Bruce-Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker (photo submitted)Bruce-Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker (photo submitted)
Midwestern

Local MPP talks about recent issues

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker, who is now a cabinet minister, stands behind his leader on some recent controversies.

Walker made himself available for a brief interview during Agriculture Minister Ernie Hardeman's visit to Owen Sound.

On the selection of Ron Taverner to head the OPP, Walker says it's not inappropriate that an old friend of Premier Doug Ford should get the nod.

"If you think of how many people I know in Bruce Grey Owen Sound and if no one can ever be appointed because Bill Walker knows him then we're not going to have a lot of good people in places where they should be," said Walker.

The appointment of Taverner is now on hold as the province's integrity commissioner investigates the process. Even so, Walker maintains he's well qualified for the position.

"I've received numerous calls I can tell you that from people both currently serving in the police force to retired members saying he's an absolute fantastic choice, he's the right person at this time and we stand behind the decision," said Walker.

As for a YouTube video showing Premier Ford clearly telling a group of developers he'll open chunks of the Greenbelt for development, Walker says it may have been taken out of context.

"At the end of the day there's lots of context, I can say lots of things and it can be spun to what people want to hear or want to say. What I can share with is that the premier is going to stand to protect and ensure that the Greenbelt is there for the generations that come behind us."

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