Haldimand "Toby Barrett's Private Members Bill, Truth about Caledonia Act, 2009"

Toby here - Please find attached a news release titled: “Time to determine the truth about Caledonia”, in which I outline my plans to introduce legislation later this month calling for an inquiry into Haldimand, Brant, Brantford, Six Nations area land disputes.

This call for an inquiry is triggered by and builds on Ken Hewitt’s petition. As I prepare to introduce and debate this call for an inquiry, I ask you the reader for several examples that come to mind suggesting inappropriate interventions or undue influence on our area’s court system, land ownership system, or system of law enforcement.

For example, On March 2nd, 2006, I walked behind the barricades of Hydro One spools at DCE to talk with the handful of occupiers – I watched carpenters leaving, with their tools, but nobody was asking the occupiers to leave. My question – why were police not doing anything? I recall eyewitness reports of a van being thrown from the Haldimand County 6th Line bridge onto provincial Highway 6 – media photos were published of the perpetrators but as yet, to my knowledge, there have been no arrests. Again, why is that?

Toby will be introducing a private Members Bill on Wednesday February 18th, 2009 and needs our support. I would suggest that if you support this to email Toby a short note before Wednesday at; toby.barrett@pc.ola.org

At the same time Gary Mchale from CANACE has announced the following;

Rally at Queens Park: Say NO to Barrett's Political Inquiry. Please read file below for reasons why we are standing against Tobys Inquiry - Rally this Wed at 11 am - if you cannot come then please email us a letter denouncing this Inquiry at;
http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/documents/TobyInquiry.pdf

Hello, Toby here,

Please find attached, and below, the final draft of proposed legislation, Truth About Caledonia Act, 2009.

This Private Members Bill calls for an inquiry to

To inquire into and report on allegations of political influence in the court’s administration of justice and the police enforcement of the law with respect to activities in Six Nations, Haldimand County, Brant County and the City of Brantford, and nearby areas;

To determine the truth with respect to the ownership of land within the boundaries of the former Haldimand Tract, and nearby areas;

To make recommendations directed to the prevention of attempts of intimidation and related behaviour in similar circumstances - including recommendations with respect to: i) the improvement of mechanisms to resolve land disputes, (ii) the enhancement of respect for the courts and the rule of law, and (iii) the upholding of land ownership rights in the Province of Ontario; and to grant the commission powers under the Public Inquiries Act.

I plan to introduce the legislation on Wednesday February 18, 2009 – with debate scheduled for March 12th.

Truth About Caledonia Act, 2009
EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill requires the Premier to recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that a commission be appointed to inquire into land disputes and other related activities in the former Haldimand Tract and nearby areas.

It is the role of the Commission to inquire into and report on the administration of justice, law enforcement and the ownership of land. It is also the role of the commission to make recommendations directed to the prevention of attempts of intimidation and related behaviour in similar circumstances. The commission is given powers under the Public Inquiries Act. Once the inquiry begins, the commission must make an interim report in six months, and a final report in 12 months.

An Act to provide for a public inquiry to determine the truth about the administration of justice, law enforcement and the ownership of land within the former Haldimand Tract and nearby areas.

Preamble

The occupation of Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia, which began in February 2006, has resulted in a series of standoffs, and has led to additional land disputes in the rest of the former Haldimand Tract and nearby areas. These events have resulted in violence, injury, fear and intimidation, shutting down development and draining the area economy.

Questions have been raised about why the disorder and associated impacts have been allowed to continue. Allegations have been raised with respect to political influence in the courts’ administration of justice and in the enforcement of the law by the police.

Area residents want to determine the truth about ownership of the various lands in dispute.
Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Appointment of commission
1. Within 60 days after this Act comes into force, the Premier of Ontario shall recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that a commission be appointed under section 2 of the Public Inquiries Act,

(a) to inquire into and report on allegations of political influence in the administration of justice by the courts and in the enforcement of the law by the police with respect to,

(i) land disputes and other related activities in Haldimand County, Brant County and the City of Brantford, and nearby areas, and

(ii) activities on the Six Nations reserve in the former Haldimand Tract;

(b) to determine the facts with respect to the ownership of land in the areas mentioned in subclause (a) (i); and

(c) to make recommendations directed to the prevention of attempts of intimidation and related behaviour in circumstances similar to those mentioned in subclause (a) (i), including recommendations with respect to,

(i) the improvement of mechanisms to resolve land disputes,

(ii) the enhancement of respect for the courts and the rule of law, and

(iii) the upholding of land ownership rights in the Province of Ontario.

Commission’s term of office
(2) The commission shall hold office until three months after the commission’s final report is submitted to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Removal for cause
(3) The commission is removable at any time for cause by the Lieutenant Governor on Council on the address of the Assembly.

Powers of commission
2. Part III of the Public Inquiries Act applies to the commission and to the inquiry.

Timing of inquiry
3. The commission shall begin the inquiry within 60 days after being appointed.

Reports
4. (1) The commission shall submit an interim report to the Lieutenant Governor in Council within six months after the inquiry begins.

Final report
(2) The commission shall submit a final report to the Lieutenant Governor in Council within 12 months after the inquiry begins.

Report to be made public
(3) The commission shall make the final report public within 10 days after submitting it to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Time limits may be extended
5. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may extend the time limits for submitting the interim and final reports, and may extend the term of office of the commission.

Commencement
6. This Act comes into force on Royal Assent.

Short title
7. The short title of this Act is the Truth About Caledonia Act, 2009

Haldimand "Truth about Caledonia Inquiry Act"

An inquiry into the Caledonia Land Dispute (which is what sparked all of the land disputes since then) is in my opinion an absolute must! This is where it all started!

Here is an example of some of the questions that I would like answers to;

Landowners rights, do we have any?
Is the Province going to add the South Cayuga crown lands to the Reserve?
Why did the Province buy out DCE so quickly, when the Federal government seems to have stated at that time there was no valid claim?
Why did Haldimand County refund the developers fees of around $250,000.00?
Haldimand County gave the go ahead for the builders to develop DCE (in I believe 2002) was there in fact a "Land Claim" on DCE at that time?
How have the OPP been directed in regards to Court Orders?
How much money has been spent in "Total" to all parties involved?
Who is really telling the truth?


Toby here -

Please find attached my column appearing in this week's papers titled, Time for an inquiry into area land disputes, in which I provide further detail with regard to my plans and reasoning for the introduction of legislation later this month calling for an inquiry into Haldimand, Brant, Brantford, Six Nations area land disputes.

Just as I asked last week, I continue to request of you the reader for several examples that come to mind suggesting inappropriate interventions or undue influence on our area’s court system, land ownership system, or system of law enforcement.

Time for an inquiry into area land disputes

By now, many will have heard about the petition that calls for an inquiry into justice issues surrounding the Caledonia land dispute.

Caledonia resident Ken Hewitt began distributing the petition before Christmas - both online and in hard-copy.

At time of writing, the petition has garnered over 5,000 signatures – one of them being my own.
This is not the first time I have joined a call for an inquiry into the unanswered questions plaguing our area over the past few years.

It was June of 2006 that John Tory presented an Opposition Day motion that was passed by the Legislature calling for a commission to be set up to, “inquire into and report on how absence of communication and lack of leadership by Premier McGuinty and his Liberal government allowed the Caledonia situation to escalate to a full-blown standoff and subsequently a public security crisis.” More than two years later we are still waiting.

It was November 2003, when Dalton McGuinty set out the mandate of the Ipperwash Inquiry – “1. to inquiry [sic] into and report on events surrounding the death of Dudley George; and, 2. to make recommendations directed to the avoidance of violence in similar circumstances.”

And for those of you reading this newspaper column you will now know that I intend to introduce legislation to the Parliament of Ontario also calling for a commission to conduct an inquiry.

The purpose of this inquiry, subject to further advice, will be: to determine the truth with respect to allegations of political influence in the court’s administration of justice and the police enforcement of the law with respect to activities in Six Nations, Haldimand County, Brant County and the City of Brantford; to determine the truth with respect to the ownership of land within the boundaries of the former Haldimand Tract; and to make recommendations directed to preventing similar chaotic confrontations when dealing with future land dispute issues in the province, including recommendations with respect to ways in which we can improve dispute resolution in this area and enhance respect for the courts and the rule of law; and to grant the commission powers under the Public Inquiries Act.

I propose the title of the bill to be the Truth about Caledonia Inquiry Act.

As the impacts of the ongoing land disputes continue unabated, the need for an inquiry grows more urgent by the day. Just as the Ontario Liberals previously sought answers through three private members bills - and finally government legislation - creating the Ipperwash Inquiry, so too we need answers through a Caledonia inquiry.

As with Ipperwash, an inquiry would be a way to ‘find out what happened – to look back’, as well as to ‘look forward’, and ‘propose policy reform’…all the while conducted in public view and with the participation of the public.

Further, the Ipperwash report contends that the inquiry, “was established to meet both of those objectives – to conduct an investigation and to examine policy.” – I hope to meet those same objectives through an inquiry into area land disputes.

The report goes on to say that an inquiry, “…provides a forum for citizens and groups to participate in the resolution of issues and the development of future policies.”

We need to get to the bottom of this, to consider all evidence, and to establish the truth.

Haldimand "I know People are Getting Stuck and We Hope they will Get Home"

Standards, snow and cash factor into snow plow response
Posted By KAREN BEST, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Feb 6, 2009

Snow blows across the road as Ted Pitcher heads out to work but his trip is cut short when he finds his route off Lakeshore Road is clogged with snow.

When he is asked when that happened, he stops to think. There's been so many mornings like that, he says.

One day, he tried to drive up the Hald-Dunn Townline but it was so badly blown in that a car and a school bus was stuck half way up the road. The two drivers were waiting for a plow and a tow truck. Pitcher turned around and fought his way back to his Lakeshore Road home and then waited a plow to go by. It was just another day where snow made him late getting to work in Stoney Creek.

Once he got stuck and couldn't move and even a tow truck would not venture out to help.

Eventually someone on an ATV arrived and taxied him home. Pitcher says he went back to his pick up truck the next morning and found a police officer, who could not drive his cruiser down the road, walking to investigate his abandoned vehicle.

In the wee hours of Jan. 30, a Chronicle rural delivery agent finds himself captive in a drift. For almost seven hours he is stranded. People stop to check on him and to see if they can help but this is obviously a job for a plow or a tow truck.

"I know they are fighting against the wind blowing snow off fields," says Pitcher. "One time it was 24 hours before a plow drove down Lakeshore Road.

Now, like a Boy Scout, he is prepared. He has extra gloves, pants and a shirt in his truck just in case.

Pitcher's experiences are the result of a blustery winter season, minimum standards for snow and ice removal, legislated limits to workers' hours in trucks and limited county finances.

Wray Oakes has received numerous complaints over the past three months due to drifting and blowing snow. As the county's road operations manager, he is the person overseeing snow and ice removal.

"It's been a long winter," he says.

In 2003, before he was working in the municipality, county council adopted minimum standards for addressing winter road conditions.

"Minimum standards help municipalities set standards in defence of liability. They are tested in court," explains Oakes.

The legislated standards were set by the Ontario government at the request of municipalities facing snow-related lawsuits.

The standards are based on depth of snow, response time and road class.

Operations staff assess the road network, establish classes and design a snow removal system that adheres to standards, he says. Under the county's policy which exceeds provincial standards, not every road will be taken to bare or centre bare conditions.

A 90 per cent sand and 10 per cent salt mixture is applied to improve traction on Class 4 and 5 roads, which include almost every Dunnville street. The goal is to take roads to centre bare or track bare conditions.

Class 5 roads and streets have a 50km speed limit and between 200 and 999 cars travelling on it every day. Within 16 hours of icy conditions, Class 5 streets must be treated. Response time is measured from the end of the storm.

Class 2 roads are Haldimand Road 54 and Highway 56 and connecting links including Highway 3 through Dunnville and Highway 6 through Jarvis and Caledonia.

Four years after standards were set, the Ontario government amended the Highway Traffic Act to set limits on how long a person can drive a truck.

County plow drivers are scheduled accordingly. They are on the road at 4:30 a. m. and drive back into public works yards by 5 or 6 p. m. Workers who start later drive until 7 p. m.

In the evening or past midnight, the county is not servicing roads due to minimum service levels and the inability of staff to respond due to limits on working hours, notes Oakes.

People are surprised to hear this because they expect plowing when roads are snowy, he adds.

Over the years, a number of changes were made by the county in an attempt to bring plowing into compliance with Ontario law.

In Nov. 2007, council approved spending $170,000 to hire part time drivers for six months. At that time, Oakes warned council that without adding personnel, the county faced fines for failing to meet working hour limits for drivers.

Last October, council agreed to spending $103,000 for wages for temporary fulltime plow drivers for the remainder of 2008. A sum of $180,000 was to be added to the 2009 budget to cover remaining winter control costs for this season.

In his 2008 report, Oakes stated that three workers were deployed in the four county districts but even with this extra help, the county could not provide 100 per cent of its services for about six per cent of the season.

Main arterial roads such as Haldimand Roads 17 and 54 are maintained by contractors as necessary but roads categorized in levels 4, 5 and 6 are not. Traffic volume is a key factor in service levels.

"Our guys have been fantastic working day after day for extended hours," says Oakes.

They are assigned to specific routes. With a run from Selkirk to the Hald-Dunn Townline taking five hours, the plow might not arrive in South Cayuga until mid-morning, he adds.

In extreme conditions, visibility becomes a problem so plough drivers travel very slowly which adds to delays in operations, says Oakes.

Like Oakes, Don Ricker's phone has been ringing a lot this winter because he is the Haldimand County councillor representing people living along the lake from Mohawk Point to the Hald-Dunn Townline.

Ninety per cent of the lake is frozen so that makes a huge difference with blowing snow, he says. So much snow lands the roadways that there isn't room to pile it. After storms, county crews move piles from one side of the road to the other in an attempt to reduce drifting, he adds.

This winter, the county has deployed as much manpower and equipment as possible. Ricker says graders, back hoes and all available plows have been on the roads making them safe for people on their way to work or on their way home.

Ricker knows people want to see plows out moving snow and salting roads at all hours but it's not possible. Limits are set for municipal employees and hiring numerous contractors is expensive.

"We can't afford to put trucks on the road 24/7," says Ricker. "I know people are getting stuck and we hope they will get home."

Even so, some public works employees are available on an on-call basis. In the case of an emergency and access blocked to paramedics, firefighters or police officers, a plow driver is called out to clear the way to the emergency, says Ricker. This protocol has been used this winter, he adds.

Some of the responsibility falls on residents who decide when and where they want to go, points out Ricker.

"It's been a long time since we had a winter like this," he says. "It's been non-stop since November."

And it will be an expensive winter. Ricker believes expenses will exceed levels set in the county's winter control budget.

People realize this is a winter like one the county has not experienced in many years, says Coun. Buck Sloat.

Drawing on his knowledge as a member of the Haldimand County Hydro board, Sloat points out that the local hydro utility has the second highest kilometres of wires in Ontario. That relates to the quantity of roads so it's difficult to clear snow in a large geographic area, he added.

Article ID# 1422689
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1422689

Haldimand "Fantino Petition Update"

Petition asks for inquiry into Fantino and OPP
Posted By KAREN BEST, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Friday January 16, 2008

On Wednesday afternoon, a man came into The Chronicle office to sign a petition that asks for an inquiry into the actions and decisions of OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino and into the OPP actions in Caledonia over the past three years.

His signature will be one of 10,000 collected by April when the petition will be taken to the Ontario legislature. Launched last week by Caledonia residents Dave Brown and Ken Hewitt, the petition had about 2,500 supporters by Jan. 14.

Through the petition, they are asking for an immediate and unpaid suspension for Fantino while the inquiry into his actions is underway. In the petition's background statement, organizers said police violations of the Criminal Code and the Police Services Act have been documented. They also say the people of Ontario have the right to know the true costs of policing in Caledonia.

Anyone who has signed the petition on the internet will have to sign a hard copy which is the legally accepted document to have their voices heard. Copies are available at The Chronicle office and at the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce office.

If the petition is not available at the chamber's front desk, people are encouraged to ask as it may be in Haldimand Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett's office.

This week Brown delivered copies to stores and restaurants in Cayuga, Hagersville, Jarvis and Dunnville.

Hewitt said he had requests for copies from Ottawa, Barrie, London, Thorold, Niagara Falls, Toronto and Hamilton. "It's exploding," said Brown. "I can't believe how powerful it's getting...It's overwhelming the amount of people who support this."

"We just need law enforcement," he added. PLEASE SEE "REQUESTS" To pack the biggest wallop with politicians and media, Hewitt planned to deliver the petition to Queens Park during the week of April 12. He wanted 1,000 people to come with him. Anticipating a large gathering,

Hewitt said the timing will coincide with the third anniversary of the April 20 OPP raid on Douglas Creek Estates February 2006, several persons from Six Nations moved into the subdivision construction site claiming it as part of their people's territory.

The Caledonia property is within the Haldimand Tract that extends six miles from both sides of the Grand River. Granted in 1784 to Six Nations by Sir Frederick Haldimand, the land replaced territory lost when they fought with the British in the American War of Independence.

What threw Hewitt over the edge was Fantino's endorsement of Clyde Powless, a Six Nations resident. He faced mischief charges for allegedly pulling a hydro tower across Argyle Street South on Dec. 1 during a smoke shop protest.

In his letter, Fantino said Powless has acted as a negotiator and a go-between for his people and OPP. Reporters and politicians have seen Powless acting in that capacity at a few incidents over the past three years.

Fantino crossed the line in submitting that letter of support and is no longer unbiased or neutral, said Hewitt. "I think he needs to go," said Dunnville resident Dennis James. "We need someone who can abide by the rules...Breaking the law is breaking the law no matter what race you are."

He believed political influence was the biggest problem in the immediate area. Hamilton police officer David Hartless signed the petition as did other officers including some OPP members, he said.

Eager to see an inquiry into what was really going on, the Caledonia resident will ask more officers and friends to sign. This is being done professionally without blocking any roads or burning not even one tire, said Hartless.

Ultimately an inquiry will make sure no one else has to endure what Caledonia residents have, he pointed out. OPP are following flawed recommendations from the Ipperwash Inquiry, stated Hewitt.

Five years ago, Premier Dalton McGuinty ordered the inquiry to look into the death of Dudley George and to determine how to avoid a fatality can be prevented in future land claim disputes.

In Sept. 1995, George was one of the natives who moved into the Ipperwash Provincial Park. In a confrontation between protesters and police, a shot was fired and mortally wounded him. "It will bring a lot of things out in the open," said James of a Caledonia inquiry. "This is going to open up coast to coast."

Failure is not an option according to South Cayuga resident Donna Pitcher. "We will be relentless with this...and we will accept nothing but an inquiry being done," she said.

Barrett signed the petition. An attempt to confirm reports that MP Diane Finley only signed for the OPP inquiry was not successful. Her communication director Julie Vaux replied by email saying policing is a provincial matter. "What I can say is that Minister Finley supports her constituents and shares their frustrations as we approach the third anniversary of the Caledonia occupation," stated Vaux.

Calling from an agricultural meeting in Canfield, Barrett said he suggested that Hewitt bring the petition to his New Year levee on Jan. 11 in Caledonia. The MPP only signed in support of the public inquiry into OPP actions.

As a publicly elected servant, he said he could not stick his nose into court issues so he did not sign for the Fantino inquiry. Barrett was in full support of this new campaign for an inquiry as it will reveal solid factual evidence and hopefully will come up with a better approach to dealing with land claims. Barrett gave petition organizers credit for their responsible approach in seeking answers.

This conscious effort also takes off the pressure as the third anniversary of Feb. 28 is looming, he added. After the petition was launched, Gary McHale who founded the Caledonia Wake Up Call web site challenged Haldimand County council members to show their support for residents by signing the petition. Councillors Craig Grice, Buck Sloat and Leroy Bartlett did. Mayor Marie Trainer did not.

Even though she agreed with an inquiry, she felt she could not sign since she had testified about two-tier policing in McHale's bail condition hearings. She is also a member of the county's police services board and soon council will be asked to enter into another contract with OPP. "I thought it just wasn't appropriate (to sign for an inquiry into Fantino)," said Trainer. "He might think I was picking on him."

The mayor hoped the general inquiry will look into the handling of the entire situation, the change in OPP policing on Sixth Line and damage to and blockage of county roads.

Caledonia's councillor Craig Grice, who signed for both questions, said an inquiry was needed so residents can regain power over their daily life. This petition is a quiet form of protest without commotion on the streets, he added "Every time a skirmish happens, OPP say the peace was kept but the peace should not have broken down," he said.

As a result, many Caledonia residents no longer have respect for OPP, he added. Some people have asked him to bring them a copy of the petition to sign. "There are a lot of residents who are afraid to sign the petition (in a public place) for fear of repercussions," said Grice who will not vote in favour of a new OPP contract.

According to Pitcher, the petition holds a lot of weight for people because it was launched by county residents. In the same way people rallied in opposition of the proposed sale of Haldimand County Hydro, people are putting their differences aside to work for the common goal of an inquiry, she added. When $100 million in taxpayers' money is spent as it has been in Haldimand County, an inquiry should automatically be done, said Pitcher of making the government accountable.

Mary Lou LaPratte said an inquiry was essential because the situation in Caledonia has gone beyond the bounds of ethics and beyond Fantino. She hoped the inquiry will be successful with all interested parties allowed to testify. This inquiry will not be about how someone was killed but will be about the actual actions of police and their failure to follow the Police Services Act, she pointed out. "There is a real scandal about to unfold," said LaPratte. Two tier justice started in 1992 in her community, West Ipperwash and 17 years later it continues in some ways, said LaPratte who has moved to another community.

Race-based policing was adopted more widely after the inquiry and resulted in decreased protection from extremists. At an informal session with the Ipperwash inquiry commissioner, residents voiced their concerns and provided recommendations on how to better take non-native interests into consideration during land claim disputes. None were added into the final report, said LaPratte.

Also disturbing was the OPP's approach of arresting people to prevent them from getting hurt by extremists, said LaPratte. This is comparable to a dictatorship in a Third World country, she added.

At least one supporter of Six Nations has signed the petition. Hamilton resident Connie Kidd only agreed to an inquiry into the actions and decisions of the OPP. This will be a follow up on how the OPP are implementing Ipperwash Inquiry recommendations and if they are doing it right and if it worked, she added. The findings would be very useful as a public information item for Canada, said Kidd. She also expected the inquiry would address laws and court precedents requiring government to consult and accommodate First Nations when their rights or lands were affected. Kidd said the local dispute is the result of government failure to consult and accommodate Six Nations prior to development.

Michael Corrado, who is completing a residential development in Cayuga, said Haldimand County is no further ahead on the land dispute than three years ago.

Now provincial taxpayers are facing tens of millions of dollars in expenses for policing, negotiator wages and court hearings.

He pointed out that this bill continues to grow when every tax dollar counts and the province is considering cutting social programs and going into deficit spending. The extraordinary costs for OPP is staggering, he noted.

"The residents of Haldimand County have taken the direct hit but so have the taxpayers of Ontario," added Corrado, who has not signed the petition.

Article ID# 1390271 http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1390271

Haldimand "Fantino Petition Update"

CH News reported this morning that there is now over 1,400 signatures on these petitions. MP Diane Finley, MPP Toby Barrett, Mayor Trainer and Councillor Grice of Haldimand County have all endorsed this petition with their signatures.

If you have not signed the petition on line and wish to do so, here is the link;
http://www.petitiononline.com/4625FA46/petition.html

The following news story is a more in depth interview with Ken Hewitt;


"New petition calls for Fantino inquiry";

By Tamara Botting, The Sachem
News
Jan 09, 2009

“This is a very significant development Ken has initiated,” said Haldimand Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett.

Ken Hewitt, Caledonia resident, has launched a petition both online and on paper “to request the Premier of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the Commissioner of the OPP, (Ontario Provincial Police) Julian Fantino, and impose his immediate suspension without pay and upon confirmation of facts, his immediate resignation,” and also, “To request the Premier of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the OPP with respect to Caledonia over the past three years,” (quoted from online petition).

“It’s really important that people realize this isn’t about Native land claims, or the Native people. The action of the OPP and our governments clearly put Caledonia and Six Nations in a head-on collision,” Hewitt stated Tuesday.

“I don’t want people to read (the petition) and think that we’re just trying to stir the pot. This is an OPP and management issue. This has nothing to do with the officers at the local level, or those who were told to come in and serve from elsewhere. This is a management and leadership issue. This is specifically aimed at that group.”

“I have signed the petition online and the hard copy, as well,” stated Haldimand County Ward 3 councillor Craig Grice.

“It’s part of the psyche of Caledonia and the constituents, for those who feel that the OPP has failed to provide for the residents of Caledonia, and for those in Six Nations.

“The residents of Caledonia don’t feel (Fantino) has stepped up for them. That goes to the animosity of the OPP and the residents of Caledonia in general. It’s a sad state of affairs.”
Grice stressed, “The officers on the front line will take direction from the superior officers; (their orders) comes from the top down.”

“If you’re the leader, you are responsible for the actions of the team, of those who you direct, of your own actions,” said Hewitt.

“We’ve been collecting (signatures) for about a week and a half; since Christmas,” said Hewitt. “The response has been tremendous. An online petition is a barometer; it helps people see the level of interest.”

“The legal petition to present to Queen’s Park has to be a signed petition with a valid signature and address. Currently, we have over 1,000 people signed. Our hope is that when we present it to the legislator, we will have over 10,000 signatures.”

Barrett noted that while citizens can come to Queen’s Park with a petition, they would need an elected official “to formally present a petition and the names before the Ontario Legislative Assembly. They could ask me to do so, or MPP Dave Levac (of Brant). If asked, I would read the petition into the legislature, and sign them as I hand them into the clerk.”

Barrett has invited Hewitt to bring a hard copy of the petition to his levee at St. George Arms in Caledonia on Sunday, January 11 so that local residents will have an opportunity to come and sign it. Hewitt will be there from 1 to 1:30 p. m.

“A petition is a very ancient procedure for people in a parliamentary democracy to influence their own representatives and government; to influence their assembly,” commented Barrett.

“The big reason that I support initiatives like this, calling for an inquiry, is that we are the victims of government paralysis. Next month, we will be going into our fourth year of this paralysis, and that is downright dangerous.

“It is dangerous to drag this out for three years. It creates mistrust. It is destroying the area’s economy, it is destroying the trust in the police, and it is destroying the trust in elected officials,” he added.

“We called for an inquiry two and a half years ago,” said Barrett. “It was formally presented on June 5, 2006. That was right after we watched Argyle Street get dug up by a backhoe.”

“No one is asking the OPP to solve the land claim issue,” stated Grice. “They are responsible to uphold the law and protect those they are paid to; that’s Haldimand County residents.”

“An inquiry is needed at some point in time to ensure the integrity of the position is upheld; to ensure that the residents’ concerns are brought to the forefront of Canada.”

“I wrote the petition, but this is a grass-roots effort and there is no group, per se, but a number of people who have thrown in their hand to support it. It’s the people of Ontario. The petition is growing in Ottawa, Kitchener, North Bay, Thunder Bay, Hamilton, Niagara Falls... our hope is that it will continue to grow across the province,” said Hewitt.

“It really is the people’s agenda.”

http://www.sachem.ca/news/article/158496

Haldimand "On-Line Petition asking for Commissioner Fantino's Resignation"

Caledonia residents launch petition for Fantino's resignation

Posted By KAREN BEST,

CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Ken Hewitt and another Caledonia resident want an inquiry into Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Julian Fantino's handling of issues in Haldimand County.

On Dec. 22, they launched a petition which will be distributed across Haldimand County including Dunnville. It demands an inquiry into Fantino's actions and into overall policing based on the "tainted" report from Ipperwash, said Hewitt, who was a key Caledonia Citizens Alliance spokesperson in 2006.

The petition also demands that Fantino be suspended until the inquiry is concluded and be removed from his job if cause if found.

The petition will be circulated across Ontario and will soon be available on the Internet. The petition sprung out of frustration and anger over a recent letter Fantino wrote in support of Clyde Powless of Six Nations, Hewitt indicated.

OPP officers charged him with assault and mischief related to events at the Dec. 1, 2007 smoke shop protest on Argyle Street South in Caledonia."He defies the charges made by his own officers by submitting a letter of support (for Powless)," said Hewitt. "I question why the commissioner of the OPP would submit a letter on a misdemeanour."In the letter filed for a Dec. 5 court hearing on Powless's charges, Fantino wrote that Powless was "instrumental in diffusing serious conflict and confrontation" and has acted as a peacemaker.

In Fantino's letter, which was released last week by Gary McHale, the commissioner said he was making no excuses for Powless's behaviour. Fantino also said the volatile situation and provocation could simply be avoided if McHale and his followers were not in attendance. Three of five paragraphs in the letter mention McHale.

You can read the rest of the article here, Article ID# 136158
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1361581


Open Letter to the Commissioner Julian Fantino,
(written by Ken Hewitt of Caledonia)

Mr. Fantino, unlike you, I have been involved with the ongoing land claim in Caledonia from the time the OPP botched up the removal of protestors from privately owned land known as DCE. I saw with my own two eyes, protestors pushing back the OPP and breaking many laws as we know them.

I saw the actions of men such as Clyde Powless exhibit very little concern for the people of Caledonia and much less concern for the misguided OPP officers on the street. Who were mostly un-prepared for the situations that they were put into.

I witnessed many occasions when the OPP, confused by the lack of leadership by both yourself and your predecessor Gwen Boniface, both of you allowing the Ipperwash Inquiry to influence your decision making, knowingly violated or ignored your own training and standard operating procedures.

I was thoroughly offended when you came to meet with business leaders through the local Rotary, to listen to you lay blame on the citizens of Caledonia for injuries sustained by your police force in several confrontations.

To hear you justify the lack of arrests made with respect to the many crimes committed by protestors around Caledonia. To hear you continue to use the phrase that you’re only the "meat between the sandwich" yet laws continue to be broken under your watch.

These are laws that have nothing to do with land claims but your fear and your mismanagement has created a fear amongst your officers in knowing when to apply the law and when not to.

On several occasions, to hear you comment on the ongoing costs of policing in Caledonia, and that it is not related to your inability as Commissioner to contain the criminal elements that still continue to exist, but to lay blame on those that choose to challenge you and the government of Ontario, how you have let the community of Caledonia down in what I would call an abysmal failure of leadership.

Most of all, however it is this most recent letter of support that you submitted in defense of Clyde Powless, that has finally brought me to this point in writing you, along with petitioning for your resignation as Commissioner of what was once known as an exceptional police force the OPP.

You were not there that day that Clyde Powless lead the protestors to block Argyle road for a month, you were not there when on his direction, the same road was dug up, you were not there when Clyde Powless and his associates specifically told me three days prior to the hydro station being destroyed, that should there be any resistance from the people of Caledonia, that the services such hydro or water could be targeted.

Instead, you allow your personal conflict with Gary McHale to cloud your judgement, and as such use your position of power to sway the courts in seeing Mr. Powless as a good man, a man who cares about his neighbors, and a man that would do everything to diffuse tense situations rather than the truth as already mentioned.

In football, they call this play the "Flim-Flam"; you have been played sir, and the confidence in your ability to lead and make the right decision without reservation is diminished.

This lack of confidence exists within and without your own police force; it does not only exist in Caledonia, but reaches beyond its borders.

The reality that Ontario will be heading into deficits for the next several years supports the idea of a public inquiry on your actions and those of the OPP and its decisions in the past three years in Caledonia. Up to now there has been a blank cheque and there is no clarity to the costs up to now let alone to the future.

As a taxpayer who must shoulder the burden of these deficits, have the right to call for accountability and the right to call for your resignation.
Ken Hewitt

The following is the petition on line (written by Ken Hewitt);

To: People of Ontario
Petition for Caledonia Public Inquiry

TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO:

The background for this petition is as follows:

1. Commissioner Julian Fantino has proven through his own court testimony and published documentation that he is no longer unbiased or neutral. Along with native leaders having his personal cell number exclusively; he also uses his position to support them in court against charges by his own police force.

2. Following the flawed results and recommendations of the Ipperwash Inquiry, the OPP and the command decisions made by the OPP have violated and ignored the rules and guidelines as set out by a number of statutes. These include the Criminal Code and the Ontario Police Services Act. In addition the OPP have violated or ignored their training and standard operating procedures. There is documented and electronic evidence that the OPP did so knowingly.

3. The costs surrounding OPP is grossly underestimated. As taxpayers, we have the right to know the true costs of Caledonia. As the province of Ontario enters into years of deficits, how much more money will be wasted on flawed policing and the inability of leadership to change to tactics.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

1. To request the Premier of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the Commissioner of the OPP Julian Fantino and impose his immediate suspension without pay and upon confirmation of the facts, his immediate resignation.

2. To request the Premier Of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the OPP with respect to Caledonia over the past 3 years.

Sincerely,

Here is the link to sign the petition on line;
http://www.petitiononline.com/4625FA46/petition.html

Haldimand "Too Soon to Say No?"

Here is an editorial from the Brantford Expositor. It is an interesting read, raises a lot of questions, and gives you the opportunity to be involved.

I say it is "not to soon" to get involved, in fact this is when we should be getting involved!

As far as the "poll" that was done earlier, there seems to me some controversy as to how it was worded. It was not a clear "Yes or No" question and answer. I for one do not know one person who was involved in this poll. Do You?

Just click on the link below and join in on the debate.


Too soon to say No

Posted By
Posted 1 hour ago


No one knows for sure if Nanticoke is the right place to build two nuclear reactors. We will have a better idea after privately owned Bruce Power completes an environmental assessment of the site on Lake Erie, east of Port Dover, in two or three years.

At first glance, the property near Ontario Hydro's coalfired power plant has advantages of geography and local support. And the province has launched a $26-billion program to advance nuclear power as dirty coal-fired plants shut down.

So, why is Energy Minister George Smitherman so dead set against looking at Nanticoke? On Friday, he made it clear that the province has no interest in nuclear Nanticoke. "It doesn't enjoy the support, encouragement (or) approval, tacit or otherwise of the government of Ontario."

Give Smitherman credit. He doesn't mince words. We just don't get it when Smitherman says, "It's a speculative move on the part of a private company designed to put pressure on downstream government policy."

Sounds like Smitherman is saying "don't confuse us with facts." What's the matter with Bruce Power making a case (or not) for Nanticoke?

The McGuinty government is committed to creating more nuclear power as it phases out air-polluting coalfired generating plants. The province will refurbish its "fleet" of nuclear stations, including construction of two reactors at Darlington, east of Toronto.

Let's hear the case for Nanticoke. Bruce Power has an option to buy 600 acres in an industrial park from U. S. Steel Canada Inc.

The property, which is close to major cities in Southern Ontario, can easily connect to the power grid now linked to the Nanticoke coal-fired plant, which will close by 2014, putting 600 people out of work.

A nuclear facility would cost about $4 billion and take four years to build. It would create about 1,200 permanent jobs and pump $150 million a year into the economies of Haldimand and Norfolk.

An Ipsos-Reid survey this year found more than 60 per cent of residents in Haldimand and Norfolk support a nuclear plant at Nanticoke. The project also has the backing of federal Human Resources Minister Diane Finley, MP for Haldimand-Norfolk, and the counties of Haldimand and Norfolk.

Smitherman is jumping the gun in saying no to Nanticoke. Let's wait for the environmental assessment, then see if it's worth pursuing.

Join the discussion at www.theexpositor.com

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1277668

Haldimand "McGuinty won't Endorse Dion's Liberals"

McGuinty won't endorse Dion's Liberals; will fight for Ont. in fed. election (FedElxn-Ont-McGuinty)
The Canadian Press Sep 08 14:49

TORONTO _ Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's election campaign platform won't be endorsed by the Liberal premier of Canada's largest province, Dalton McGuinty said Monday as he vowed to press all federal party leaders for a better financial deal for Ontario.

With 106 of the 308 seats in the House of Commons, it's time Ontario "exploited'' its clout to "fight for fairness'' during the campaign for the Oct. 14 vote, McGuinty said as he responded to Sunday's election call.

"Because over one-third of Canada's MPs are elected here in Ontario, we Ontarians have a great deal of influence over which party forms a government and who gets to be prime minister,'' he said.

"I'll be asking all the party leaders how they intend to address the issue of fairness for Ontario, and I'm asking Ontarians to do the same with their local candidates, to raise the issue at the door, at the debates and in letters.''

Ontario is shortchanged billions of dollars each year by Ottawa, said McGuinty, who complained that an Ontario worker who loses their job gets $4,600 less in benefits than laid off workers in the rest of Canada.

"All that missing EI money would have added up last year to $2.1 billion, a significant economic stimulus here in the province exactly when we need it,'' he said.

"Right now, our health care system is shortchanged by over $700 million every year.''
Campaigning in the Vancouver area Monday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper flatly rejected McGuinty's claims.

"It's not true that there are rules in employment insurance that discriminate against Ontario,'' said Harper.

He noted that McGuinty didn't complain when the Conservative government came up with a plan to address the fiscal imbalance between the federal government and the provinces.

"Premier McGuinty, like many of the premiers, didn't get everything he wanted out of the fiscal balance resolution,'' said Harper. "But as I recall at the time, he was pretty positive about the improvements we made in fiscal relations with Ontario.''

Earlier this year, McGuinty said he "liked the sound of'' Dion's controversial Green Shift plan, but he ducked repeated questions Monday about the policy before finally saying he supports putting "a price'' on carbon.

"I've got my own particular approach when it comes to dealing with carbon emissions,'' he said. "We believe in a cap-and-trade system.''

That's very different from Dion's complicated proposal to raise about $15 billion from taxing carbon emissions while providing corresponding tax cuts on income, savings and other investment vehicles.

Campaigning near Montreal Monday, Dion insisted tax changes proposed under the Green Shift plan would help McGuinty address poverty, and said the Liberal's $1 billion fund for manufacturers would help both Ontario and Quebec.

"We have an agenda that will improve what (McGuinty) is able to do,'' said Dion. "He needs a partner in Ottawa and we'll provide a partner for the premier of Ontario and all the premiers of this country.''

McGuinty's failure to endorse the Green Shift plan wasn't enough for Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory.

"I think the first thing Dalton McGuinty could and should do in order to ensure fairness for Ontario is speak up loud and clear and say that a carbon tax is not good for Ontario,'' said Tory.

"A tax is a tax is a tax, and the last thing Ontario needs right now is a new tax imposed on its population and on its businesses.''

The province's New Democrats blasted McGuinty's "phoney'' fairness campaign as nothing more than a Liberal tactic to avoid taking the blame for the loss of more than 200,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs in Ontario.

"It's simply a campaign to divert, distract and otherwise deflect public attention away from the real issue,'' said NDP Leader Howard Hampton.

"The real issue in Ontario is we're losing hundreds of thousands of good jobs, and the McGuinty government doesn't have an adequate response.''

http://www.cpac.ca/forms/index.asp?dsp=template&act=view3&template_id=46&lang=e

Haldimand "Special Committee of the Whole Meeting August 21, 2008"

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting

Thursday August 21, 2008

Council Chambers

Cayuga Administration Building

Additions to Reserve Policy

Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner or a farmer in Haldimand County, this is a meeting that you should attend.

Feds will explain process in adding land to First Nation reserves
Aug. 21 meeting open to the public
Posted By KAREN BEST CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 6 hours ago


Two representatives of the Canadian government will explain how land is added to reserves at a public information meeting next week.

Federal community liaison Doug Forbes will accompany Linda MacWilliams who is an Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) employee. She is the regional manager of lands and additions to reserves.

At the Aug. 21 public meeting, she will make a presentation on the additions to reserves policy, said a ministry spokesperson.

"This information session is part of an ongoing effort across the country to address questions of local officials with regard to the additions to reserve policies," said Patricia Valladao. This session was provided at the request of Haldimand County council, she added.

It is not designed to be an opportunity to discuss negotiations with Six Nations and the province, she noted. Coun. Buck Sloat said council members were aware that the presentation will be for information only. "It's important that we hear it," he told The Chronicle.

The public and the media will know how the process works, he added.

During the meeting, only council members can ask questions. The session begins at 9:30 a. m. in the council chambers in the Cayuga county building.

When the county hears it has no say in transfers, Sloat anticipated that council members will send a strong message to INAC minister Chuck Strahl and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

After the session, Sloat will ask people to write letters requesting a change in the policy. In his opinion, any time land is taken away from a municipality or a boundary is altered, the municipality should have veto rights. This is an amendment he wants to see, he added.
While opposed to loss of municipal property, Sloat said he supported people selling land to whomever they choose. But that should not erode the municipal tax base and the new owner should pay property taxes, he added.

He also noted that smoke shops on Highway 6 show planning is non-existent in Six Nations. If the county's land base erodes further, this will become worse, said Sloat at this week's council meeting.

"We have to protect land in Haldimand County for all persons and businesses," said Coun. Craig Grice adding he was not against Six Nations people.

Council decided to invite Haldimand Norfolk MP Diane Finley and Haldimand Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett to the session.

At this week's council meeting, members unanimously endorsed Sloat's motion to refuse to accept erosion of the municipal tax base or loss of planning and regulatory controls due to purchase, transfer or negotiated conversion of land to First Nations reserves.
Article ID# 1157765
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1157765

Haldimand "Congrats to McGuinty he finally Tells the Truth"

Well it seems that Premier Dalton McGuinty finally stuck to one of his promises!

The Heath Tax is here to stay!

One of the interesting comments was the fact that the money collected under the Health Tax doesn't necessarily go to the Health Care System. I don't know about you but maybe it is high time that the Provincial Government bring down legislation that protects how and where "our" hard earned dollars are collected and directed!

After all the Provincial Government were the ones that legislated to the Municipalities how and where the dollars they collect from our property taxes go, this is called "reserves".

It is high time that the Provincial Government do as they tell others to do and be "Accountable". But that is another promise that McGuinty has forgotten about!


Review of Ontario health tax a ‘sham'

The Canadian Press
August 5, 2008 at 5:23 PM EDT

TORONTO — A forced review of Ontario's controversial health tax is little more than a "sham" because the province has no intention of scrapping it, critics charged Tuesday as public hearings abruptly ended after only a few short hours of testimony.

Premier Dalton McGuinty has already made it clear he won't kill or phase out the tax, which critics say is overburdening municipalities and taxpayers. That means recommendations from the legislative committee that's reviewing it will be ignored, opposition parties said.

"The problem is that Dalton McGuinty already has his hands over his ears," said Progressive Conservative Tim Hudak, who dismissed the entire exercise as a "sham" once the hearings were over.

"He has no intention of giving working families in Ontario or seniors a break."

Mr. McGuinty came under heavy fire from his political rivals early in his first term in 2004 when he brought in the so-called health "premium," defending it as a necessary evil aimed at tackling a $5.6-billion deficit inherited by the previous Conservative government.

The Premier has only added insult to injury by effectively ending the committee's work before it began, dashing any faint hope that the tax might be scrapped, Mr. Hudak said.

The Liberals must find a way to finance public services without punishing lower and average income families with a regressive tax, which can cost each eligible taxpayer as much as $900 a year, said NDP critic Peter Tabuns.

"If the government was interested in changing things, they could change things," he said.

"They're very clear: they've made a decision. They're going to continue with that decision and they're going through the motions with these hearings."

Mr. McGuinty admitted in December that the tax review was only going ahead because it was required by law. He's repeatedly dismissed calls to repeal the health premium, arguing that the billions in revenue would buttress Ontario's health-care system against the stresses of an aging population.

But the health tax is also hurting municipalities and workers who are already facing tough economic times, the committee heard.

London, Ont., Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best said the city is paying more than $800,000 a year to cover the health tax for some of its employees — a rising cost that's being absorbed by taxpayers who are already shelling out for their own health premiums.

"Whatever the details, there have been clearly unintended consequences to local property taxpayers," she told the committee.

"We are asking you this morning that you recommend a legislated remedy — that the province adopt legislation to clearly state that the Ontario Health Premium is an employee responsibility and not the responsibility of employers."

The government should give the tax another name, since it's under no obligation to spend any of the money on health care, said Kevin Gaudet, Ontario director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

"There is no doubt that this tax would have been eliminated had it been named differently — perhaps the Bureaucrat Salary Enhancement Tax," Mr. Gaudet said.

Others, such as Mary Lou Ambrogio of the Forest City Institute, a think tank based in London, Ont., expressed frustration that any recommendations the committee makes will fall on deaf ears.

"Dalton McGuinty has already explicitly stated that regardless of the outcome of this review, the tax will not be eliminated," Ms. Ambrogio said.

"Unfortunately, this may be one promise he intends to keep."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080805.whealthtax0805/BNStory/National/home?cid=al_gam_mostview

Haldimand "Defacing the Canadian Flag is Just Wrong"

********************UPDATE TUESDAY JUNE 27, 2008************

This morning around 9:50 am the "defaced" Canadian Flag in Caledonia was taken down! Thank you to the individuals that did the right thing today!

*****************************************************************

Well I had an interesting Sunday morning. It all started when I checked my e-mail. A friend in Dunnville had sent me an e-mail in regards to a Canadian flag that was flying at the entrance of DCE in Caledonia and the flag was "defaced"! This flag had apparently being there since Thursday.

I have a thing about the Canadian Flag! I happen to be proud of the Canadian Flag! There are certain "protocols" to the hanging and disposing of the Canadian flag, but when the Canadian Flag is "defaced" that is another story.

So I made a phone call to someone I know in Caledonia, I didn’t want to go there alone, so we were to meet at DCE around 11:30am.

I decided once I was there, I would speak to someone and request that the flag come down and I would dispose of it properly. Well that didn’t happen!

I arrived at 11:30am and there was the Canadian Flag blowing in the wind. Someone had painted a black circle around the maple leaf and put a black line through it. I have never seen a "defaced" Canadian Flag and I certainly was not impressed!

I sat in my truck on Argyle St. right in front of DCE for about 5 minutes, I could see that someone was watching me and I had hoped that they would come and ask me what I was doing there. About 5 minutes later I got out of my truck and walked across the road. Within in a few minutes someone came out of the house on DCE and started walking towards me. I in return started walking to meet them. I introduced myself, shook his hand and asked if he could take down the "defaced" Canadian Flag that was flying. He didn’t answer me we just starting walking towards the flag. I talked about "protocols" and again asked if I could have the flag to dispose of it properly. This individual told me that he was not responsible for the flags that were flying and he personally could not take it down.

A couple of minutes into our conversation another individual came to see what was going on, I once again introduced myself, shook his hand and asked to have the "defaced" Canadian flag taken down so I could dispose of it properly. I was told no.

We talked back and forth for about 15 minutes. I was told at one point that I could put a flag up if I wanted too. My response was that they already had a Canadian Flag flying and it was "defaced". I offered to replace the "defaced" flag with a new one, and was told no. I also asked how many people so far had come over and asked them to remove the flag and I was told no one, so my response was, I came on my own and my only intent was to have the "defaced" flag removed. It was just that simple!

I also asked what if I just removed the flag myself? I was told that they would have to stop me, and I responded by saying how would you stop me, I didn’t get an answer. I wasn’t in fear of anything happening to me but I didn’t want to push the issue of me taking down the flag myself.

Some may say that what I did was pretty stupid, or petty, but to me this was just the right thing to do. It had nothing to do with land claims, or any other issue, it was simply wrong that the Canadian Flag was blowing in the wind "defaced". I really did believe that the right thing would have been done today, and I am truly disappointed.

I will go back and try again. Flying a "defaced" Canadian Flag in my mind makes no point at all. It dosen't prove anything. What is does is show "disrespect". I showed no "disrespect" today and I am hopeful that the right thing will still be done!

Haldimand "Have Your Say"

I thought I would do something different on my blog. I would like to hear what you have to say on the issues. I am often called by someone who's letter never gets into the local papers, or when someone simply asks me to post on their behalf. Here is your opportunity to have your voice heard.

If you are going to post a long letter, the best way to do it is copy and paste your document into the comment section. Sometimes you will get disconnected if you have the comments box open too long. Blogger does not have spellcheck.

If you do not have a Blogger account and you want to sign your name, click the anonymous box and sign your name on the bottom of your post.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say!

Haldimand "Keep Both Hands on the Wheel"

When is enough......enough?

What has happened to the "Driver" being "Responsible"?

We already have laws in place, that one can find in the "Highway Traffic Act" and the "Criminal Code" of Canada that deals with people who are driving "carelessly".

Just six months ago, when asked if Ontario should ban cellphone use while driving, McGuinty said:

"There are provisions right now, to be found in the Highway Traffic Act ...or the Criminal Code that allow for prosecutions for people who are driving carelessly. So, unless and until I get different advice from the people who work our roads, and look to their safety, we will maintain our position," he said.

So Premier McGuinty "Who" and "What" has changed your stand?

McGuinty said he has asked Transportation Minister Jim Bradley to look at some form of "next-generation legislation" that would cover existing electronic devices like cellphones and future gadgets.

Now McGuinty hasn’t just stopped there, he is looking into what he calls "Next Generation Legislation", what the hell is this? Well I would call this a "Blanket Legislation", just fill in the "Blanks" when necessary, after the "Legislation" is in place.

I would advise Premier McGuinty while he is at it why not legislate this;

Legislate and remove the following;

Coffee cup holders from vehicles……….
Radios……………….
Passengers………………….
All Road Signs…………….
ETC………………

Well this list could go on and on, I think you get my point.

In my opinion there are far more pressing issues that this current Premier should be concerned about in Ontario. Although Ministers do need something to do, the government should not be waisting time "Legislating" something that is already "Law"!

The bottom line for me is that we have "Leaders" that say one thing and six months later they have "flopped", oh wait a minute has "McGuinty" himself not "accused" others of doing what he is considering? "Flopping".

Haldimand "Brantford Council Fights for Residents"

Mayer Marie Trainer was on the Bill Kelly show last week in regards to Brantford's passing of bylaws preventing further occupations of construction sites. When Mayor Trainer was asked by Bill Kelly if Haldimand County Council will follow suite, she said "we will wait and see" if it works in Brantford! Well there you have it! Very good answer!

No trespassing signs were posted and the occupations continued in Brantford. Today Brantford will be in court asking for an injunction and putting the "Attorney General" on notice in case the Army is needed.

As a resident of Haldimand County, I would like to know why this county has not taken this action anytime in the last two and a half years? This council ignored Toby Barrett's presentation a couple of months ago regarding the "Proclamation" he wrote. This council has stated to the "residents" that there is nothing they can do, it is up to "other" levels of government!

What our Council did was apply for 56 million dollars in the "recovery package" that was sent to upper levels of government earlier this year. Haldimand has not received a penny!

Our council's position up until the time of the "recovery package" was one of mostly silence! Yet once they realized that we were not going to receive any funds the "bashing" started by this council from the Mayor down. That seems to be their answer, at least for our "council".

So what does Brantford Council know that our Haldimand County Council doesn't know?

Maybe Haldimand County should consider the services of Brantford's Lawyer.

I believe in Haldimand it is "too late" to effectively do anything, at least on behalf of "our Elected Officials". The "inaction's" of this Council are apparent, and it is also now been brought to "our" attention that Haldimand has not "supported it's residents and the builders". What is the problem with "our" lawyer "our" council? Regardless it is the way it is!

The following is the article that has all the information regarding Brantford's Injunction request and the reason why they are proceeding in this manner. Right or Wrong, you have to ask yourself at this point what is "our" council waiting for?

City wants Armed Forces on notice; Physical confrontation and disturbance of the peace or riot is inevitable and imminent,' says motion seeking injunction

Posted By Susan Gamble

Posted 1 hour ago

The city is calling for the Canadian Armed Forces to be ready in case of a potential riot by native protesters.

That request is a part of a 135-page court document that goes before the Superior Court today.

The document - which includes a request by the city for $110-million in damages - seeks an injunction to prevent natives from protesting at building sites around the city.

In the court papers, the city is asking the judge to notify the "attorney general" that the services of the "Canadian Forces are required."

"Tensions in the city are mounting due to the increased frequency of, and sites affected by, the defendants' unlawful activities. A physical confrontation and disturbance of the peace or riot is inevitable and imminent," according to the document.

With 150 officers, city police are not able to "effectively protect public safety when the full-scale disturbance or riot occurs."

The document, released by the municipality Thursday afternoon, includes a statement by city manager John Brown that city police have been asking land owners and workers to stop work and vacate their properties if targeted by protesters.

Brown says in an affidavit that police fear growing protests or full-scale occupations that could lead to possible property damage or violence.

On Thursday, Progressive Conservative leader John Tory commended Brantford for taking a positive step to uphold the rule of law in the province by filing for an injunction.

"The mayor and his council have taken an entirely appropriate action to protect the best interests of the families and businesses in their community. By bringing their case before the courts they have also strengthened respect for the law and for the rule of law," Tory told The Canadian Press.

A Hamilton lawyer retained by several developers affected by native protests in Brantford said his clients - who he would not name - see the injunction application as a good move.

"All my clients view this as being very positive and hope the city is successful," Michael Bruder said in a telephone interview Thursday.

"If the city is successful, other communities will be looking at what Brantford's doing and your city could become the hero."

Bruder said his clients are increasingly frustrated over the loss of a "huge amount of money" and repeated delays of their work.

Bruder noted that the Haudenosaunee Development Institute, established to oversee building projects in the disputed areas, is asking developers to pay a fee and to sign an agreement that states the land belongs to the natives.

"They want that registered on the land title so it creates a huge issue for the purchasers. It's not like you pay $5,000 and they're gone. Besides, what are they going to ask for next week?" he said.

"I've had developers say, 'Couldn't I just pay the money? It would be cheaper,' and it would, but I have to explain it's not just about the money."

Coun. James Calnan, who is acting mayor while Mike Hancock is out of the country, reinforced the city's reluctance to pursue legal action against protesters.

"This is a bold step and it was not considered lightly. It's out of necessity because we believe irreparable damage has been done."

Calnan said that asking for the Armed Forces' help is a only a precaution.

"It's not that we're confident there is going to be a disturbance of the peace but, if there is one, we want to be able to deal with it. We always hope for the best but it would be irresponsible of us as a municipality not to prepare otherwise."

Calnan said Brantford and Six Nations have a long history of friendship and both natives and non-natives have lived side by side in the city for centuries.

"The larger interest of everyone is served by peace but we're going to do what's necessary to protect the interests of the people of this community."

The city injunction application will be heard this morning by a superior court judge. If successful, a court order will be issued, said Bruder.

That order will be posted by a sheriff at area development properties.

Should protesters violate the order, the city will go back to court and notify the judge that someone is in contempt of the order.

Finding the protester in contempt, the judge will issue an arrest warrant, which goes to police.

Bruder said the Brantford situation is different than that of Caledonia two years ago where OPP officers refused to serve arrest warrants in favour of keeping the peace a disputed residential subdivision.

"In Caledonia, they (community) subcontracted their municipal force to the OPP which was autonomous but, I would think in Brantford, presumably the city police report to the city."
Calnan said council doesn't have the authority to direct the police as it operates under a board of local and provincial representatives.

"But we do have the full and complete support of the police as we're going through this process."
http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1039385&auth=Susan%20Gamble

Haldimand "Barrett calls for Solicitor General of Ontario and Minister Bryant to Resign"

For Immediate Release May 5, 2008

Barrett asks Bryant to resign Queen’s Park

Following articles in two local papers, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett reports people are uncertain as to who is directing the OPP in both Caledonia and Tyendinaga/Deseronto.

Last week, an article in the Tekawennake newspaper reported: “He (referring to Chief Bill Montour) then thanked Bryant for taking his advice and asking the OPP about standing down in Tyendinaga and Caledonia.”Last week, Barrett relayed a similar report found in the Dunnville Chronicle. “Two newspapers and two different reporters saying the same thing,” Barrett said. “I ask you again, did you ask the Solicitor General to interfere or were you, were you yourself, asking the OPP about standing down in Tyendinaga and Caledonia?”

And although Hansard did not record the remainder of Barrett’s question (Hansard recorded only half of Barrett’s last sentence), the local MPP then asked Minister Bryant, given his previous statements, if he was prepared to resign.

Bryant answered ‘no’ and then began reading from the Ipperwash Report. Previously, on April 29th, Bryant stated: “I think the member knows that nobody in this House – no MPP, no member of government is walking around with a holster and cuffs. I think the member knows that it is up to police officers to execute that duty.”

Native land dispute

Mr. Toby Barrett: To the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs:

Last week you said in this House and I quote: “I think the member knows that nobody in this House—no MPP, no member of government is walking around with a holster and cuffs. I think the member knows that it’s up to police officers to investigate that duty.” Minister, I would like to quote an article from last week’s Dunnville Chronicle: “Over the weekend, Six Nations Band Chief, Bill Montour, told Aboriginal Affairs minister Michael Bryant, that the blockade was not criminal activity and said this could become something all party does not want it to be. He gave credit to Bryant for talking to the Solicitor General who reportedly told the OPP to stand down.”Minister, did you talk to the Solicitor General about having the OPP stand down?

Hon. Michael Bryant: No.

Mr. Toby Barrett: Thank you, minister. We know that the Dunnville Chronicle stated last week that Six Nations’ Chief, Bill Montour “gave credit to Michael Bryant for talking to the Solicitor General who reportedly told the OPP to stand down.”There’s another article I would like to report. It was written last week by Jim Windle—I know Jim, he’s read more articles on Six Nations than any other journalist. This article states and he referred to Chief Montour, “then thanked Bryant for taking his advice and asking the OPP about standing down in Tyendinaga and Caledonia.” Two newspapers and two different reporters saying the same the same thing.I ask you again: Did you ask the Solicitor General to interfere or were you, were you yourself, asking the OPP about standing down and in Tyendinaga and Caledonia? Given your previous statements, these two reports are—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you.

Hon. Michael Bryant: Well, no again to that one as well. Interference? The only government that’s been found to interfere with police operations has been the Conservative government. It’s the approach of the Conservatives according to testimony by Charles Harnick, that the approach was: “I want the *!?*% Indians out of the park.” That is an interfering approach. That is not a negotiating approach. That is an approach that was, in fact, condemned by Commissioner Linden and it’s not the approach of this government.I know that the official opposition doesn’t like to hear this. I know that the official opposition may not have liked some of the findings in this report but we will continue to support the recommends by Sidney Linden of the Ipperwash commission.

Here is an update from Toby Barrett. This was from Thursday May 1, 2008.

I do believe that it is time for a full investigation, just to find out who is actually telling the truth. These are serious statements being made about Minister Bryant and the Solicitor General of Ontario. I would certainly want my name cleared, wouldn’t you?

Re: Barrett calls for Solicitor General’s resignation

Toby here,

Following is my news release and Hansard from questions I asked Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci this afternoon. It is all self-explanatory; however folks have been speculating as to why the barricades came down so quickly this time around.
Have a good evening.

Toby

For Immediate Release

May 1, 2008

Barrett calls for Solicitor General’s resignation

Queen’s Park – Since the start of the Caledonia land disputes two years ago, the McGuinty Liberals have been clear that they do not direct the OPP on operational matters. A Dunnville Chronicle newspaper article printed yesterday suggests the Minister of Community, Safety and Correctional Services (Solicitor General) Rick Bartolucci has done otherwise.

Prior to Question Period today, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett spotted the article which read: Over the weekend, Six Nations band chief Bill Montour told Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant that the blockade was not a criminal activity and said this could become something all parties did not want it to be. He gave credit to Bryant for talking to the Solicitor General who reportedly told the OPP to stand down.

Back in December, the Minister of Community, Safety and Correctional Services said in response to one of Barrett’s questions: "If the member is suggesting that the Solicitor General or any other minister or member should interfere with the operation of the OPP, he’s wrong. He’s dead wrong."

Given the report that Bartolucci allegedly asked the OPP to "stand down" Barrett then formally asked in the Ontario Legislature, "Given your previous statements, are you prepared to resign?"

"That allegation is ridiculous, and, no, I will not resign because I won’t interfere with policing operations," Bartolucci said. "We’ve learned from past history that you don’t interfere as government with policing operations."

Barrett also asked the Minister why arrests were made in Deseronto/Tyendinaga for lawless behaviour over the weekend, but not in Caledonia. The Minister refused to answer the question but congratulated the OPP on their handling of the situation.

Native land disputes

Mr. Toby Barrett: To the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Minister, on April 25, OPP Commissioner Fantino was clear in a news release concerning problems at Tyendinaga and Deseronto: "This violent criminal activity occurred outside of any legitimate protest and will not be tolerated." It was not tolerated because people were arrested.

Back in Caledonia, criminal activity was allowed to occur all weekend. Not over a land claim, but in support of Tyendinaga. To my knowledge, no arrests were made on the weekend in Caledonia. Why does the OPP crack down at Deseronto, but will not crack down at Caledonia? ... no arrests were made on the weekend in Caledonia. Minister, why does the OPP crack down at Deseronto, but will not crack down at Caledonia?

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Minister of community safety.

Hon. Rick Bartolucci: This gives me a great opportunity to congratulate Commissioner Fantino, the incident commanders, senior officers and front-line officers for the remarkable job they’re doing.

Listen, we appreciate that the OPP is handling these situations in a very, very professional manner, understanding that, at the end of the day, public safety is paramount. Congratulations to Commissioner Fantino. Congratulations to the OPP.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary.

Mr. Toby Barrett: They did a good job at Deseronto. Minister, on December 4th last year, I questioned you in the House and you said: "If the member is suggesting that the Solicitor General or any other minister or member should interfere with the operation of the OPP, he's wrong."

Now, in this week’s Dunnville Chronicle, there’s an article written by Karen Best—she’s a reporter known for her accuracy and thoroughness—and I quote the article, in part:

"Over the weekend, Six Nations band Chief Bill Montour told Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant that the blockade was not a criminal activity," and, further, "He gave credit to Bryant for talking to the Solicitor General, who, reportedly told the OPP to stand down."

Speaker, we have a report before this House referring to the Solicitor General, who reportedly told the OPP to stand down. Minister, given your previous statements, are you prepared to resign?

Hon. Rick Bartolucci: That allegation is ridiculous, and, no, I will not resign because I won’t interfere with policing operations. We’ve learned from past history that you don’t interfere as government with policing operations.

But, what we can do, what we should do, what I’m asking him to do, and that side to do, is to ensure that we ask the federal government to come to the table with our First Nations communities to settle these land claims. The OPP is doing a remarkable job at ensuring that public safety is the top priority, but there are two other partners here that have to come to the table. The federal government has a responsibility to come to the table, to settle these land claims, so that everyone can get along the way we want to get along in Ontario—

Haldimand "McGuinty is Proving He is Accountable"

I was searching for a news article on the web and came across a very interesting article by the National Post. This article says it all about where Mr. McGuinty's priorities are. The good thing about this article is that the information is based on Statistics Canada data, so it is not someone's personal opinion.

So this does prove one thing ro me;

McGuinty is following through on his promise that his government will be "Accountable" to the hard working people of this province. My problem is that this is not the "Accountability" that I believe most Ontarions were looking for!

April 30, 2008

The National Post

‘Jobs, jobs, jobs" was a catchy refrain during the federal election of 1984. Nearly 25 years later, the slogan may be making a comeback in Ontario. Yet, this time, thanks to Premier Dalton Mc-Guinty, it is the public sector rather than the private sector leading job growth. This approach cannot succeed because it does not add up.

During Mr. McGuinty’s tenure, Statistics Canada reports that private-sector job creation has grown by 2.1%; whereas the public sector has grown by 15.5%. There are now 101,882 more people employed by the provincial government than when Mr. McGuinty took power. That is triple the provincial population growth rate, which only grew by 5.3%. Over a similar time frame, the private sector only generated 108,000 net new jobs.

Notwithstanding the different economic challenges each faced, it is interesting to compare Mr. McGuinty’s performance on the job front to some of his predecessors. Mr. McGuinty has grown the public sector more than Bob Rae, Mike Harris and Ernie Eves — combined!

Over five years, Bob Rae shrank the public sector by 21,673 jobs and his high-taxing and high-spending policies drove net private-sector job growth of a meager 12,500. His successor, Mike Harris (and Ernie Eves), grew the public sector by 47,235. Of note is that the Harris growth came outside the main departmental bureaucracy, which declined by almost 10,000 during his tenure.

Mr. McGuinty may defend his record of public-sector growth by saying he promised more nurses, more teachers, and more doctors. While this is true, the data reveal that departmental staff has also ballooned — up by 8.8% to 102,180. Health care, social services, universities, colleges, training, teachers, hospitals, and all other provincial government employment (excluding government businesses) grew by 16.6%. Increasing the size of government like this, of course, increases the cost of government and the burden on taxpayers. Importantly, this increased burden on taxpayers comes at a time when the economy is facing trouble.

Private-sector economists are predicting a rough ride for Ontario’s economy. One doesn’t have to be a Nobel laureate to identify some of the challenges. The price of oil is at a record high, the Canadian dollar is at par with the American dollar for the first time in decades, a U.S. slowdown is reducing demand for higher-priced Ontario products, and international markets are increasingly competitive for manufacturers.

There is little politicians can do to influence these macroeconomic forces. Unfortunately for taxpayers, however, politicians at all levels of government like to be seen to be doing things to reassure voters that they are in charge. Too frequently, this reassurance comes in the form of increasing the size and intervention of government.

Government, along with its ability to raise revenue and provide services, is a function of the economy it oversees. A healthy private sector that creates wealth and a tax base is what provides for jobs in the public sector, not the other way around. A simple rule of economics: You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it. At some point Mr. McGuinty will have to realize that the price of constantly expanding government does not add up.