Return law to Caledonia: Tory

PC leader says illegal activity must end for land talks to continue

John Tory says land claims negotiations with Six Nations should stop until illegal activity such as selling cheap native cigarettes on Argyle Street and charging development fees ends.

Standing with his back to a native barricade at the edge of the former Douglas Creek Estates subdivision that protesters have occupied for two almost years, the Ontario Progressive Conservative leader called for an end to the "lawlessness," arson, extortion, barricades, land seizures, occupations and mob violence and intimidation he says Ontarians are suffering.

And Tory urged Six Nations people who do not agree with the tactics of confrontation and occupying development sites claimed as traditional native land "to rein in those who are doing illegal things."

Tory said he and Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett met with developers and builders in Caledonia. They were told they can't do business in Caledonia because they've had their financing withdrawn or they've been told to pay fees to the Haudenosaunee Development Institute established by the Six Nations Confederacy on land they thought they had clear title to.

"And they are feeling helpless seeing some laws enforced -- police handing out parking tickets -- but not others like selling cigarettes over on Argyle Street and those (covering) people extorting money from them."

Tory met with seriously injured builder Sam Gualtieri, who was attacked by natives in a home he was building for his daughter last fall when protesters overran the Stirling Woods subdivision.

Tory said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty must pledge to restore the rule of law in Caledonia.

Tory suggested four steps the Liberal government must take:

* Provide a clear statement that there is one law for all in Ontario.

* Do not negotiate any legal dispute with any person or group involved in an illegal occupation or other illegal activity.

* Make a commitment to use the courts to ensure one law and allow police to enforce the law.

* Commission an independent evaluation of the chaos presently enveloping the justice system as charges are dropped, cases thrown out and outrageous deals agreed to.

jburman@thespec.com  

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