just keep coming hat in...

Thursday, June 19, 2025, 10:42:00 AM

Ontario Premier Doug Ford Orders Tougher Penalties for Lobbyists Amid Scandal

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has taken action in response to a troubling integrity commissioner report,...

Thursday, September 7, 2023, 04:36:00 PM

Ontario Defiant on Energy Tax Despite Trump’s Tariff Delay

A one-month reprieve on US tariffs won’t change Ontario’s plan to impose a 25% surcharge...

Friday, March 7, 2025, 07:58:39 AM

Doug Ford To Call Snap Election For February

Ontario Premier Doug Ford will call a provincial election next Wednesday for February 27, a...

Friday, January 24, 2025, 07:39:09 AM