The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced Tuesday that it has launched a criminal investigation into Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plan to open up Greenbelt land for development.
“Following a referral from the Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP O Division’s Sensitive and International Investigations (SII) unit has now launched an investigation into allegations associated to the decision from the Province of Ontario to open parts of the Greenbelt for development,” RCMP Cpl. Christy Veenstra said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The RCMP says that no further updates will be provided at this time to ensure “fair and proper outcome”.
“While we recognize that this investigation is of significant interest to Canadians, the RCMP has a duty to protect the integrity of the investigations that it carries out,” the statement continued
The Ontario Provincial Police asked the RCMP to takeover the investigation into the Greenbelt land swap for development to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.
Meanwhile Ford who reversed the decision mid-September amid public pressure and the resignation of two ministers, maintains nothing criminal took place.
Prior to Ford’s apology and promise to return the land to the Greenbelt last month, investigations by the province’s auditor general and integrity commissioner concluded some developers may have received preferential treatment during the process.
