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Tory calls for McGuinty to uphold law in Caledonia |
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Published: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 |
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CALEDONIA, Ont. - Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory visited this once peaceful community of 11,000 on the banks of the Grand River Wednesday to reassure local residents they have not been forgotten in an ongoing clash over native land claims. Tory called on the provincial government to restore the rule of law in a community where many say illegal occupation, arson, extortion, violence, harassment and intimidation regularly take place with impunity. This month marks the two-year anniversary since a hardline group of aboriginals occupied the site of a new housing development, claiming it is Six Nations territory - a confrontation that for the most part, has been contained but is far from resolved and which has left the lives of thousands of Caledonia residents in a state of limbo. "People are losing confidence in a system where the law is not being enforced in a way that is equitable," said Tory. "We have to do a much better job of making sure the legitimate grievances of aboriginal peoples are addressed on a timely basis, but in the meantime, we cannot have lawlessness taking over communities like this." Tory reiterated recent demands that Premier Dalton McGuinty make an unqualified statement that the rule of law be upheld; that his government cease negotiating land claims with anyone involved in illegal conduct; that it commit to using police and the courts to enforce Ontario laws; and that it consider compensating residents and businesspeople who have suffered financially. A spokesman for Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant said the government is following the "road map" set out in the Ipperwash Inquiry report on another confrontation between the province and aboriginals, which prescribes talks - not force - to resolve crises. "The rule of law is preserved by negotiating," said Greg Crone. At Tory's side was Sam Gualtieri - a sad symbol of the Caledonia conflict. Last September, Gualtieri, a local builder, was working nearby on house for his daughter when a group of thugs arrived and told him to get off "their land." He refused and was severely beaten - an assault that has left him with permanent physical and cognitive impairments. National Post
© Canwest News Service 2008 |
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