No more development by loopholes and special deals, says Schreiner

For Immediate Release
May 7, 2014

Midhurst — Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario and candidate in Guelph, is visiting the site of the proposed mega-development in Midhurst today to decry development by loopholes and special deals.

“I’m tired of political deals trumping what is good for our communities and protections for our foodlands and water systems,” says Schreiner. “It is wrong for the Liberal government to support a mega-sprawl development that breaks the core values of the Places to Grow Act.”

“If we have rules, shouldn’t we follow them?” asks Schreiner. “People are losing confidence in government when status quo politicians put special interests before the public’s interest.”

Because of a rare ministerial order — a custom-made loophole — Midhurst is the only community allowed to break so many rules.

“The Minesing Wetland contributes to water quality, flood control and erosion management for many communities outside of Midhurst including Wasaga Beach,” says Margaret Prophet, Communications Director of the Midhurst Ratepayers’ Association. “We want our government to uphold the promises they made to the people of Ontario — to protect our natural heritage, water, and our foodlands.”

The Green Party is calling for an end to the abuse of process that allows loopholes to be used to serve special interests.

“We should have confidence that what we vote for is what we get,” says Schreiner. “The people of Ontario want the rules to be clear and fair. They don’t want to be sandbagged over and over again with violations of the spirit and the letter of the law.”

As is so often the case around the province, residents and supporters have had to resort to taking action themselves. Over 6000 people have signed petitions, written letters and attended meetings. “It’s a lot of work,” says Prophet, “and it is worth it. We have the support of our community, of influential organizations, of individual politicians of all stripes, and of celebrities. All that is missing is the political will to preserve the Ontario we love for future generations.”

The Green Party of Ontario wants to restore honesty, integrity, and good public policy to Queen’s Park.

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