Read the following primary article and associated articles in responding to Issue/Scenario 1: https://globalnews.ca/news/9418760/ontario-integrity-commissioner-ethics-probe-greenbelt/.

Issue/Scenario #1- Opening up the Greenbelt

A) Do you agree with the Government's position to remove up to 7,500 acres from Greenbelt protection in Ontario which effectively opens protected land for further housing development? Why or why not and relate to course content?

B) From the lens of one ethical theory (your choice), how would you justify or not justify the strategy to build a purported 1.5M affordable home in 10 years?

C) What would be your recommendation for the creation of a more sustainable and affordable housing solution for Ontario?

Issue/Scenario #2 - Integrity and Conflict of Interest

Trust in public institutions and political parties is founded on the principle that officials will prioritize public interest over personal interests when making decisions.

Read the following article and associated articles https://globalnews.ca/news/9450647/ontario-ndp-evidence-integrity-commissioner-greenbelt-investigation/ on Ontario's integrity commission and auditor general launch of probes into the Ford Government's decision to open portions of the Greenbelt for development.

A) Explain the role that audits and probes may play in the reduction of the potential for corruption. Are these forms of oversight important and explain why in this case?

B) Based on what you have read do you see a conflict-of-interest situation? Please explain and justify your answer with research.

C) In your view, is there a distinction that needs to be made between an actual conflict of interest and a perceived conflict of interest? Is it an important distinction to you and why?

CASES FOR DISCUSSION

Make one posting for each of the following (answering all highlighted questions in one posting):

Case #1

Thinking Critically 8.1 (ALEXA - Are you listening to me?) on pages 163-64. Answer questions #1 to #4.

Case #2

Thinking Critically 8.2 (Volkswagen - Defeat Devices) on pages 165-66. Answer questions #1 to #4.