Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark announced he is resigning this morning, after repeated calls for his job in the wake of a scathing Integrity Commissioner's report.
The report found that Clark violated two sections of the Members’ Integrity Act (Conflict of Interest and Insider Information) by failing to properly supervise his chief of staff, Ryan Amato, when he chose protected Greenbelt lands for development at the influence of prominent land developers.
Clark and Premier Doug Ford initially rejected Commissioner J. David Wake's conclusion that the Minister should be punished for his decisions.
But in his resignation letter, Clark wrote that while he thought could stay in the role at first, he doesn't want to be a "distraction" as the province tackles the housing crisis.
"Although my initial thought was that I could stay in this role and establish a proper process so that these mistakes don't happen again, I realize that my presence will only cause a further distraction from the important work that needs to be done and that I need to take accountability for what has transpired," read Clark's statement.
Clark says he will continue to serve constituents as the MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.
Opposition leaders say the resignation is a start, but more needs to be done.
"Steve Clark is finally taking some responsibility for his role in the government’s Greenbelt scandal," said NDP Leader Marit Stiles. "But the Auditor General’s report, the Integrity Commissioner’s report, and now a potential criminal investigation clearly show that this corruption reaches far beyond Clark’s office. Now it’s time for Doug Ford to face the music. Recall the legislature so we can restore these lands to the Greenbelt; and give Ontarians the transparency and accountability they deserve from a Premier."
Liberal interim leader John Fraser also called for an early return of the legislature.
"What needs to happen next, is the Premier needs to open the books on the Greenbelt land swaps and waive Cabinet Privilege as it relates to this decision," he said. "The Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy needs to meet next week to begin the process of reviewing relevant documents and interviewing those involved."
Ontario's politicians are set to return to Queen's Park on Sept. 25.
