The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has confirmed that it is investigating the Greenbelt land swap controversy involving the Ford government. The investigation was initiated by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and subsequently referred to the RCMP. In a statement, the RCMP stated that they are evaluating the information provided by the OPP and will determine whether to launch a full investigation.
To avoid any perceived conflict of interest, the OPP decided to involve their federal counterparts, the RCMP, in the investigation. Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s spokesperson, Ivana Yelich, stated that the decision to involve the RCMP was made independently. Yelich also referenced the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations put forward by the auditor general’s report related to the Greenbelt controversy.
The auditor general’s report, released on August 9, revealed that Ontario developers had received preferential treatment and had direct influence over the government’s decision to remove lands from the Greenbelt. The report established links between the premier’s office, Housing Minister Steve Clark, a political staffer involved in the project, and developers who benefited from the deal. As a result, the value of the affected parcels of land increased by $8.3 billion.
In addition, the report highlighted that the removal of protections from the 15 parcels of land was expedited, with six staffers given only three weeks to decide which areas should have their protections removed. Most of the areas under consideration were suggested by Steve Clark’s chief of staff.
Following the news of one of the staff members involved resigning, opposition parties have called for Minister Steve Clark to follow suit. NDP Leader Marit Stiles expressed her belief that the staff member acted under the influence of others and called on the minister to take responsibility and step down.
In conclusion, the RCMP is now evaluating the available information and will determine whether a full investigation into the Greenbelt land swap controversy is necessary. The auditor general’s report exposed preferential treatment given to developers and direct influence over the government’s decision-making process. Opposition parties have called for resignations in light of these revelations.
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