The CBC is reporting that Parry Sound Muskoka MPP, Graydon Smith who was just appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry has been accused of harassing and threatening Blanding's turtles, a vulnerable species in Ontario, as well as causing harm to their environment. The Town of Bracebridge and two top municipal officials are also accused of the same crimes.

The accusations, which were made by a local resident, have not yet been proven in court. A justice of the peace approved the charges on Tuesday, three days before Smith was appointed as Minister.

Michael Opara, the local citizen who filed the complaint, claims he and his supporters notified town officials of the turtle nesting spot next to a road and a creek by email and phone calls, and they also presented a presentation to council.

Despite the presentation, the town persisted with its work.

The charges will be dropped when it goes to court on September 21st, according to a lawyer for the Town of Bracebridge.