Burch: Billionaire Conservative donor developers writing government policy

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP critic for Municipal Affairs, Jeff Burch, is calling for accountability as media reports show developers with close ties to the Premier writing up Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZO) and draft amendments to the Planning Act.

“This government sees their role as working for ultra-wealthy developers and insiders, not for Ontarians” said Burch. “Reports of prolific PC donors, dictating government policy to Caledon is deeply alarming. This is another example of a disturbing pattern of behaviour. Why is this government letting billionaire Conservative insiders write and dictate public policy? Ontarians suffering from the housing crisis don’t benefit from these changes.”

Quick Facts:

• Earlier in August, the Town of Caledon received notice from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs that an MZO pertaining to the Mayfield West (owned by Nick Cortellucci) lands will be expanding in scope significantly. Caledon noted that they did not ask for this MZO.
• The MZO expansion would include portions of the Greenbelt.
• On Thursday, August 24, the Ministry announced that Greenbelt lands will not be included in the expanded MZO scope in Caledon.
• On Friday, August 25, Globe and Mail reported that this piece of land, which is owned by a developer with close ties to Doug Ford, wrote the MZO and provided draft amendments to the Planning Act