Ford’s Return of Greenbelt Lands is Vindication for NFU-O Farmers and their Supporters

September 21, 2023

Treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit (Guelph, ON) – We have been heard. The Ontario government has done the right thing.

The National Farmers Union – Ontario (NFU-O) wishes to thank its members, allies, and every Ontarian who refused to let the Ford Government bulldoze over Greenbelt protections and gift a handful of developers some of the province’s most fertile farmland.

“Ford’s apology for breaking his promise to not touch the Greenbelt came as the result of almost a year of mobilization by farmers, Indigenous peoples, alternative media outlets, environmental groups, and affordable housing advocates,” says Max Hansgen, NFU-O president.

“This is a victory for all of us. The government’s decision to return the Greenbelt lands is vindication for everyone who united against corruption and the undermining of democratic processes and who share a vision that we can build affordable housing AND protect our finite farmland and sensitive natural heritage.”

As Ontario’s progressive voice for farmers, the NFU-O is excited to continue to work with other civil society organizations and allies to provide constructive and practical solutions to the Ford Government to address the affordable housing and farmland crises while ensuring our farmland, forests, and wetlands are protected for future generations.

-30-

For more information:

Max Hansgen, President, National Farmers Union–Ontario
president@nfuontario.ca, (613) 464-1251