Skip to main content

Greenbelt is Ontario's jurisdiction, Ford says after federal minister raises concerns

Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks as he holds a press conference in Brampton., Ont., on Friday, January 27, 2023. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he's disappointed the federal environment minister indicated he'd consider intervening in the province's Greenbelt development plans.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks as he holds a press conference in Brampton., Ont., on Friday, January 27, 2023. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he's disappointed the federal environment minister indicated he'd consider intervening in the province's Greenbelt development plans.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Share

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he's disappointed the federal environment minister indicated he'd consider intervening in the province's Greenbelt development plans.

The province announced in November that it is removing about 7,400 acres from 15 different areas in the protected Greenbelt lands, while adding more parcels elsewhere, in order to build 50,000 homes.

Media outlet the Narwhal reported that Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Thursday that Ford's plans fly in the face of the goals of preparing for the impacts of climate change.

The Narwhal reported that Guilbeault raised the possibility of emergency orders under species at risk legislation and the Impact Assessment Act.

Guilbeault would not repeat the comments outside a caucus meeting Friday in Ottawa, but his office provided a statement noting that no specific development projects have been proposed yet, and the minister was referring to some of the legal processes in place to protect nature.

Responding to Guilbeault's comments from Thursday, Ford said the Greenbelt is Ontario's jurisdiction.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2023.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

opinion

opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool

Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.

Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.

Stay Connected