Lobbyist Violates Rules Amid Greenbelt Controversy, Faces No Penalties

Nico Fidani-Diker, a lobbyist and former assistant to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, has been found to have violated lobbying rules while attempting to remove land from the Greenbelt for clients. The integrity commissioner, J. David Wake, concluded that Fidani-Diker failed to register his lobbying efforts and placed public officials in potential conflicts of interest by offering them Maple Leafs tickets. Despite these violations, Fidani-Diker faced no penalties, though opposition leaders have called for stricter sanctions. His lobbying activities are part of a larger controversy surrounding the Ontario government's 2022 decision to remove significant land from the Greenbelt, a move that has led to public outcry and an ongoing RCMP investigation. Fidani-Diker accepted responsibility for his actions, stating that it was never his intent to be non-compliant. The integrity commissioner's findings highlight concerns over transparency and influence in government decision-making regarding land development.