Haldimand "Your Help is needed on Domtar Hill"

I have been asked for my assistance by a resident of Caledonia, as my blog is named "Haldimands Unheard Voice" I am only too pleased to help out.

There are many "Unheard Voices in Haldimand", but with your help in a few very simple ways, our "Voices will be Heard".

(1) Please sign this on-line petition that I started last Friday, http://www.petitononline.com/2509dp/petition.html

(2) This Saturday, (September 22nd) Residents of Caledonia plan on lining the Domtar Hill, this is the main road that goes into Caledonia. I will update this when necessary.

Please meet at the Parking Lot behind the Post Office on Caithness Street at 12:00pm.

The walk will begin through town and proceed on to line the Domtar Hill on Both Sides (What an awesome site that will be, let's stand together Haldimand!)

Please bring a sign (all signs need to be Respectful!)

This is a "Peaceful Demonstration", walking and standing on the "Sidewalk".

There may be a possibility that parking could be provided at the Domtar site right on Hwy# 6, problem is no one knows who the contact person for that site is. If you have any information that can help us out, please advise. If we can park there, we won't need to walk.

Please come out and "Support" your County.

Haldimand "My Day with Toby Barrett"

I spent the the day today with MPP Toby Barrett on the campaign trail. We met in Dunnville this morning around 11:00am and knocked on doors. I was on one side of the street, while Toby was on the other side. The response from the residents was very, very positive. We finished around 5:00pm!

The main issue that residents were concerned about was the on going occupations, and the lack of "Law and Order" in Caledonia.

Toby Barrett is having a "Hog Roast" Saturday September 22, from 1:00 - 3:00. At the Barbeque in Byng. "All are welcome". Please come early and meet Toby.

Here is a News Release from Toby Barrett and John Tory, this news release was "before" anyone was in campaign mode!

For immediate release:
August 15, 2007

Barrett and Tory continue their call – “ONE LAW FOR ALL!”

Brantford: “There is one law for everyone – no one is beneath the law, no one is above the law and no one is beyond the law.”

That was the sentiment of Ontario Opposition Leader John Tory and Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett in Brantford today as they addressed the ongoing Caledonia occupation during a Brant PC luncheon.

“The rule of law is of particular interest along the Grand River – in light of the ongoing Caledonia issues, illegal land seizures, the illegal tobacco trade, people question whether we are all governed by the same set of laws,” stated Barrett. “Upholding the rule of law means working to ensure that all people – in all areas – feel secure that they are protected. To me it is unacceptable for lawlessness to be an accepted fact in any community.”

“Today in Ontario, we do not have one law for all and this must change,” said Tory. “Nobody gets to opt-out. Nobody gets to live beyond the law’s reach and protection. All of this is possible only if the rules of the game are consistent, stable, equitable and fair.”

Tory further reiterated that his “one law for all” policy is focused on three principles.

· No one is beneath the law
· We will do more to protect vulnerable people in our society and guarantee that they have equitable access to justice.

· No one is above the law
· Whether involved in a political protest, a labour dispute or any other issue, there must remain only one rule of law for all. Nobody gets to ‘opt out’ or act as if the rules do not apply to them.

· No one is beyond the law
· We will empower our police services, and give them the manpower and tools they need to fight organized crime and gang culture.

Barrett echoed Mr.Tory’s assertion that Dalton McGuinty’s lack of commitment to one law for all has led to 534 days of tension in nearby Caledonia and set a dangerous precedent for all communities in Ontario by sending a message that potential protests will be allowed to endanger public safety and threaten economic development.

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (519) 428-0446

You can also visit Toby Barrett's website at http://www.tobybarrett.com/index.htm

Haldimand "My Chat with Lorraine Bergstrand"

This past Sunday afternoon, Lorraine Bergstrand, Liberal Candidate for the upcoming Provincial Election was having an open house, and all were invited. Although I am not a supporter, I felt that maybe I could get some questions answered regarding policing in Haldimand County.

I arrived at about 1:45pm and met up with a few residents of Caledonia that were standing at the Arena with signs, in regards to "Upholding" the "Law". As we were chatting, Lorraine Bergstrand and a few of her campaign people came outside to speak with us.

The first thing that Lorraine Bergstrand stated was that this was a "Federal Issue". I then spoke up and said that we were here asking questions about "Policing". Lorraine went on to explain that Haldimand’s contract is with the O.P.P. and Haldimand County "cannot" tell the O.P.P. what to do. I then asked this question; In saying that Lorraine, the Province is paying for the Policing in Caledonia, so I would assume that the same rules apply, the Province "cannot" tell the O.P.P. what to do, Lorraine’s response; "you are correct"! Well at least that was cleared up!

Lorraine also went on to explain that the O.P.P. were "Preserving the Peace", and that there is a "full investigation" taking place into the incident of last week.

The following is the Oath that an O.P.P. officer swears to;

Oath of Office

I solemnly affirm that I will be loyal to Her Majesty the Queen, and to Canada, and that I will uphold the Constitution of Canada, and that I will, to the best of my ability, preserve the peace, prevent offences and discharge my other duties as a Commissioned Officer, faithfully, impartially and according to law.

Now I see in this Oath the "preserve the peace", but I also see "prevent offences". So in saying that, when the Province has guaranteed title of deed to your property, if someone "trespasses" on your property are the O.P.P. not sworn to prevent this offence from happening?

In simple words, if I trespass on "your" property, you can have me "arrested" according to the law. But this "Rule" does not apply to "all" of Haldimand County? So how has the law changed, or has it? I could test this out myself by "trespassing" on someone’s private property, and see if in fact I would be arrested by the O.P.P. But I am not willing to take that "chance".

Along with some help from a good friend, the following is some information that you may find interesting, I certainly did.

The following information is from the Ministry of "Community Safety and Correctional Standards", judge for yourself, who is who, and who is in Control;

"Statutory Quality Requirements"

Policing in Ontario is governed by the http://192.75.156.68/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90p15_e.htmPolice Services Act (PSA). According to the PSA and its regulations, police services shall be provided throughout Ontario in accordance with the following six principles:

The need to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property in Ontario;

The importance of safeguarding the fundamental rights guaranteed by the http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/charter/index.htmlCanadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code;

The need for co-operation, between the providers of police services and the communities they serve;

The importance of respect for victims of crime and understanding of their needs;

The need for sensitivity to the pluralistic, multiracial and multicultural character of Ontario society;

The need to ensure that Police Forces are representative of the communities they serve.

"Ministry Responsibilities"

To ensure these principles are being strictly adhered to, the PSA empowers the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services to oversee and be responsible for police services in Ontario. This authority includes:

monitoring police services to ensure that adequate and effective protection is being provided at both the municipal and provincial levels;

monitoring police boards and services to ensure they comply with prescribed standards of service;

developing programs to enhance professional police practices, standards and training;

conducting a system of inspection and review of police services across Ontario;

assisting in the co-ordination of police services;

consulting with and advise police boards, community policing advisory committees, municipal chiefs of police, employers of special constables and police associations on matters relating to police and police services;

developing, maintaining and managing programs and statistical records and conduct research studies in respect of police services and related matters;

providing to police boards, community policing advisory committees and municipal chiefs of police information and advice respecting the management and operation of police services, techniques in handling special problems and any other information required by these organizations;

issuing directives and guidelines respecting policy matters;

developing programs for community-oriented police services;

operating the Ontario Police College.

Julian Fantino as the OPP Commissioner reports directly to the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about_min/org_chart.html

"The Deputy Minister reports directly to the Minister".

The following positions report directly to the Deputy Minister:

Commissioner of Community Safety
Commissioner of Corrections
Commissioner of the O.P.P.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy & Strategic Planning
Assistant Deputy Minister/Chief Information Officer, Justice Technology Services
Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Planning & Services
Director, Communications Branch
Director, Legal Services"

Well there you have it. Clear as "Mud"! So the answer to my question above from Lorraine Bergstrand regarding policing is not good enough and doesn’t convince me that the Liberal Government is not the "driver". What I see from the above is a "conflict of interest", and the O.P.P. need to be replaced immediately by a "Police Force" that will "uphold the law".

Haldimand "Petition on-line Update"

I have e-mailed my original blog to so many, I jammed up my e-mail! Thanks to all of you that have passed this information on to others.

Yesterday, I e-mailed my original blog to Premier Dalton McGuinty as a letter on his official site. The return e-mail stated; that someone would get in touch with me soon. Let's see if anyone calls!

As of 1:30pm today, there were 503 signatures on the petition on line "An Open Letter to Dalton McGuinty".

Please keep passing this information around, go to http://www.petitiononline.com/2509dp/petition.html

Thanks to all that have signed, Your voices are being heard.

Haldimand "On-Line Petition to McGuinty"

I feel absolutely "Helpless" in regards to recent issues in Caledonia. I am sure that many of you feel the same way.

It is time that our "Premier Elect" stop dead in his tracks, and prove to the people of Ontario that he is a "Leader". What will it take to convince this man that the "Public" is crying out to his government!

I have been very cautious on my blog regarding the Land Claims issues, as I have always felt that when I voice my personal opinions, I base them on the facts. As I am really not privy to all the facts, nor an expert, I have stayed away from the issue itself. One thing that I have spoken of is "NO VIOLENCE".

"ALL SIDES OF THIS ISSUE ARE FEELING HELPLESS"

I have started a "Petition on line". It is simple and sweet. An Open Letter to Dalton McGuinty. I know it will not solve the problem, but maybe, just maybe, we can send a Strong message to Dalton McGuinty that we need his leadership.

Please sign this petition on line by going to;
http://www.petitiononline.com/2509dp/petition.html

Pass this on Please! Please note that I have turned off the comments section on this, Thanks.

Haldimand "McGuinty vs Tory"

Well what a day I had today! I don’t know where to begin. So I will start with my stop in Hamilton.

I drove to Hamilton just after lunch to check out the McGuinty due on Upper Ottawa Street. I was not prepared with a sign, as I was just given heads up that he was going to be there. I had no idea what I was going to do when I got there, but I went anyway. Fortunately for me I ran into "two wonderful women" from Caledonia there. They were nice enough to share one of their signs with me. So I stood at the side of the road waving my sign while people honked as they drove by, I felt like I had done this before! A reporter from Quebec interviewed me, but I don’t think much will come of that!

Then I was off to Simcoe for the Toby/Tory due. One of the people that I met there today was Mike Q. the builder from Brantford. He had been to the McGuinty due as well…There was news coverage on CHCH TV, but I only got the last bit of the story. Apparently CHCH TV was threatened if they aired this clip that they would basically be banned from covering McGuinty’s campaign???? If anyone has more information on this and can elaborate, please do so in the comments.

The due today started off with a barbecue. I volunteered with the food table and had the chance to talk to a lot of people. It was quit enjoyable! It was also nice to see familiar faces from Dunnville, Hagersville and Caledonia there today.

John Tory showed up just before 6:00pm and a few hundred of us listened to his speech. I have never been to this type of event, and I can say that I was very impressed with John Tory’s down to earth attitude. I could go on and on about what he said, but I’m only going to touch on one thing that he said today that "I cannot get out of my mind".

"What message would we be sending to Mr. McGuinty if he was re-elected"?

"Well this is what I believe that message would be"

(1) It’s okay that 1 million people in Ontario still don’t have a family doctor, it was okay in 2003, and it will be okay in 2011!

(2) It’s okay that you have so far promised 27 Billion dollars, that you won’t keep, we won’t mind, you did it before!

(3) It’s okay that you turn your backs on us if you don’t want to deal with an issue that is too hot, we’ll let you ignore it, that’s what you have done in Haldimand/Norfolk!

(4) It’s okay we won’t ever make you "accountable" Mr. McGuinty!

(5) It’s okay with us that you have already given away over 32 Million dollars of our hard earned money without documentation, go-ahead give some more away we have more to give!

(6) It’s okay raise our taxes again, we can afford it we will just have to get a second job!

(7) It’s okay we are not asking you to be "open", "transparent" or "honest".

(8) And my Favorite one "It’s okay to lie, we accept that 100%!


Is this what we really want? If it’s not, then we all have a duty on October 10th, 2007! We have the power to stop this insanity!

Haldimand "Welcome our new CAO".

I was very impressed with this week’s article in the Chronicle, by Karen Best. For the entire story visit http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/webapp/sitepages/. For those of you that don’t receive this paper, the following are some excerpts that I found very interesting;

"Before he was formally on the job, Don Doyle planned to speak to Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino about policing in Haldimand County. Prior to a Toronto business golf function last week, the soon-to-be CAO said he would leave knowing where the OPP stands on policing the ongoing First Nation’s issue in the county".

I personally find this statement by Doyle as very "profound", as the soon-to-be CAO is certain that he is going to receive information that this county has been unable to achieve in the past. What would be interesting is what conversation would have taken place between Fantino and Doyle, as what legal information would Doyle actually been privy to receive from Fantino, as his position as CAO of Haldimand County does not start until October 2, 2007?

"In an interview with the Chronicle, he was open about his reasons for pursuing a career change. Toronto is a big machine that moves very slowly and is difficult to influence said Boyle".

Haldimand County is a much smaller "machine" than Toronto, but I am sure that we do not move and faster here than Toronto. Haldimand is also a very difficult place to influence as well, just ask some of the residents that live here.

"Attracted by Haldimand County’s spirit and the challenge of the First Nations issue, Boyle is preparing for his new job through research on the Internet including reading about the Six Nations and Haldimand County issues in the Chronicle".

No "pun" against the Chronicle, but newspapers don’t always state all the facts, neither does the Internet!

"As an outsider, Boyle was immediately impressed with the county’s potential in quality of life and eco-tourism. He envisioned linking all towns together in a trail network and stronger promotion of county assets outside the community".

I am interested in what he meant by "county assets outside the community"!

"After reviewing the county’s budget and reserve balance statements, he concluded the county was financially healthy".

I recall during budget deliberations in March, that Councilor Boyko had asked Karen General and Bill Pearce if Haldimand County was "financially viable? Staff said that they would do a report and come back in six months with the answer. I am not aware of any such report ever coming back to council. Councilor Boyko with his years experience, obviously asked that question because he had serious concerns, Boyle who has not even started his position yet, has confirmed that our "finances are just fine"!

"Over his career, he has had only two bad days but he can no longer remember what happened on them".

I am glad that Boyle seems to be a very positive individual, we certainly welcome that kind of attitude.

"Recently Boyle began searching for other opportunities. He applied for the St. Catherine’s CAO job but, when advised of the same vacancy in Haldimand, he withdrew his application and applied to the County".

This also goes to say for Boyle, that he must also be a very optimistic individual as well, most people would not have "pulled" an application unless they were optimistic of their chances at getting a position. We also welcome his optimism.

Don Doyle comes to us from Toronto, with a background in recreation. From 1995 to present Doyle has worked in the Parks and Recreation sector for the City of Toronto.

I would like to extend my welcome to Don Doyle, Haldimand County’s new Chief Administrative Officer. We could certainly use an individual with your talents and qualities in Haldimand County.