HOUSING MINISTER APOLOGIZES BUT WON'T RESIGN OVER GREENBELT
Aug 31, 2023
By Bob Komsic
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Steve Clark says he’s ”sorry” for his poor oversight in the Greenbelt land swap but vows to remain housing minister despite another damning report into his conduct.
The first was the auditor-general and the latest was the integrity commissioner.
The day after the commissioner found Clark violated the ethics rules, the minister did not explain why he didn’t provide better supervision.
Repeatedly asked by reporters if he would resign or why he shouldn’t, Clark kept repeating that he was sorry and that the buck stops with him.
”The buck’s not stopping anywhere,” says interim Liberal Leader John Fraser.
”Nobody’s taking responsibility.”
Fraser’s calling for a legislative committee to hold special hearings and call witnesses, similar to one former premier Dalton McGuinty’s minority government was forced to hold on the gas plants scandal a decade ago.
Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles says Ontarians deserve ”so much better than fake apologies.”
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner says the premier has failed ”the accountability test” and so has Clark.
Meanwhile, there’s a rumour there will soon be a cabinet shuffle to allow the minister to be moved without having to admit any guilt.