June 1st, 2023
June 1st, 2023
QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, presented yet further evidence today that suggests officials at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing were discussing the removal of specific Greenbelt lands with “third parties” before the last provincial election on June 2, 2022.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, previously told the Integrity Commissioner that he did not know about plans to remove lands from the Greenbelt until “shortly” before the public did, on November 4, 2022.
This latest evidence further challenges Clark’s story.
“How could this be true when we now know that ministry officials were discussing the removal of specific Greenbelt lands prior to the last election?” Stiles demanded in Question Period today.
This information, collected under an NDP freedom of information request, calls what the Minister told the Integrity Commissioner into question. The release of additional documents under the request has been delayed as they “may affect the interests of third parties,” which may include private developers or consultants.
"Ontarians know something doesn’t smell right here. If there’s nothing to hide, then just release the documents.” Stiles said. “I’ll make sure the Integrity Commissioner is aware of these latest findings as we continue to work to get to the bottom of it.”
The FOI document can be accessed here.