Ontario’s new natural resources minister is facing a hearing to determine whether he harmed a threatened turtle species
The charges brought in a private prosecution allege that Graydon Smith and the Town of Bracebridge, where Smith served as mayor, harmed Blanding’s turtles as well as posed danger to the habitat of the at-risk species in June and August 2021.
A government press secretary for Smith confirmed that he was accused by a private citizen of violating the Endangered Species Act. “Given this was a decision made by council, the municipality is in a better position to provide any further comment.”Sarah Hahn also shared a letter sent from the town’s chief administrative officer in September 2021 to a citizen who was concerned about road work disrupting the turtle habitat.
Smith won his seat in Parry Sound-Muskoka by a margin of just over 2,000 votes, squeezing out hopeful Green Party candidate Matt Richter.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ontario natural resources minister faces hearing on private endangered species chargesOntario’s new natural resources minister is facing a hearing to determine whether he harmed a threatened turtle species when he was the mayor of a small town.
Read more »
Ontario's new natural resources minister facing hearing over endangered turtle speciesOntario's new natural resources minister is facing a hearing to determine whether he harmed a threatened turtle species when he was the mayor of a small town.
Read more »
One of Doug Ford's new cabinet ministers is charged with breaking endangered species law | CBC NewsOntario's new minister of natural resources and forestry faces a September court date over charges that he violated the province's Endangered Species Act during his time as mayor of a town in Muskoka.
Read more »
Opinion | Depp v. Heard script might have ended differently in OntarioDepp v. Heard script might have ended very differently had it played out on an Ontario stage. That’s because the province's “anti-SLAPP” legislation could have eliminated Depp’s lawsuit in the first act. Opinion by Andrew Monkhouse
Read more »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford defends decision to name nephew minister of multiculturalismPremier Doug Ford said on Monday that his nephew Michael has ‘extensive experience,’ having previously served on Toronto city council and as a school trustee
Read more »
Group takes Landlord and Tenant board to Human Rights Tribunal over ‘digital first’ systemThe Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario alleges the ‘digital first’ system used by the Landlord and Tenant Board for hearings has created systemic discrimination that puts human rights last
Read more »