[All] Greenbelt Scandal Breaking News - Integrity Commissioner's Report Released and Meeting This Friday, September 1st at 5:30pm
Kevin Thomason
kevinthomason at mac.com
Thu Aug 31 13:19:38 EDT 2023
Good Day,
A reminder of our update meeting on Friday, September 1st at 5:30pm on Zoom where we will discuss the latest news about the Greenbelt Scandal and planning for the upcoming rally to welcome Doug Ford to Waterloo Region for his FordFest event at Bingeman’s on September 8th:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09
Hopefully you will be able to join us.
1) Breaking News - Integrity Commissioner Reports Housing Minister Broke Law in Greenbelt Scandal - David J. Wake the Provincial Integrity Commissioner has released a 165 page report detailing that he found Minister Steve Clark violated laws for MPPs concerning conflicts of interest and insider information. Here’s the breaking news stories:
The Trillium - Housing Minister Broke Law in Greenbelt Land Swap:
https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/housing-minister-broke-law-in-greenbelt-land-swap-integrity-commissioner-7476063
The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Stands By Steve Clark Despite Report The Minister Violated Integrity Act:
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-stands-by-steve-clark-despite-report-the-minister-violated-integrity-act-in-greenbelt/article_ba83451d-2b7e-5653-9eb5-6d8e18828116.html
The Record - https://www.therecord.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-stands-by-steve-clark-despite-report-the-minister-violated-integrity-act-in-greenbelt/article_b9331f68-daf3-564f-8902-9eab259178df.html
The Narwhal - Mr X., Private Lunches, Untrained Staff: How Ontario’s Housing Minister Was Found To Have Breached Ethics Rules Over Greenbelt:
https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-integrity-commissioner-greenbelt-report/
CityNews - Ontario Housing Minister Violated Integrity Act: Integrity Commissioner:
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2023/08/30/ontario-housing-minister-violated-integrity-act-greenbelt/
CBC - Reprimand Housing Minister Over Greenbelt Land Swap: Ontario Integrity Watchdog:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/greenbelt-steve-clark-integrity-commissioner-report-1.6952133
The Record - Steve Clark Has Been Called Out - Who Could Have Thought that Ford Would Still Refuse to Fire His Housing Minister After The Integrity Commissioners Devastating Report:
https://www.therecord.com/politics/political-opinion/steve-clark-has-now-been-called-out-on-the-greenbelt-why-is-doug-ford-protecting/article_abba5a99-37f2-5bb7-a850-be233da755c1.html
Read the Full Report from the Integrity Commissioner at the following link and attached below as a PDF:
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23932176/ic-clark-report.pdf
2) Other Recent Provincial and National Media Coverage on the Greenbelt Scandal - In the weeks since the Auditor General released her bombshell report on the Greenbelt Scandal and the astounding actions of the provincial government the significant amount of news coverage has continued including stories on the RCMP taking over investigations from the OPP, an MZO reversal in Caledon, demands for a Public Inquiry, falling poll numbers, Greenbelt lands being returned in Durham and more:
The Toronto Star - Ontario Green Party Leader Calls for Public Inquiry Into Greenbelt Land Removals:
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/ontario-green-party-leader-calls-for-public-inquiry-into-greenbelt-land-removals/article_7680e7f3-8906-56f5-b805-603e8f5ab0d0.html
The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Hurt By Greenbelt Controversy, Poll Suggests:
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-hurt-by-greenbelt-controversy-poll-suggests/article_fedf8b8d-d631-591a-8d4b-d72ef693aa2d.html
CTV News - RCMP Probing Greenbelt Deals:
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/rcmp-probing-ford-government-s-handling-of-the-greenbelt-1.6530698
The Narwhal - Ontario Greenbelt E-mails Deleted by Government:
https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-greenbelt-emails-information-commissioner/
The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Says He’s Not Worried About Greenbelt Scandal:
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-says-he-s-not-worried-that-greenbelt-scandal-is-hurting-his-tories/article_b655db87-a264-5549-93f0-b8f679f977b3.html
The Toronto Star - Developer Close To Ford Sells Land Before Building with Special Permission:
https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/a-developer-close-to-doug-ford-bought-this-farmland-and-got-special-permission-to-build/article_ae3b97cc-a49c-5ed1-9a2b-fc2664080e43.html
CBC - Doug Ford Confident Nothing Criminal Took Place With Greenbelt Lands:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-greenbelt-rcmp-1.6947753
CBC - Developers Bought Hamilton Property Three Weeks Before The Province Removed Greenbelt Designation For Housing (In Area Restricted for Housing by Airport…):
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-greenbelt-book-road-1.6946129
CBC - Ontario Backtracks to No Longer Include Greenbelt Lands in Caledon MZO:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-caledon-mzo-greenbelt-1.6946441
The Record - Here’s Why Doug Ford Needs To Back Down On His Greenbelt Fiasco:
https://www.therecord.com/politics/political-opinion/here-s-why-doug-ford-needs-to-back-down-on-his-greenbelt-fiasco/article_0751a6a7-73b8-5018-829f-1ebaa7e1652d.html
The Toronto Star - Housing Minister Being Investigated First In Greenbelt Scandal, Integrity Commissioner Says:
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/housing-minister-being-investigated-first-in-greenbelt-scandal-integrity-commissioner-says/article_01d7fe30-ddb3-5e19-88ea-6d3456885ffb.html
The Toronto Star - Ontario Keeping Costs of Highway #413 Hidden From Public:
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/ontario-keeping-costs-of-highway-413-hidden-from-public/article_579a69cb-b8b6-57e3-9303-07c4861342ec.html
City News - Ontario Could Return Some Land To Greenbelt After Developers Tried to Sell:
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2023/08/29/greenbelt-ford-government-ontario-ajax/?
CBC News - Ontario Government Exploring Putting Protections Back On 2 Greenbelt Properties:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/greenbelt-ford-1.6950379
3) Other Relevant Media Coverage - Other recent media worth reading/watching includes:
Toronto Star - Greenbelt Q&A With Reporter Robert Benzie:
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-and-the-ontario-greenbelt-fallout-the-star-s-queen-s-park-bureau-chief/article_ffc36577-a87d-52c2-bcd5-fb0f8ecbecf6.html
Twitter Astonishment of Reporters at Doug Ford’s Press Conference He Himself Called:
https://twitter.com/David_Moscrop/status/1695119320760664155?cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjcw%3D%3D&refsrc=email
4) FordFest Rally Next Friday - A reminder that on Friday, September 8th Doug Ford is bringing FordFest (or more frequently referred to as Fraudfest) to Bingeman’s Park in Kitchener. Labour groups and others have reached out to see how we can all work together to ensure a memorable welcome for Doug Ford to our communities with a Rally in front of Bingeman’s from 4pm to 6pm.
Plans are still coming together and if you would like to volunteer on our Rally Committee to help out please let Mike or Kevin know. The newest poster from the Waterloo Labour Council for the Rally is attached below and we are hopeful that we can set records for attendance - sending a really strong message to the Premier and provincial government.
5) Other Pending Rallies and Events in Hamilton - Apparently the Province is now resorting to a rigged “negotiation” and “consultation” process to try to create the false impression that Hamilton is acquiescing to Greenbelt removal. Hamilton City Council has agreed to host two public meetings that will allow the public to demonstrate a clear outpouring of opposition to any Greenbelt development:
a) Greenbelt Open House by Hamilton City Staff - There will be a staff presentation followed by a moderated Q&A session starting at 7pm.
When: Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 from 6:30 tp 8:30pm
Where: Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Peter Hall, 357 Wilson Street East, Ancaster
b) Special Meeting of City of Hamilton Planning Committee - To delegate to the Planninc Committee contact clerk at hamilton.ca. Stop Sprawl Hamilton will be holding a large rally before the meeting at 6:00pm in front of the venue. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for details.
When: Thursday, September 14th, 2023 Rally at 6:00pm, Meeting at 6:30pm
Where: Ancaster Memorial Arts Theatre, 357 Wilson Street East, Ancaster
Lets try to do everything that we can to support citizens and local communities in Hamilton - please write, call and attend these meetings.
6) Has Steve Clark Resigned Yet? Website - there has been a brilliant website created by the NDP Party asking "Has Minister Steve Clark Resigned Yet" and allowing you to automatically send a letter to the government demanding his resignation:
https://hassteveclarkresignedyet.ca/
Tell Steve Clark to resign!
The NDP has also released an excellent online video on Steve Clark demanding that he Practice What He Preaches:
Practice What You Preach:
https://twitter.com/OntarioNDP/status/1695074512616743259?s=20
7) ALO Take Action - The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario (ALO) has created a great resource for taking action and responding to the Auditor General’s Report on Greenbelt Land Removals. Speak up and make sure that your voice is heard with these resources and easy actions:
https://www.liveableontario.ca/alliance-resources/take-action-responding-to-the-auditor-generals-report-on-greenbelt-land-removals
Ontario Nature recently did a great overview of ALO on their blog. Check it out and learn more at:
https://ontarionature.org/introducing-the-alliance-for-a-liveable-ontario-blog/
8) First Nations - Chiefs of Ontario - Stand United in Support of The Auditor General’s Special Report - The Chiefs of Ontario have held a unanimous vote and reiterated their opposition to the Greenbelt Land Swap again this week. The far-reaching demands they continue to request from Premier Ford and Minister Rickford include:
Demands the Government Must Meet:
1) Resignation or Firing of MMAH Minister Steve Clark and Chief of Staff Ryan Amato;
2) Return removed parcels to the Greenbelt immediately;
3) Complete repeal of Bill 23 and immediate reinstatement of environmental protections for the Greenbelt;
4) Commitment to seek consent from First Nations before any future changes to the Greenbelt;
5) Extension of the Provincial Planning Statement ERO (019-6813) by at least one year for fulsome engagement with First Nations on proposed changes.
Read the impressive complete statement here:
https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/chiefs-of-ontario-leadership-council-stands-united-in-support-of-auditor-general-of-ontarios-special-report/
And read about the latest vote this week and statement here:
CBC News - Ontario First Nations Leaders Reiterate Opposition to Greenbelt Land Swamp in Unanimous Vote:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/chiefs-of-ontario-greenbelt-vote-1.6949826
We need to determine how we can best support the First Nations to see these demands met. Please share any ideas.
9) Waterloo Region Countryside Line Designation - Speak up and use Hold The Line's automatic e-mail form to send an e-mail to Regional Councillors and Mayors to support an initiative by Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe to protect an equivalent amount of land that the provincial government has forceably removed for development and to reinforce our Countryside Line. Further details are at the following link where you can automatically send your supportive e-mail:
https://petition.town/?campaign=uphold-the-countryside-line
10) Wilmot Council to Limit Citizen Voice and Involvement - In an absurd proposal, unprecedented in Ontario, Wilmot Township is proposing only allowing local township residents be allowed to delegate at Council. We need to speak up to ensure that everyone is welcome to speak before any elected body in Ontario:
CityNews - Wilmot Council Considering Allowing Only Township Residents To Delegate:
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2023/08/30/wilmot-council-considering-change-to-bylaw-to-only-allow-township-residents/
11) Reminder - Meeting this Friday - Join us this Friday, September 1st (tomorrow) at 5:30pm:
Topic: Grand River Watershed Bill 23 Bi-Weekly Zoom Meeting
Time: Every Other Friday at 5:30pm EST
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09
Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701
Passcode: 713374
Thanks for all the great efforts so far. Please share any questions or ideas.
Cheers,
Kevin Thomason and Mike Marcolongo on behalf of all our community groups.
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A) Upcoming Events
Friday, September 1st - 5:30pm - Next update meeting on Zoom - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09
Monday, September 4th - 12pm - Labour Picnic at Waterloo Park - https://waterloolabour.ca/
Wednesday, September 6th - 6:30pm to 8:30pm - Hamilton Greenbelt Open House Meeting - Ancaster Memorial Arts Theatre Wilson Street East - https://www.ssho.ca/
Friday, September 8th - 4pm to 6pm - Ford Fest At Bingeman’s Kitchener - https://waterloolabour.ca/events/save-the-date-a-big-welcome-to-waterloo/
Tuesday, September 12th - 7pm - Simcoe County Special Greenbelt Forum - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uniting-for-a-sustainable-future-public-forum-on-the-greenbelt-tickets-699659128287?aff=scgcaugeml
Thursday, September 14th - 6:00pm - Hamilton Provincial Negotiator Meeting - Ancaster Memorial Arts Theatre Wilson Street East - huge protest being planned in advance - https://www.ssho.ca/
Saturday, October 28th - Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition Event with Margaret Atwood and Sarah Harmer - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gather-for-the-greenbelt-tickets-658110374847?aff=scgcaugeml
Also watch for more upcoming Rally’s and Protests over the coming weeks around Ontario as citizen’s speak up and take action for the future they want to see.
Learn more at: https://environmentaldefence.ca/handsoffthegreenbelt/
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B) PDF of Integrity Commissioner Report on Minister Steve Clark:

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C) FordFest Rally at Bingeman’s - Friday, September 8th 4pm to 6pm:
FordFest Rally - https://waterloolabour.ca/events/save-the-date-a-big-welcome-to-waterloo/
4 to 6pm, Friday September 8th

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C) Hamilton Greenbelt Open House - Wed, Sept 6th at 7pm

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D) Recent Media:




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E) Join the Queen’s Park ClimateFast Lobby Breakfast:
Lobby Breakfast at Queen's Park
Tuesday September 26, 2023, 7:30am - 9am
Queen’s Park, Toronto ON
Training session: Monday September 25, 7 - 9 pm, Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave <https://www.google.com/maps/search/60+Lowther+Ave?entry=gmail&source=g>.
Overnight billeting can be arranged for those from out of town.
One way to fight for a renewable energy future! Please join in our lobby day, this will involve sending an invitation to your MPP and attending the breakfast, or arranging another meeting time with your MPP. Coordinated by CCL, OCEC, OCAA and ClimateFast, this day of lobbying will address Ontario's energy future with a specific focus on fighting the planned expansion of gas plants in Ontario. Lobbying can be very effective and the more ridings we represent that day, the better. One of our speakers will be Zoe Keary-Matzner, who is a litigant in the youth climate suit against the Ontario government.
Please register <https://climatefast.ca/civicrm/mailing/url?u=5453&qid=180292> if you are able to attend - https://climatefast.ca/form/lobby-day-sign-up-form
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F) Waterloo Labour Council Labour Day Picnic - Monday, September 4th 12:00pm

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G) Speak Up and Ensure Your Voice is Heard:
Premier Doug Ford - doug.fordco at pc.ola.org <mailto:doug.fordco at pc.ola.org> or 416-325-1941
Steve Clark - Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - steve.clark at pc.ola.org <mailto:steve.clark at pc.ola.org> or 416-585-7214
David Piccini - Minster of Environment, Conservation and Parks - david.piccini at pc.ola.org <mailto:david.paccini at pc.ola.org> or 905-372-4000
Todd Smith - Minister of Energy - todd.smith at pc.ola.org <mailto:todd.smith at pc.ola.org> or 613-962-1144
Michael Parsa - Associate Minister of Housing - michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org <mailto:michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org>
Local Conservative MPPs:
Mike Harris Jr - MPP Kitchener-Conestoga - mike.harris at pc.ola.org <mailto:mike.harris at pc.ola.org> or 519-669-2090
Brian Riddell - MPP Cambridge - brian.riddell at pc.ola.org <mailto:brian.riddell at pc.ola.org> or 519-650-2770
Jess Dixon - MPP Kitchener South - jess.dixon at pc.ola.org <mailto:jess.dixon at pc.ola.org> or 519-650-9413
Will Bouma - MPP Brantford-Brant - will.bouma at pc.ola.org <mailto:will.bouma at pc.ola.org> or (519) 759-0361
Ted Arnott - MPP Wellington-Halton Hills - ted.arnott at pc.ola.org <mailto:ted.arnott at pc.ola.org> or (519) 787-5247
Ernie Hardeman - MPP Oxford - ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org <mailto:ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org> or (519) 537-5222
Matthew Rae - MPP Perth-Wellington - matthew.rae at pc.ola.org <mailto:matthew.rae at pc.ola.org> or (519) 272-0660
Local NDP MPPs:
Catherine Fife - MPP Waterloo - cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca <mailto:cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca> or 519-725-3477
Laura Mae Lindo - MPP Kitchener Centre - llindo-qp at ndp.on.ca <mailto:llindo-qp at ndp.on.ca> or 519-579-5460
Local Green Party MPPs:
Mike Schreiner - MPP Guelph - mschreiner at ola.org <mailto:mschreiner at ola.org> or (519) 836-4190
Independent MPPs:
Bobbi Ann Brady - MPP Haldimand-Norfolk - babrady-co at ola.org <mailto:babrady-co at ola.org> or (519) 428-0446
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Kevin Thomason
Vice-Chair, Grand River Environmental Network
Phone: (519) 888-0519
Mobile Phone/WhatsApp: (519) 240-1648
Twitter: @kthomason
E-mail: kevinthomason at mac.com <mailto:kevinthomason at mac.com>
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