Schreiner calls on Integrity Commissioner to trigger public inquiry into Greenbelt scandal

September 25, 2023

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens leader Mike Schreiner is calling on Integrity Commissioner J. David Wake to exercise the powers afforded to him under the Members’ Integrity Act to trigger a public inquiry into Doug Ford’s $8.3 billion Greenbelt scandal.

“It’s clear that this trail of Greenbelt destruction leads to the Premier and his cabinet,” said Schreiner. “It doesn’t matter how many times Ford half-heartedly apologizes – the people of this province put their trust in him, and he chose deals for Ford-connected developers over everyday Ontarians.”

“By failing to stop this $8.3 billion Greenbelt giveaway in its tracks, each and every member of his cabinet has failed to uphold the integrity of this legislature.”

“There are many unanswered questions that have significant implications on the way we govern in this province – the standards to which we hold our Premier and cabinet accountable and the way we as elected officials deliver accountability when a breach of this scale takes place.”

“A public inquiry is not just about pointing fingers or laying blame. It’s about looking forward. About restoring trust and faith in our public institutions. About learning from the mistakes to ensure that something like this can never happen again.”

Schreiner made the announcement this morning alongside Patrick Macklem, emeritus professor of constitutional law at University of Toronto and the Ontario Greens’ justice critic.

“A public inquiry is the only route left to the people of Ontario to address the harm that the Ford government has inflicted on the integrity of our Legislative Assembly,” said Macklem.

“It’s time to get to work restoring that integrity and ensuring that these contraventions cannot occur in the future.”

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