By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We know now what the Saturday newspapers will be full of.
Premier Doug Ford apologizing for his original Greenbelt decision while taking part in a Cabinet retreat in Niagara Falls.
The politically amazing turn around on the part of the Premier on his original plan to open up the Greenbelt to development.
While taking part in a retreat with his Cabinet in Niagara Falls before the Legislature opens on Monday Doug Ford said “it was a mistake”
It is possible to say now that no one will attempt to do anything with that land for a couple of decades.
Commentators have been saying that “this isn’t the end of this”.
Give Ford some credit for backing out and let’s see what we learn during the balance of the day.
Mr. Ford.
As we said when we were kids – Liar, Liar, pants on fire; you big fibber.
“Mistake” normally means an unintended error. In politics it means you got caught. Ford is smart enough to see that if he doesn’t back down on the Greenbelt there could be a great unravelling of the other mischiefs he’s been up to, like Highway 413, Ontario Place, Science Centre, etc. Why, he might even have to release the ministerial orders given to his Cabinet, which are likely to be interesting, considering the desperate legal battle waged to keep them secret.
The only thing missing from Doug Ford’s latest “mea culpa” speech is an announcement that he is stepping down as Premier and Leader of the PC Party, and immediately convening a leadership convention to choose his successor. Perhaps he is waiting for the Integrity Commissioner’s next report of additional wrongdoings and misdeeds.
“Disgusting” is too kind a word to describe this fiasco.
I don’t give him an ounce of credit. He’s trying to avoid a criminal investigation and he should have resigned long ago and still should. They’re scared of what’s being dug up and afraid of what else and who else’s names might come out.
Quite refreshing to see a political leader admit that they made a mistake AND reverse their decision. Kudos