The Ontario Liberals are calling on the RCMP to provide an update into their criminal investigation of Doug Ford’s Greenbelt scandal before voters head to the polls next month.
In a letter shared with 680 NewsRadio, Liberal MPP John Fraser wrote directly to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme over the weekend requesting more information.
“Given the Premier intends to call an early election this Wednesday, it is now an urgent matter that the RCMP provide an update into this investigation before the people of Ontario cast their votes next month,” Fraser wrote.
“In response, the RCMP stated, ‘The RCMP understands this is an issue of significant interest to the people of Ontario.’ I agree with that assessment.”
In October 2023, the RCMP formally launched an investigation into the Ford government’s decision to open up protected Greenbelt lands for development, which the Liberals call an “$8.3 billion giveaway” to a select group of “rich developers.”
The RCMP inquiry came precisely one year after then auditor general Bonnie Lysyk issued a scathing report which found Ontario’s decision to open protected Greenbelt lands up to housing development found the process favoured developers with ties to the housing minister’s chief of staff. She also found the selection of lands removed was “biased,” “seriously flawed,” and was “dismissive of effective land-use planning.”
Ford eventually reversed his controversial plan in September 2023, calling it a “mistake,” but that hasn’t stopped his political opponents or the authorities from asking questions.
Ontario created the Greenbelt in 2005 to protect agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area from development.
With files from Richard Southern of 680 NewsRadio
