OPP refers Greenbelt case to RCMP to avoid ‘conflict of interest’

Ontario Provincial Police are handing over a review of the Greenbelt land swap to the RCMP to prevent what it calls “any potential perceived conflict of interest.”

OPP released a statement Wednesday saying that they received many questions about proceeding with the investigation and they are trying to avoid any potential perceived conflict of interest by referring the case to the RCMP.

This comes a day after the resignation of Ryan Amato, the chief of staff to the Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister.

Amato resigned shortly after the release of an Ontario auditor general’s report into the government’s decision to open up parts of the protected Greenbelt area.

READ MORE: Ontario NDP, Liberals raise concerns amid auditor general Greenbelt report

The report found that all but one of the 15 sites ultimately removed from the Greenbelt last year was suggested by Amato, who was given packages at an industry event by two key developers.

CHCH News reached out to the RCMP for further comment.

RCMP confirmed that they received a referral from OPP to investigate irregularities in the disposition of the Greenbelt surrounding Toronto and say they will take appropriate action as deemed necessary.

RCMP also says they decline to provide further comment as it is too early in the investigation.