Schreiner: Ford must reverse $8.3 billion Greenbelt giveaway

August 29, 2023

GUELPH — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph, Mike Schreiner, released the following statement in response to comments from Premier Doug Ford that Ajax sites could be returned to Greenbelt following owner attempts to sell the land.

“The Ford government’s $8.3 billion Greenbelt giveaway has never been about building more homes. All along, it’s been about billion-dollar favours for wealthy, well-connected elites.

Now, we’re seeing the effects of treating Greenbelt lands as wads of cash play out in real time.

The Premier should absolutely do right by Ontarians and return these and all other lands to the Greenbelt immediately.

This is the beginning of a long road to restore public trust. But now is not the time for complacency.

It’s time to fight harder than ever to protect the Greenbelt in its entirety and push for real solutions to the housing crisis that puts people before speculators.

Ontario Greens continue to call for a full, independent public inquiry into the Ford government’s $8.3 billion Greenbelt giveaway, in addition to the passing of legislation permanently restoring the Greenbelt in its entirety and bringing back conservation easements on DRAP lands.”

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