Nov 21, 2022
QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario Greens leader and Guelph MPP, Mike Schreiner, released
the following statement after tabling a motion in the legislature today calling on the Ford
government to immediately halt plans to open up the Greenbelt to development.
“People want Doug Ford to keep his promise not to develop the Greenbelt.
We can address the deepening housing affordability crisis without destroying the places
we love, the farmland that feeds us, and the nature that protects us.
A report from the government’s own Housing Affordability Task Force stated
categorically: a shortage of land is not the cause of the housing crisis. The task force
went on to say that the Greenbelt, along with other environmentally sensitive areas and
farms, must be protected.
Ford’s broken promise to open the Greenbelt to development flies in the face of his own
Housing Affordability Task Force and his repeated commitment to keep his hands off
the Greenbelt.
As recent media investigations show, Ford’s singular focus seems to be on helping
Greenbelt land speculators and pro-sprawl developers turn millions into billions.
Doug Ford must stop pushing the false narrative that we have to choose between
building housing and protecting the environment.
We can build the housing we need where people, especially young people, want to live
– in affordable 15-minute communities where they can be close to jobs, family, shops
and transit.
That’s why the motion I tabled today calls on the government to:
• immediately halt plans to open up the Greenbelt for development,
• permanently protect prime farmland, and
• commit to building at least 1.5 million homes within existing urban boundaries.”
Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario candidate of record Matt Richter added,
“Whether it be the ill advised, unnecessary multi billion dollar Hwy 413, or the
preposterous idea of duping the public to proceed with opening the Greenbelt, this
Ontario PC government needs to be reminded that the public does not approve. Across
Parry Sound-Muskoka and all of Ontario, people understand the need to have both a
strong economy and a protected environment. However, these recent illogical ideas are
incomprehensible and need to be reconsidered immediately.”
Local Green volunteers will participate in the door to door Provincial Day of Action this
Saturday Nov. 26 in Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Parry Sound and Burks Falls.
Arleigh Luckett
President, Parry Sound Muskoka Constituency Association
arleighluckett@gpo.ca
Media contact:
Linda Mathers
lindamathers@gpo.ca
705-818-3901