Introduction

In a shocking revelation, Ontario lobbyist Nico Fidani-Diker has been found guilty of breaching lobbying rules by the province's integrity commissioner. This alarming violation stemmed from his work in persuading the government to withdraw certain Greenbelt lands for development while offering hockey game tickets to government officials.

Findings of the Integrity Commissioner

The integrity commissioner identified Fidani-Diker's non-compliance with the Lobbyists Registration Act across five different instances spanning 2022 and 2023. These breaches involve unregistered lobbying and conflicts of interest, particularly concerning the controversial decision to strip 7,400 acres of land from the protected Greenbelt. This land removal, heavily criticized and linked to increased developer profits exceeding $8 billion, sparked public outrage, resulting in a formal RCMP investigation and an eventual apology from Premier Doug Ford, who reinstated the land's protected status in 2023.

Nico Fidani-Diker's Background

Fidani-Diker, who has longstanding ties to the Ford family, admitted to his mistakes but stated that he never intended to breach compliance. "These oversights were mine and mine alone," he acknowledged, expressing gratitude towards the integrity commissioner for resolving the matter without further action against him.

Relationships and Influence

His ties to the Ford family go deep, dating back to when he served as a special assistant in the office of former Mayor Rob Ford. Upon Doug Ford's ascent to premiership in 2018, Fidani-Diker transitioned to a role at Queen's Park, where he worked as his executive assistant and later managed stakeholder relations.

Lobbying Activities

Following the 2022 election, the Ontario housing minister began reviewing the Greenbelt in response to Premier Ford’s directives. During this timeframe, Fidani-Diker allegedly began advocating for landowners whose properties benefited from reduced restrictions, effectively positioning himself at the nexus of power and real estate development.

Collaboration with Other Lobbyists

Emerging details indicate that Fidani-Diker was not alone in his lobbying efforts. He collaborated with John Mutton, a seasoned lobbyist, to assist landowners in their quest to remove Greenbelt protections from their properties. This collaboration drew attention when it was revealed that Fidani-Diker charged $10,000 monthly for his services.

Commissioner's Report and Recommendations

The integrity commissioner’s report highlights significant concerns, noting that Fidani-Diker's infractions included not only the Greenbelt lobbying but also actions involving potential conflicts of interest regarding a public office holder with whom he maintained close personal and professional ties.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The commissioner decided against heavy penalties, instead opting to make Fidani-Diker’s name public, signaling the severity of his infractions without imposing a formal ban from lobbying, a decision that many critics argue is too lenient given the weight of the violations. As the dust settles on this scandal, Fidani-Diker has committed to strengthening compliance measures within his lobbying activities, stating he is dedicated to maintaining the highest integrity in his professional engagements. Nevertheless, this case raises broader questions about transparency and accountability in Ontario's lobbying landscape, especially amid a backdrop of clear connections between developers and government decisions. Will further scrutiny unveil more murky dealings in the Greenbelt saga? Stay tuned.