Ford government obfuscated Greenbelt records through code words: commissioner
TORONTO – Ontario's information and privacy commissioner says Premier Doug Ford's government broke its legal, record-keeping obligations amid its now-reversed decision to open up parts of the protected Greenbelt lands for housing.
As part of Commissioner Patricia Kosseim's annual report, she says that a number of freedom-of-information appeals her office received on Greenbelt-related requests revealed concerning, systemic issues.
She says in addition to issues previously highlighted by the auditor general around political staff deleting Greenbelt emails and using personal accounts, the government has a 'surprising' lack of documentation on such an important decision and sometimes used code words in communications.
Kosseim says in the report that staffers sometimes referred to the Greenbelt project as 'special project,' or 'GB,' or 'G*,' with references to G* being next to impossible to find.
The RCMP is in the midst of an investigation into the government's decision to remove 15 parcels of land from the Greenbelt to remove 50,000 homes — a process the auditor general and integrity commissioner have found favoured certain developers.
Premier Doug Ford's office says the government has taken several steps to strengthen record-keeping practices and will continue to comply with legal obligations.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025.
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Toronto Star
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The official was not authorized to comment on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity. — By Maura Forrest in Montreal, with files from the Associated Press and Nono Shen in Vancouver. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? 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CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Banff will see a good few days, hoping for a good few years as a result of G7 Leaders' Summit
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Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Protesters, airplane watchers gather in Alberta as leaders head to G7
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