Former Ontario integrity commissioner J. David Wake dies

J. David Wake, Ontario’s former integrity commissioner and the author of a major report on the province’s Greenbelt scandal, has died one year after retiring. Wake served in the role from 2016 to 2025 and oversaw several investigations during that time. His report on the government’s decision to remove land from the protected Greenbelt for housing was especially significant and helped lead to the resignation of a cabinet minister. According to the article, Wake and his team interviewed 62 witnesses and reviewed more than 2,300 documents before concluding that the housing minister did not properly supervise senior staff involved in the process. Current integrity commissioner Cathryn Motherwell said his contribution to public sector ethics in Canada was lasting. Premier Doug Ford also offered condolences to Wake’s family.