Private prosecutors allege that Graydon Smith and the town of Braisbridge, where Smith served as mayor, harmed Blanding turtles and endangered the habitat of endangered species in June and August 2021. The justice of the peace signed the charges for violating the law on endangered species and last week set a hearing date for the case of September 21. The charges have not yet been tried in court. Smith was elected a Progressive Conservative in county elections earlier this month and was sworn in as Minister of Natural Resources and Forests in Prime Minister Doug Ford’s cabinet last week. A government spokesman for Smith confirmed that he had been charged by a private individual with violating the Endangered Species Act. However, he said the municipality was in a better position to comment on the case, which concerns road works carried out around the habitat of the endangered turtle. “The council listened to the concerns expressed and sought mitigation measures before the project progressed,” Curtis Lindsay said in an email. “As this was a decision taken by the city council, the municipality is in a better position to provide any further comment.” A Bracebridge City attorney said she was confident the charges would be dropped. Sarah Hahn also shared a letter sent by the head of the city administration in September 2021 to a citizen who was worried about road works disrupting the turtle habitat. The letter explained how the city took the habitat into account by placing turtle crossing signs and changing functions to minimize damage. “The fact is, and the evidence will show, that the city acted diligently and appropriately to complete the required road works in the turtle habitat area,” Sarah Khan said in an email. “It is unfortunate that the city’s resources must now be used to respond to these baseless allegations.” Smith won his seat at Parry Sound-Muskoka by just over 2,000 votes, ousting promising Green Party candidate Matt Richter. Green leader Mike Schreiner said the allegations against Smith were indicative of the government’s priorities. “It certainly shows the lack of concern that the prime minister and the parliamentary group have about appointing a minister who does not hold his own ministry,” he said. The Morning and Afternoon Newsletters are compiled by Globe editors, giving you a brief overview of the day’s most important headlines. Register today. This content is displayed as provided on The Globe by the original wired service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.
