'I'm very, very sorry': the story of Doug Ford's Greenbelt disaster | About That

[@lilystonne4108]

He apologized and reversed course only when he was caught trying to break the law.

[@oddhumourofficial]

exactly, but people are sheep.

[@damontsekos9406]

@lilystonne4108....Hopefully Ontarians and the rest of Canadians have taken lessons from all that and won't be repeating their mistake by voting for Poilievre who will only be a Federal version of him!...He's already hinting at starting a Greenbelt Scandal of his own on a Federal level by mentioning a "housing crisis" all the time and sounding more and more like a tape recording of Doug Ford every time he opens that hole on his face!

[@TheOneManWhoBeatYou]

He didn't break any law, but keep guzzling down every drop of CBC propaganda

[@craven5328]

I'm totally glad the press has kept pulling at threads, and doggedly kept this issue in the spotlight. This is a great example of how important and effective the 5th estate is.

[@sharper68]

@@edpeesker5087 We know they are often complicit with government failures, but in this case the system worked.

[@deepbrit]

Finally something valuable from press after Kardashians

[@111Watersong]

@@edpeesker5087 uh….they have. Nothing there dude. Give it up

[@tonfie]

I'm relieved that more permanent damages have not been done to the land, but this should never have happened in the first place. Ford should resign.

[@AnnRaps-mn3qm]

All parties should resign!!!! The party is over!!!! We are awake to the lies!!!!!

[@robertlee4172]

Drug Fraud's Highway #413 to nowhere was halted. He still thinks it's a great idea, ...for his developer buddies.

[@TheOneManWhoBeatYou]

​@@robertlee4172The 401 is the most congested highway in North America, more than the LAX, a city twice Toronto's size, keep lying to yourself

[@robertlee4172]

@@TheOneManWhoBeatYou Do you even know where the #413 runs? Right through prime Green Belt farmland. Do you know why the project has been stalled for past 10 years? The same reason why Drug Fraud had to withdraw his sweetheart development deal with home builders. It runs right through prime Green Belt farmland.

[@Deexeh]

The whole thing was shady from get go. There's plenty of other places to build housing with infrastructure more easily available.

[@georgedavidson1221]

Name. One.

[@McGoogger]

@@georgedavidson1221 the entire gta

[@jon4139]

@@McGoogger Agreed, let's tear down a few thousand single family homes to build condos

[@donaldginettecrooks6323]

Like Golf courses would be good to use for housings.

[@jeremyc6407]

@@georgedavidson1221 55 acres sitting in the middle of St. Catharines ,waiting to be cleaned up and turned into housing for years now

[@vincentrimmer5844]

"I'm very, very sorry"... I didn't get away with it this time.

[@ryuuguu01]

Definitely, a public inquiry is needed. Also, the giveaway of development rights has to be reversed and laws passed to stop them from being given away again. Yes, I know the land should never be taken out, but if we remove the ability to easily give billions to political friends it will be harder to justify trashing the Greenbelt. Need a law saying that any land removed from the Greenbelt has to have development rights paid to the government by whoever develops it. Yes again this law can be changed by future governments but they will have to rescind an existing law to do it and that will be more visible.

[@rohankurian5641]

💪🇨🇦💪🇨🇦💪🇨🇦

[@robertlee4172]

I'm still waiting for the RCMP announcement, that Drug Fraud is under investigation.

[@Braktooth]

Another great job of getting down to the nuts and bolts of the story. Kudos.

[@martinowen9185]

You are sorry about the greenbelt "mistake" the only mistake you did was getting caught you knew what you were doing. You can never convince us you knew nothing and most of these owners of greenbelt lands some just purchased were your "friends' what you actually did was try to reward your friends. Maybe they will flip on you now they lost all that money.

[@gerrym274]

Ford should be held accountable & resign.. not the first time he does shady deals & lies .enough is enough

[@Alexis-ey4kp]

Sounds like someone else we know.

[@petergiaschi35]

Boy, I really hope people don't fall for the "apology"....he'll just find another way to get it done. "best of intentions." NOT.

[@Sarcasticron]

Wow, Doug Ford has gotten a long way with that "I'm so sorry I stole the cookie from the cookie jar" face. That's definitely a skill.

[@aidankidd6947]

I commend Ford's ability to see the future possibility of handcuffs

[@ClarityDetermination]

Cheers!

[@stephenpaquet]

Great comment that made me chuckle. 😂😂😂

[@lestrouble]

Glad the green belt decision has been reversed, but there are still many questions that need to be answered. In my opinion, one of the reasons for the reversal was to avoid a public inquiry into corruption. This inquiry is still needed.

[@davidwilkinson9950]

They made this "crisis" to begin with, what a con man.

[@reny9405]

Sorry is not enough. Investigate and if evidence is warranted prosecute and jail the criminal. Ontario deserves no less for justice.

[@shahporeazizi8167]

Sorry doesn’t pay the bill

[@richardharris8538]

Doug Frord has always struck me as most likely being a con man. How is it that this isn't more obvious to most people? (I don't believe that I have a special ability as a judge of character.) For instance, the allegation by a senior police officer that Doug Frord tried to get the OPP to personalize his RV and lose the cost in the books went mysteriously quiet. I wonder what powerful interests are behind Doug Frord, seeking to subvert our democracy for their own ends?

[@pontifixmax]

6 out of 10 Ontarians didn't vote in the last provincial election, so this is the democracy we get.

[@richardharris8538]

@@pontifixmax Only 17% of the electorate voted Tory. Most voters wanted a more progressive government, but got Tories, because of our 'first past the post' system.

[@robertlee4172]

The Canadian Trump crime family. Remember those $500-dollar invoices his campaign committee sent out? It's a doozie of a story.

[@Liendoelcm]

Caught with his fingers in the pie I think! Much more to be discovered on who did what and quite a bit of dirty money exchanged hands from the top down.

[@quixomega]

What I hear is "I'm sorry I got caught trying to illegally enrich my friends."

[@GadsdenGal]

It never ceases to amaze me how these politicians can make knowingly, bad decisions with our tax dollars, and think that giving a public apology fixes the problem. Must be nice! If I get a speeding ticket, can I just apologize and not pay the fine? Funny, how politicians can get away with the things that the taxpayer cannot.

[@alanmacification]

Of course, you broke the promise. You are a businessman, and a promise from a businessman is worthless.

[@YYC403NOYP]

If criminal investigation is warranted, it should be done ASAP

[@johndunbar7504]

Sorry won't cut it for him. His natural corruption has been exposed and he can't go back. /Get rid of him !

[@LMM7880]

Democracy at work. Thank you all those that contacted his office, organized and went to demonstrations and made sure this guy and his government knew we were not happy.

[@chriscampbell8074]

Doug is not sorry, he is just sorry he didn't get away with it.

[@ShortyKat]

Ontarions think you should resign. If Ford was in opposition he would be screaming for his opponent 's resignation from the CN Tower!

[@johnathonkelly5117]

Can't ignore the housing crisis tho.. what was he supposed to do? Watch rent cost and homelessness keeping rising? No one wants that either

[@carlogervasi5393]

@@johnathonkelly5117 Agree!At least he's man enough to admit a possible mistake but also a potential solution to the housing crisis unlike Trudeau who never admits ANYTHING!!!

[@craven5328]

​@johnathonkelly5117 this wouldn't have solved the housing crisis. We need affordable homes - they would have paved paradise and put up McMansions. And, to accept corruption because the ends are beneficial is how societies eventually find themselves in very, very dark places.

[@levon9999]

Mr Ford should step down along with the apology. And further be investigated for criminal conspiracy to ruin the green belt, under false pretence.

[@nuxkamina]

I've enjoyed watching About That cover the Green belt. This wouldn't have happened without the journalism, activists, land defenders and investigators. We are a much healthier better country by having checks and balances. We undermine our journalists, we undermine democracy and these checks.

[@LoriScopis]

It's too bad that the media is not disclosing that the developers already owned the land, in many cases purchased .many years ago for a small price. Meanwhile there is talk of compensation for the money they might lose? Not true. Please cover this aspect of the story so tax payers don't get ripped off to ensure that Ford can maintain his 'friendships'

[@JustDisc]

That’s what happens when you don’t finish post secondary. You don’t really learn to think/plan ahead 👍

[@Olscotia1]

Housing minister resign with top benefits, pension big home 🏡 and lots of money. While Canadians that actually deserve a home are set out in the cold.

[@codyeasonBGR]

Thank you cbc for bring this great news covrage to the world.

[@toxicmegacolon8122]

The big developers are sooo powerful in this country omg...

[@Bryan-dn1nx]

Great report Andrew , I believe he still cannot be trusted , and should still be investigated by the RCMP

[@DjWellDressedMan]

Another U turn for Ford Nation, how many more?

[@jennibartlett2029]

Soooo, if I kick you in the head and then say yes I kicked you in the head does that mean I can just say, I accept all responsibility and then walk away without consequence…… wow !

[@mellie9633]

Yep and leave you with a permanent concussion.

[@Riddler_von]

I think they thought they were dealing with Americans instead of Canadians. 😂 Any of the outrageous politicians in the states would never be allowed to stay in office here. That’s the big difference. We are leaning more righ/left than we used to because of social media influence from them. We are still a more rational educated society.

[@jennibartlett2029]

Really, no politician in USA would be allowed to stay in office….. really, smoke another , boebert, mtg ,gaetz, gossar, etc…

[@stephenpaquet]

@@jennibartlett2029 please reread the original post. Your reading comprehension seems to be lacking.

[@Corbots80]

Lol you don't know much about American politics then

[@j-h-123]

Thank you for the excellent reporting as usual, Andrew. 👍

[@orioninvesting4299]

Whole government is shady. Look into Ontario place and other developer deals

[@llamamama75]

The Ontario Place deal is so upsetting. I like using that space for nice bike rides. Just turn it into a big, lovely park for everyone to use, not just rich spa patrons.

[@mellie9633]

He wanted to make money just like his buddies...what's wrong with that? Everything! When you're a lying, greedy premier.

[@13coyote13]

He's just sorry he got caught, nothing else, he should resign immediately.

[@basiah16]

Sorry he got caught…

[@jtanagho]

Why does not he resign.?? Doug Ford resign PLEASE.

[@frankstared]

Deconstruct the suburbs and the cottages in once natural lands and fully renaturalize those spaces and build vertically in cities where people want to live. We need to limit our footprints, not pave over earth.

[@Corbots80]

Sounds like some of the scams related to this have been unearthed. And now he's in damage control

[@ClarityDetermination]

Why couldn't you do journalism like this before this? Everybody has known about this criminal, Ford, for six years.

[@lelandlewis7207]

The issue I see is that what is needed is affordable housing, and the Greenbelt project is not going to create affordable housing, it is going to create more expensive housing with great profits for developers. Also, there is land available and land already owned by developers to build on. If you want affordable housing quickly, there are only a couple of ways to do it. You either have to have the government build the housing and recoup the money on sales or subsidize the building by developers and control the pricing of those units. If left to the market, it will be a slow process as housing is added. I did a quick calculation on a 25-year mortgage for an average semi-detached house in today's market, given a minimum downpayment. The monthly payment was about $4000. How can any normal family afford that kind of commitment when even paying the $2500+ rent of an apartment is almost impossible? Not to mention trying to save the downpayment. The debt that must be incurred by families that have a house with 2 fairly new vehicles in the yard and living expenses is mind-boggling. It is no wonder that credit card debt and bankruptcies are high.

[@martymoose8304]

Maybe someone should try to rob a bank and if they get caught, just say sorry. There is no rule of law in Canada!!

[@ianmaidment2258]

For the rich and powerful

[@Prindad]

Wait a minute. He's taking responsibility and not throwing someone else under the bus? How unusual.

[@quepasa2781]

Build on a place that can't be used for agriculture, the shield is the only right place for new development.

[@benala5135]

being sorry is not enough resign and let people decide.

[@shirleygallant1782]

Put Doug in prison now😅

[@LisaKras]

There had better be a thorough investigation AND charges for EVERYONE whose pockets were lined

[@user-gm2ih8ro8e]

Ford will be investigated and you will find out what a crook he is.

[@DF-hu1jx]

These lands should never have been included in the Greenbelt to begin with. The boundaries were politically motivated at that time. Homes just got more expensive in the GTA.

[@ianmaidment2258]

The last four years my life has gotten worse... the government is not doing it's job

[@Tim-57]

So full of it.

[@BuddhaAfterDark]

love this kind of content CBC, way to catch up with the people :D

[@nahthisaintit]

ARE WE PAYING BILLIONS TO TAKE THE GREEN BELT BACK????? IS HE INSANE. His developer buddies just made so much money and we are paying for it. Omfg THROW HIM IN JAIL

[@titusmccarthy]

Arrest DRUG FORD.

[@franhenderson9176]

Yeah I bet he is upset. He got caught and if you look quick you'll see the money slip out of his pocket. If you want to affect the housing crisis build apartments in city center on empty lots

[@janetteellingham4982]

Somethings up for sure. I don’t trust him

[@jamleb1192]

Sorry don't mean a thing unless you get the land back

[@patricktruelove464]

I’m very sorry too, Doug. You’re fired.

[@kimanseth8988]

Ford should be out of a job

[@melissasinclair3139]

MONEY should be returned to tax payers

[@ianmaidment2258]

Another crook that got caught is sorry

[@vanhoot2234]

the road to hell is paved with good intentions

[@diycarhome9151]

Time to give Doug Ford the Boot. Just way he went about craving up the Green Belt.

[@theBigEastBand]

He got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Ah, shucks you caught me and I'm sorry now, doesn't cut it.

[@frankstared]

Ah, the slime of the shellfish.

[@ClarityDetermination]

Increase the income for ODSP and Ontario Works.

[@BogusBambini]

Agree - once the criteria for eligibility is re-evaluated and recipients are reassessed every 2 years as with many other social programs/benefits, there are many collecting cheques who shouldn't be....Our provincial computer systems haven't been cross referencing within or between departments - people have been caught accessing welfare from several jurisdictions - this oversight requires expansion.

[@titusmccarthy]

Good idea but will never happen under the sociopathic CONS>

[@GenerationJonesi]

Yes we have a housing crisis, but, I'm sure there are alternatives to destroying our greenbelt. Wth was Ford thinking?

[@stephenpaquet]

I said about six months ago to a friend of mine, that Doug Ford hasn’t done anything to not be reelected. Well, that changed!😂😂😂

[@damontsekos9406]

Lock him up, including his Conservative voters!

[@ClarityDetermination]

Can we still charge Doug Ford?! Huh, can we??😅

[@danielcalcutt7215]

Anyone involved in this deal should be expelled from office . Your heart is for your own pockets doug, your not trustworthy. Who are these homes your building for when interest rates are high , rents are threw the roof , the cost is living is atrocious. What kind of game are you people playing with us. Nothing good will come from oppressing the people of Canada. I think you personally have taken your share of wealth, now move on.

[@ryuuguu01]

This was a good summary of what has happened so far.

[@ruthhumawid1472]

Sorry for getting caught I think that’s what it is. He’s not sorry for what he did. So all I can say is don’t vote him back in next election.

[@elizabethellis9062]

So is his daughter gonna give the money back?

[@humnpwr]

I am so sorry I got caught 😂😂😂

[@rohankurian5641]

🤔👊😂🔥✌

[@teaburg]

So he has figured out another way to generate money to his pals and is now apologizing? Or he has new pals he can benefit? He already stashed the money he got from this and he is happy with that? Leopards don't change their spots.

[@niemi5858]

I voted PC the last 2 elections because of the Wynn Liberal government's complacency and expensive movement too far to the left. I am voting Liberal in the next election because of the Ford government's arrogance and corruption. I experienced what happened when we elected an NDP government and that was a big mistake. Remember "Ray days"? So, what are we left with? At 73 years old, my skepticism about the ethics of politicians and politics has morphed into cynicism and contempt.

[@BogusBambini]

At least this government hasn't wasted $2 billion in one feel swoop and doubled hydro prices, pushing manufacturers across the border and Ontarians into the poorhouse!

[@craven5328]

Coming from QC, but now living in Toronto, I simply cannot understand the continued level of vitriol / disparagement of the NDP over Rae Days. My understanding is that the NDP was in-between a rock and a hard place, coming out of a recession: either lay off public servants completely, or have everyone keep their jobs and their ability to make ends meet, and share the burden through unpaid days off. Or, do nothing and increase provincial debt (something the Conservatives consistently say they hate the prospect of). The people most affected were teachers and subsequently it seems like they ended up supporting the PC party and Mike Harris in the next election (which feels like a pig voting for a butcher because the vegetarian farmer gave him less slop). This all occurred during the ascendancy of the Reform Party and conservative economic theory, ie Milton Friedman, that has become dogma for all shades of Conservative politics.

[@titusmccarthy]

@@BogusBambini Hydro bills are still sky high, Cletus. Ford fixed NOTHING.

[@llamamama75]

Consider not voting for either of the two neoliberal parties. The Libs are not so different from the Cons, as you have already noticed for yourself. Why forgive the Liberals and not the NDP? We know the Liberals will also steal from us. We can't hold the neoliberals, in general, to account if we keep electing both their parties in turn.

[@patrckdinn7265]

Im very very sorry i got caught

[@jeremyli8220]

I really don't like Doug Ford and the PC's but I do appreciate a politician who can admit a mistake and own up to it, and then reverse course.

[@garettdoornwaard4822]

Yeah. You are Doug.

[@rohankurian5641]

🤔👊😂🔥✌

[@ClarityDetermination]

What an effing ACT! 😅

[@StevenWolf275]

Doug Ford is not rustic at all

[@McGoogger]

I like him more now but I still don’t like him

[@KH-qy7fm]

Ford needs to go.

[@davidblight3567]

Dougie is a con. Resign

[@iainmair485]

This guy is an elitist, self serving, opportunist. His main concern is pleasing his wealthy and influential pals, not serving the people of Ontario.

[@bzzt2000]

bye bye ford

[@Gokash4672]

Bravo Andrew!! Thank you for shedding light on this issue! 👍

[@frankybats9999]

was he wearing a green belt while delivering the speech?

[@RealMajora]

An elected official actually listening to his constituents? Crazy

[@BiGDuke6Actual]

A big deal? Wow? No. Just more disingenuous double-speak from a premiere that habitually speaks out of both sides of his face at the same time. A message for Druggie Ford - EARN my Trust back? YOU NEVER HAD IT AND JUST PROVED YOU NEVER WILL. In the mean time and as a gesture of my respect for the Premiere's apology - PLEASE ACCEPT MY TWIN MIDDLE FINGER SALUTE.

[@mikeb5664]

Very, very sorry they got caught.

[@living1108]

Dougie is a scoundrel?

[@Jhossack]

Conservatives mind your money. Very closely. and everything else you cherish.

[@aukumeshyou]

Military action will be taken on 25th in canada by Bharat...