Haldimand "CANACE, I Speak for Myself"

Well I had quite an interesting day today. It all started out when I checked my emails and found the following posts on my blog;

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post;
"Haldimand "Toby Barrett's Private Members Bill, Tr...": Doug Fleming has called for a rally at Toby's office for Tuesday morning at 10 am. Anyone interested can meet Doug at the Canadian Tire for 8:45 am to car pool over to Toby's office. Doug will leave at 9 am.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post;
"Haldimand "Toby Barrett's Private Members Bill, Tr...": Our suggested wording for Mr. Barrett's Inquiry - http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/documents/Truth-CaledoniaAct.pdf

This Wed. Toby Barrett is going to introduce a Private Members Bill regarding an inquiry into the events in Caledonia.The current wording of Mr. Barrett’s Bill does NOT have support of the People of Caledonia, Haldimand or Ontario.

The greatest proof of this fact is seen by the way the Regional News (the largest media outlet in Haldimand County) refused to print Mr. Barrett’s call for an Inquiry but they did print a story entitled Please no more POLITICAL inquiries and you can read this story here - http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/updates/090211regional.html
Written by Gary McHale!

The People want a clear inquiry into the illegal actions of the OPP. Our suggestion for a Bill that would have support of the community can be found here -

http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/documents/Truth-CaledoniaAct.pdf

It is our hope that Mr. Barrett and the PC Party will rewrite their Bill to better reflect the will of the People. If not, then on Wed. a group of residents will arrive at Queen’s Park to denounce Mr. Barrett’s Bill..

Gary McHale Posted by Anonymous to Haldimand's Unheard Voice at February 17, 2009.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post;
"Haldimand "Toby Barrett's Private Members Bill, Tr...": Donna; This is posted on Mchale's message board. Say it isn't so Donna! I never thought I'd see the day you fell under the spell of McHale. so, is it true or a lie?"Rumor has it that CANACE, Donna Pitcher, and several prominent Caledonia residents showed up at Toby Barrett's office this morning. Can anyone confirm this?"

I did confirm that the following was posted on McHales board;

Rumor has it that CANACE, Donna Pitcher, and several prominent Caledonia residents showed up at Toby Barrett's office this morning. Can anyone confirm this?

This was posted by anonymous on McHales board and there has been nothing said about their protest today. I find that highly unusual, but what better way to get people to wonder what the hell is going on!

Well I will tell you that I did drive to Simcoe this morning and arrived at around 9:45am. At that time I didn't see anyone and thought that maybe this was just a joke. As I stated in my reply to all the posts on my last blog I couldn't find out what Doug Fleming was doing. I didn't know if he was in support of Toby or Gary McHale. So I had to go and find out for myself!

The OPP had obviously got wind of what was going on as well. I still haven't figured out how they new about it but they were there waiting. I was parked about a block and a half away from Toby's office.

At about 10:15am I got out of my truck and walked down the street to see if I could see anyone. Gary McHale. Christine McHale, Jeff Parkinson, Merlyn Kinrade and a few others, were standing on the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street from Toby's office.

After about half an hour they walked across the street and stood in front of Toby's office with signs, I don't know what the signs said because I really wasn't interested. What I was interested in was how many people were there and why they were there. I counted "8" people and they were all in support of Gary McHale and his opinion that Toby Barrett needs to rewrite his Private Members Bill.

So why did I go? Well that one is simple. I am curious, and I like to see things first hand before I blog about an issue.

Now I know that there are quite a few people out there that are really upset at what Gary McHale and the members of Canace are doing. But be clear here that today this rally was "8" people. So the way I look at it was just that "8" people that are of the personal opinion that what Toby Barrett is trying to do is wrong. Do I care? No! We all have the right to our personal opinions and we all have the right to peaceful protest!

What Gary McHale and the members of Canace do not have the right to do is state that they are speaking on my behalf, or for that matter on behalf of the majority of residents of Caledonia and Haldimand!

The way I see it is that Gary McHale personally feels he has this right as he keeps saying that he got the majority of votes in Caledonia in the last Federal Election. He keeps stating that he received around (10,000 votes should be 10% not 10,000 ) 10% of the vote and this seems to give him the right to speak on our behalf! Not on my behalf he doesn't, I voted for Toby Barrett, and that was never a secret!

What I also found very disturbing was the fact that he has stated the following about the Regional Newspaper;

" The current wording of Mr. Barrett’s Bill does NOT have support of the People of Caledonia, Haldimand or Ontario. The greatest proof of this fact is seen by the way the Regional News (the largest media outlet in Haldimand County) refused to print Mr. Barrett’s call for an Inquiry but they did print a story entitled Please no more POLITICAL inquiries" (written by Gary Mchale).

So is Gary McHale speaking on behalf of the Regional Newspaper now?

Has the Regional Newspaper become "politically" involved?

Has the Regional Newspaper taken sides?

Will the Regional Newspaper be trusted by the residents of Haldimand County when people find out that they fully support Gary McHale and his personal opinions, which Gary McHale seems to think that they are ours as well?

The Regional Newspaper is supported by their advertising dollars, and is delivered "free" to every home in Haldimand County. How will their "advertisers" feel about the papers personal involvement with Gary McHale?

Well I could go on and on but I won't. You will have a chance to have your own opinions on the matter.

I did forget to mention that I am not interested in Gary McHales new "wording" for Toby Barretts Private Members Bill so I never went into the file to read it. But I did post it above if you are interested.

One thing I can say for sure is this. When I did my protest on the Dunnville bridge for "3" days, it was my "personal" protest, it was my "personal" opinion and I never stated that I was doing this on behalf of the residents of Haldimand County, I would have been a fool if I had.

So just remember that Gary McHale and Canace today protested on behalf of "8" people! Gary McHale does not have a "petition" signed by anyone in support of what they did today! So what about tomorrow? Will Gary McHale go to Toronto? Will they travel all that way with "8" people?

I say go for it Gary McHale, you have the right!

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 "Is Nuclear Power a Bad Bet"

The following is a Letter to the Editor from a resident. It is a good read and I certainly learned a few things reading this letter. It also left me asking more questions. This is an issue that we should all be paying close attention too. I would like to thank Grand Erie Energy Quest for sending me this information. Please visit this site by clicking on the interesting links!

Going nuclear is a bad bet

The Kingston Whig-Standard
Monday, June 23, 2008

Section: Editorial/Opinion

Column: Letters to the Editor

Premier Dalton McGuinty's plan to increase Ontario's dependency on nuclear power smacks of the actions of an inveterate gambler poised to roll the dice one last time for that elusive "big score." Why else would he bet the farm on a technology that could bankrupt the entire country in the event of a single catastrophic accident?

The minimum bid to get into McGuinty's high-stakes game, $45 billion, could easily top a mind-boggling $135 billion given the nuclear industry's history of at least tripling initial cost projections.

But what makes the optics of McGuinty's gamble especially egregious is that he is rolling the dice on the health of unsuspecting Ontarians, since he is betting that a Chernobyltype explosion will not occur on his watch.

Since investing in conservation creates seven times more jobs, causes a four-times-greater reduction in greenhouse gases and conserves seven times more electricity than his nukes will ever produce, Ontarians should ask their premier some tough questions.

For example, if nuclear power is such a "sure thing," why have investors avoided it like the plague for the past 30 years?

Why did McGuinty choose to announce his plan to the highly secretive Bilderberg Group rather than to the people of Ontario who will foot the bill for his roll of the dice? Unless it was to assure these well-heeled high rollers that this nuclear pie is so enormous that everyone will get a piece of the action?

Why has McGuinty exempted his new nukes from those pesky environmental assessments unless it was to avoid the inevitable findings that the hazards of nuclear power far outweigh its benefits?

And what about the odds of a reactor meltdown? Two of the world's 439 operating nuclear reactors have already experienced a meltdown, a fact that makes a mockery of the industry's claim of only one in 100 000 years of operation.

Even more worrisome are the 22 major accidents that have occurred since Chernobyl, many of which have released cancer-causing isotopes into the air we breathe and the water we drink.

There have been seven major nuclear incidents in Ontario alone, including, most recently, this May when highly toxic arsenic and uranium haxafluoride leaked from Cameco's nuclear waste storage site into the groundwater in Port Hope.

If nuclear power plants are as safe as the experts claim, why do insurance companies refuse to underwrite their liability? What do they know that McGuinty is not sharing with Ontarians? Could it be that the damage from just a single nuclear catastrophe is so enormous that it would bankrupt the entire industry? Is that why the government of Canada enacted the Nuclear Liability Act in 1974, which exempts the nuclear industry from all but token liability? The data from Chernobyl certainly supports that hypothesis.

The effect of the Nuclear Liability Act, incidentally, was to make Canadian taxpayers the "insurers of last resort," since it is you and I who will pay the bills in the event of a catastrophic nuclear accident -and they will be enormous.

More than 371,000 people were evacuated from within Chernobyl's 37- kilometre "exclusion zone." and damage estimates range to an astronomical $235 billion.

An explosion at Pickering would render most of the Greater Toronto Area a nuclear wasteland and would necessitate the immediate evacuation of between three and four million people, 10 times the number displaced by Chernobyl. A staggering 10 per cent of the population of Canada would require new housing, new jobs, new hospitals, etc.

The cost of a nuclear explosion at Pickering could run as high as $3 trillion, nearly three times Canada's gross domestic product. It could literally bankrupt the entire country. That is the "inconvenient truth" about nuclear energy that the insurance industry has known all along, and the "inconvenient truth" that Ontarians will never hear from their premier's lips, since he knows it would "nuke" his misguided gamble to build more nukes.

Yelda Miedema Simcoe Island

Let's follow Germany's example

It distresses me that Ontario is headed toward an increasingly nuclear-powered future. Nuclear power is not green. Uranium mining releases toxic effluent into waterways and leaves behind highly dangerous tailings that remain radioactive for centuries. A great deal of energy is required to mine, separate and process the uranium extracted.

The building of nuclear power plants requires enormous amounts of cement, and it is generally acknowledged that producing cement creates a lot of greenhouse gases. These plants release enormous amounts of heat. Lake Ontario water is used as a coolant. There is also the radioactive waste that is produced. The latest scenario is to seal it in containers and bury it in deep pits. This has yet to be done anywhere in the world.

It is worth noting that Areva, one of the companies that will submit a bid to build Ontario's new reactor, is two years behind schedule and incurring huge overruns on the construction of a new power generator in Finland. There have been problems with the quality of the cement and the metal used. Areva has also run into problems with the cement in the construction of a nuclear generator in France. And Atomic Energy Canada Limited has finally shelved its Maple reactor project because it couldn't solve the technical problems.

The suggestion is that whichever company wins the Ontario contract, the government will have to pay at least some of any cost overruns incurred.

TheWhigstory "New nuclear reactors to be built near Toronto" (June 17) quotes the provincial energy minister as saying in reference to the various bids: "They will give us firm costs on reasonable parts of the project. There will be opportunities for change where no reasonable person could expect to have anticipated that change."

We are being put on notice. The more than $600 million in cost overruns at the Bruce project doesn't inspire confidence.

My biggest concern is for what we are leaving behind for our children and grandchildren. Is it not enough that we have depleted the ozone layer?

There are alternatives to nuclear power. Germany has put more renewable power on its grid than our fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable power generation combined. It has built a thriving industry that employs 230,000 people. The Germans have decided to go nuclear-free and carbon-free.

To move to a sustainable future, we need political vision. Let's find out how Germany is doing it. I want energy that offers my grandchildren a healthy and sustainable future.

Eleanor Archer Westport

Kudo's to Eleanor! Great Letter!

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 "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 "Who is Telling the Truth?"

Here are some updates from this week's Question Period. I must say that I would like to know who is telling the truth. I have read Chief Montour's letter, but I will not post it as I do not have Chief Montour's permission to do so.

I contacted Chief Montour's office today and hopefully he will have time to meet with me in person regarding this issue. If and when that happens I will update you.

Re: Barrett and Runciman call for RCMP investigation

Toby here, Question Period was more than interesting this morning as the Official Opposition continued to ask the Liberal government about their interference into OPP operational matters. Pasted below is a news release detailing the events of Question Period.

Take care.
Toby

For Immediate Release May 13, 2008

RUNCIMAN, BARRETT CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO LIBERAL INTERFERENCE IN OPP OPERATIONS IN CALEDONIA Runciman, Barrett say letter raises serious questions about government role in recent Caledonia blockade (Queen’s Park) –

Opposition Leader Bob Runciman and Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett today condemned the McGuinty Liberals for allegations that senior Ministers of the government interfered with recent Ontario Provincial Police operations in Caledonia.

"This letter is proof positive that as far as Chief Montour is concerned, both the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and the Minister of Community Safety intervened with the OPP in the recent Caledonia blockade," said Runciman. "It raises some very serious and troubling questions about the McGuinty government’s interference into the enforcement of the law in this province."

Runciman was referring to a letter dated April 29, 2008 from Six Nations of the Grand River Chief Bill Montour to Ontario’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Michael Bryant. In the letter, Montour thanked Bryant for his ‘intervention in the police action on Saturday April 26, 2008’ and said that this intervention ‘has been instrumental in the reopening of the Caledonia by-pass’. The letter was also sent to Attorney General Chris Bentley and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Rick Bartolucci.

"Someone here is not telling the truth," said Runciman. "By failing to address the letter, the Minister has left the issue open to speculation and doesn’t clearly admit or refute the Chief’s claims."

"The Minister has known about this issue since the end of April. He has a duty to the Crown and to the people of Ontario to uphold the law," said Barrett. "It’s time that the Minister committed to calling in the RCMP to investigate this issue and provide the people of Caledonia and all Ontarians with the answers they deserve."

For more information: Michelle Pennell (416) 325-9109

Re: Caledonia Cover-Up

Toby here, Further to the news release I sent you yesterday based on the questions asked by my colleague Bob Runciman and I, I am forwarding to you the final Hansard transcript which speaks to the letter Chief Montour sent to Minister Bryant, as well as a last minute Liberal question about Commissioner Fantino’s response via a letter to The Dunnville Chronicle.

This morning, 'Caledonia Cover-Up' and HDI demands in Cayuga were again front and centre during Question Period.

Take care.
Toby

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE Mr. Robert W. Runciman: My question is to the Attorney General.

Minister, you were copied with a letter dated April 29, 2008, from Chief Bill Montour of the Six Nations Council addressed to Minister Bryant. The letter reads: "First of all, I want to thank you on behalf of the Six Nations of the Grand River community for your intervention in the police action on Saturday April 26, 2008. Your intervention has been instrumental in the reopening of the Caledonia bypass."

Minister, this letter raises very serious and troubling questions about the interference of ministers in the enforcement of the law in this province. Have you commenced an investigation into this matter, and if not, why not?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: I remember that the question was asked, I believe, for the first time last week. The minister spoke directly to it and said he did no such thing. The question was repeated to my colleague, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and he said he did no such thing. Because a letter is written, it does not make it so.

Mr. Robert W. Runciman: I don't think the Attorney General, in his role and with the responsibility he has, should slough it off in terms of the concerns expressed in this letter.
Chief Montour's letter doesn't just stop there, and I'm quoting again: "During the early evening of Saturday, an OPP camera vehicle was driving past the protest site taking pictures of individuals. The people believe this action by the OPP was initiated to be able to identify certain individuals for future charges to be laid. To this end, I'm asking you to again intervene with your colleague ministers to ask the OPP to not lay charges.

Attorney General, have you investigated Chief Montour's request? Has anyone in this government intervened and asked the OPP to not lay charges? And if you haven't looked into this, why haven't you?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: I'm going to give it to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
Hon. Michael Bryant: I'm very- Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): I'd ask the honourable member to withdraw the comment he just made, please.

Mr. Robert W. Runciman: I withdraw. Hon. Michael Bryant: This is a question coming from a party that every single day in the Legislature asks the government to interfere with police operations on a regular basis and then today stands up, suddenly converted by the Ipperwash inquiry, which was on that government, and has decided that interfering with police operations is wrong.

In fact, interfering with police operations is not only unconstitutional and contrary to the Ipperwash inquiry; it's certainly contrary to the actions of every member of this government. I will say it again: The approach of this government is to leave operational matters in the hands of-< /p>

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Final supplementary.

The member for Haldimand-Norfolk. Mr. Toby Barrett: This letter is evidence that as far as Chief Montour is concerned, both the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and the Minister of Community Safety intervened with the OPP regarding the Caledonia blockade.

Chief Montour is pleased with their intervention in the past, and he's asking them to do it again.

Minister, you have known about this since April 29. You have a duty to the crown and to Ontarians to uphold the law. Why have you taken no steps to investigate this? Will you commit today to calling in the RCMP to investigate these very serious allegations?

Hon. Michael Bryant: The member may want to ask the Attorney General if he directs the police. I can tell you, this Attorney General does not direct the police. In fact, members of the executive council do not direct the police: not this minister, not that minister, not that minister. But that party would know about how to direct police, because they literally wrote the book on it. We had to hold a public inquiry into that party's activities. That's the party that wanted to "get the Indians out of the park."

This is the party and the government that called the Ipperwash inquiry and is implementing the Ipperwash inquiry and is following the recommendations of the Ipperwash inquiry.

Interjections. Hon. Michael Bryant: No-shame on you.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE Mr. Robert W. Runciman: My question is for the Premier and it has to do, again, with the letter from Chief Bill Montour of Six Nations council, which was addressed to Minister Bryant. What we've heard today is Minister Bryant effectively calling Chief Montour a liar. If you read the letter, the chief is essentially thanking the minister, on behalf of Six Nations, for his intervention in a police action. Your Attorney General has abdicated responsibility here today in terms of following up with an investigation of a very serious allegation that deals with obstruction of justice, Premier. I'm asking you if you will direct your Attorney General-clearly, he needs direction-to initiate a thorough investigation of this allegation.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Hon. Michael Bryant: Look at that. Not only is this an instance where suddenly the official opposition is interested in interference; the official opposition is now asking the Premier to interfere with the chief legal officer's discretion.

Again and again and again, we say, on this side of the House, that interference is not something that ought to take place. It has certainly been reinforced by the Ipperwash inquiry conclusions, and it's something that we abide by on this side of the House, unlike that side of the House.

Mr. Robert W. Runciman: I guess we're getting a little tired of the rhetoric from this minister in not dealing with the issue at hand. Chief Montour has made a very serious accusation dealing with potential obstruction of justice. Your Attorney General is abdicating his responsibilities in the House today. Your Premier won't deal with the issue.

I'm asking you a straight-out question here, and try to answer it directly for a change: Are you calling Chief Montour a liar?

Hon. Michael Bryant: I can tell you one thing: Chief Montour, if he were here right now, would say that you hold no brief for him and you have zero standing to stand up for his reputation and views. I can tell you, I have a relationship where I have discussions with Chief Montour. Tell me a single member of that caucus who has bothered to pick up the phone and try to establish a relationship with the chief of Six Nations. How many? Zero.

That is a caucus that, time after time, has tried to fan the flames. This is a government that will continue to seek not only the recommendations of the Ipperwash commission but will continue to ensure that there is zero interference with police operations. We will continue an aggressive, determined effort to try and resolve these issues in a peaceful fashion.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE Mrs. Carol Mitchell: My question is for the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. The opposition has made a very serious allegation about directing the OPP. Can you please state clearly for this House whether this government ever directed the OPP? What has Commissioner Fantino said about this allegation?

Hon. Michael Bryant: In a published letter to the editor, OPP Commissioner Fantino wrote: "At no time during this event"-referring to the blocking of Highway 6-"or in relation to any police operation did anyone in government or elsewhere tell the OPP to stand down or direct the actions of the OPP.

"The decisions that resulted in the peaceful resolution of the road closure in Caledonia were based on ongoing dialogue between the OPP and Six Nations leaderships...."< /p>
Obviously, we're very supportive of the OPP actions. It is, I think, very helpful for the chief commissioner to have clarified that in a letter to the editor, which is obviously consistent with the information that I and others have provided to this House. I hope this resolves the matter.

Mrs. Carol Mitchell: There will be no supplementary, Mr. Speaker. I feel that the minister has answered my question quite clearly.

Re: ‘Caledonia Cover-Up’ continued and Cayuga

Toby here,

Yesterday Bob Runciman continued to hammer the Liberals on the ‘Caledonia Cover-Up’. I also asked questions about builder Mike Corrado’s site in Cayuga. I have attached the final Hansard transcript.

The feedback to these updates over the past week or so has been invaluable and I thank you for your responses.

Toby

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Robert W. Runciman: My question is to the Attorney General. It's regarding the letter sent by Six Nations Council Chief William Montour clearly suggesting that the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs intervened in an ongoing police investigation and prevented the laying of charges. That's potentially a serious criminal offence. Minister, given the clear and serious implications of what Chief Montour is saying in his letter-and you were copied on that letter as well-what did you do about it?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: That's right, I was copied on the letter.

The issue in the letter that the Leader of the Opposition makes reference to is answered directly by OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino in his letter to the Dunnville Chronicle, which the member should have had a copy of before raising the question. He says, "At no time during this event, or in relation to any police operation, did anyone in government or elsewhere tell the OPP to stand down or direct the operations of the OPP."
That thoroughly and completely addresses the issues raised by the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Robert W. Runciman: I would suggest that's an abdication of responsibility on the part of the Attorney General. Certainly we appreciate Commissioner Fantino's perspective, but what about Chief Montour's perspective? You're going to completely ignore it.

Given the seriousness of Chief Montour's comments and his request for further interventions with the police, can the Attorney General explain why he didn't bother to correct them? These are written criminal allegations made by a credible individual. Now you're getting up and the minister's getting up later and saying, "Well, now we're going to do it," after the letter became public. Why didn't you act? It was your responsibility to react.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: I'm not sure what part of Commissioner Fantino's letter you disagree with, so let me continue.

In the third paragraph: "The decisions that resulted in the peaceful resolution of the road closure in Caledonia were based on ongoing dialogue between the OPP and Six Nations leadership and on the OPP commitment to resolve such situations in the safest manner possible."

I'll continue on with the next paragraph: "The suggestion that political interference played a part is regrettable and untrue. OPP operational decisions are the purview of the police officers in charge. Decision-making is influenced by factors related to the event and the overall need to maintain order and preserve the peace. This is fully in keeping with the police role and authority."

This government does not direct the police. We do not direct the OPP. The commissioner is on the record. What part of that letter do you disagree with? Stand up and be counted.

Mr. Robert W. Runciman: I don't know who you're performing for, but it's certainly not the people of the province in terms of upholding the rule of law.

Chief Montour is a respected, credible individual. He's not someone who would fabricate a story about a minister of the crown interfering with police. He has nothing to gain, but this Minister of Aboriginal Affairs has a lot to lose even if he left the impression with Chief Montour that he was influencing police decisions.

Again, these are serious allegations coming from a credible source. They merit a full investigation, and I ask the Attorney General to take off his political hat, do the right thing, stop protecting a colleague and call in the RCMP.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: We have the commissioner of the OPP, who has not only called in but written in to the Chronicle on the very-

Mr. Peter Kormos: You're in the back pocket of the police.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): I'd just ask the member for Welland to withdraw the comment that he directed to the Attorney General, please.

Mr. Peter Kormos: Withdrawn.

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

Hon. Christopher Bentley: He has written on the very issue that is raised by the Leader of the Opposition, making clear the suggestion political interference played a part is regrettable and untrue. It is direct, it is clear, it is unequivocal.

We have lots of letters that are received in lots of places over lots of issues. You've heard from the ministers involved. Now you've heard from the OPP commissioner. I say to you again, what part of the OPP commissioner's direct response to the direct suggestion do you disagree with?

Interjection: Rumours.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: That's right. You want me to act on rumours.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Toby Barrett: To the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs: Mike Corrado is the owner of a multi-residential site in Cayuga and he met with HDI several weeks ago, along with municipal and provincial officials. HDI requested this meeting after protesters blocked access to Mr. Corrado's land. In addition to a demand for a $3,000 application fee, they also demanded Mr. Corrado transfer title to his property to HDI and lease it back from them for the next 50 years.
You're a lawyer; you're the government. Is this not illegal? Is this not extortion? More specifically, Minister, are home builders now required to transfer title of their lands to Six Nations?

Hon. Michael Bryant: No.

Mr. Toby Barrett: Mr. Corrado would really appreciate a more fulsome answer. We've spoken with Mr. Corrado this morning. The blockades at his construction site are still up in spite of your "no." He's been told by Ruby Montour that the protesters will not leave and they'll never leave until he complies with HDI's demands, meaning transferring title of his land.

Again, Minister, is this not blackmail? Are deeds worth nothing? How many thousands of jobs are going to be lost; how many millions of dollars have to be spent on policing? The OPP have told Mr. Corrado they will merely act as peacekeepers; they will not intervene. My question is, do you agree with Mr. Corrado asking the OPP to lay criminal charges, asking the OPP to enforce the Criminal Code of Canada?

Hon. Michael Bryant: I spoke to the mayor of Brantford to discuss the municipal council's great frustration, the community's great frustration and the developer's great frustration with respect to what is taking place. A lot of efforts have been made to try and bring people together, to get them off of the streets and on to the negotiating table.

As the mayor said to me yesterday, at the heart of this are, in fact, unresolved claims, primarily along the Haldimand tract. Both the mayor and I agreed that it really is time for the federal government to set a deadline and say, "We're going to put all of our resources into resolving these claims. It is through that, that we are going to achieve justice." So I certainly want to add my voice to the mayor's and the local members when we say to the federal government, with respect to this 200-year-old dispute, that it is time for them to set a deadline and set it now.

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 "Here is my Say"

I would like to start off by saying that I have chosen in the past to not write any blogs on anything that has to do with "Native Claims", as I feel that I am not educated enough to make a good judgement on the issues. I have however touched on how I feel about violence and the right that "each and every" individual has to voice their opinions and demonstrate "Peacefully".

When I stood on the Dunnville bridge for "3" days last June, I did this "Peacefully", I did not stop traffic, and therefore I was "not arrested". But I can tell you for a fact that if I had indeed stopped the flow of traffic over the Dunnville Bridge I would have been "Arrested"! Why?………because it is against the law!

I do believe that many "people" (whether you are black blue or polkadot) have a true fear to voice their opinions or concerns on the issues of "natives and non-natives". Now even for me that statement doesn’t feel good as I usually say whether you are "black blue or polkadot"! But it seems to be that this is what it has come to just that…natives against non-natives. This is what is being fed to all of us! I will ask you this, who is at fault here? Natives? Non-Natives? OPP? McGuinty?

Well I am going to bite the bullet and tell you what I personally think. I have nothing against anyone that "protests" or voices their opinions whether I agree with what you are "protesting" or what you say, what I disagree with is simple….Breaking the Law…. We have zero tolerance in our schools for violence and bullies. Yet the OPP condone individuals for "breaking the law". I would love to hear an OPP officer or Commissioner Fantino explaining this to a grade "5" class on how some are allowed to break the law and others are not!

I would also like to say that as far as "Land claims" go there are certainly legitimate land claims here in Haldimand and that is up to the Federal government and the courts to decide. In my opinion these claims need to be taken more seriously from "both" sides. Two years ago this started with the claiming of DCE by a hand full of people, and in fact to my knowledge the Federal Government has stated that there is no legitimate claim on this land. The Province bought DCE, which in my opinion was a deliberate contradiction to what the Federal government has already stated. That, I believe is where the problems started. I would like to know what our Provincial government was thinking at the time. My opinion is that the Province clearly sent a mixed message to everyone involved.

This week was full of misinformation and misconceptions as Fantino has stated, but where has this come from? I was in Caledonia on Friday night and I too have watched the news. The OPP told us that they closed Hwy 6 bypass for the safety of the residents and yet I witnessed on CH TV the removal of a hydro tower and what looked like a telephone pole from the roadway. I have a simple question….Was this 5 day closure of HWY #6 not "Breaking the Law"? Who is really telling us the truth?

It has become apparent that our council in "Haldimand County" has no pull with anyone in the upper levels of government or the OPP, and this I must stress is not their fault. I have written many blogs about the shortcomings of our elected council, but I will not blame this council for what is going on in regards to; negotiations, road closures, loss of development, loss of jobs, loss of tax base, our loss of faith in our OPP, our loss of faith in our upper levels of governments ability to get a handle on what is happening here in Haldimand County. Council is certainly being more open about what they are saying in regards to the issues here. Some may say it is too late, but the fact is that council is fed up! Now in saying this, how do the residents of Caledonia and Six Nations feel?

It was most evident last Sunday where our current "Provincial Governments" priorities are, and that is in Toronto! When the TTC went on strike our government sat on a Sunday and ordered them back to work. I am not saying that I disagree with what the government did, as this situation would have crippled Toronto. The problem I have is where are we on the Provincial Governments Priority List? We have all witnessed this week that our Provincial Government can work very quickly on serious issues, I would say that we are in a serious state of affairs in Haldimand County wouldn’t you?

Here are some comments from the last week or so;

"This violent criminal activity occurred outside any legitimate protest and will not be tolerated". Commissioner Fantino.

"It would cripple Caledonia and further destroy the business community" This is in regards to the repairs slated for the Caledonia bridge, Council is asking the MTO to delay this work. Councillor Grice.

"Councillors took a firm stance against the blocking of Hwy 6 bypass, Council passed a resolution asking the Province and Federal governments to stop negotiations until all blockades and/or occupiers are removed from Haldimand County".

"We are sick and tired of it, said Councillor Buck Sloat. Sloat said the road blockade in Caledonia has nothing to do with land claims and pointed out that OPP Commission Fantino said there would be no law breaking on his watch" Councillor Sloat.

"Our priority is to reopen the public roadway that was taken over by a group of people who do not have the support of the Tyendinaga Band Council in relation to this roadblock" Commissioner Fantino.

"Haldimand County Councillors pointed out that the Six Nations protestors blocking Hwy 6 do not have support of the chiefs who govern Six Nations Band Council and the Traditional Confederacy".

"Grice commended residents for using restraint over the weekend".

"Grice said his wife is ready to move back to her hometown in Port Elgin".

"A return for normalcy is all every last citizen of Caledonia wants and better yet deserves". Councillor Grice.

"It’s time to clean it up and get it out of here". Councillor Sloat.

"Haldimand Council couldn’t even get a call back from upper levels of government last weekend, it’s devastating the way we are being treated" Councillor Don Ricker.

"Councillor Boyko was flabbergasted at the lack of communications".

"I and many others in this community were hopeful that Mr. Fantino was going to announce the reinstatement of law enforcement regardless of race". Merlyn Kinrade.

"According to Minister Bryant, the blockade went up due to misinformation. I would say that misconceptions are caused by misinformation; blockades are erected by people, criminals". Bill Jackson, reporter with the Regional News this Week.

"Minister Bryant commended residents of Haldimand/Caledonia for being so patient". This was a statement from Minister Bryant last week during his visit to Council.

"Barrett then pointed out that "… back in Caledonia, ATVs storm into town, barricades go up on the railway and Provincial Highway 6, and all of this, not because of the land claim, as you know, Minister Bryant, but to show solidarity with aboriginal protesters in eastern Ontario. We know people have got the barricades moved for now, but my concern is the double standard. Those responsible for criminal activity are arrested in Deseronto and no reports of arrests in Caledonia." Barrett then asked: "Why the double standard?" Bryant became agitated and responded with: "Well, the allegation that the member seems to be making—and I know he wouldn’t want to make this allegation—would be as against the standard set by the very institution and the people who, in fact, engage in decisions of police operations. That is, as the member knows, the OPP. "The member congratulates the OPP for their work in Deseronto, but I may say that I would’ve thought that the community was supportive as well of the work that the OPP did in keeping the peace. They make decisions—operational decisions—in Deseronto. They make decisions—operational decisions—in Caledonia," Bryant continued".

"Councillor Grice said leadership from upper levels of government is non-existent".

"Over the past two years, the McGuinty Liberals have made concession after concession to lawbreakers in Caledonia, Deseronto and beyond," said Runciman. "This government has failed and continues to fail to uphold the rule of law in Ontario." "While the blockade in Deseronto has come down, the one in Caledonia is still up," said Runciman. "The McGuinty government is negotiating with people illegally occupying land and treating what could be defined as extortion as ho-hum even as it handicaps economic development in communities such as Brantford and ignores an illegal smoke shop operating on government land within metres of a school."
"Added Runciman, "The Premier is encouraging lawlessness with his laissez-faire approach to upholding the rule of law."

"For those of you that are looking at this from far away, you should not underestimate the temperature of this community, and certainly do not mistake its resolve". Ken Hewitt CCA.

"Natives are being treated differently than non-natives, he said. Probably because of Ipperwash". Councillor Boyko.

"Blockades won’t stop the province from negotiating with native protesters to resolve outstanding land claims and end a two-year occupation on the outskirts of Caledonia, Premier Dalton McGuinty said yesterday. McGuinty said he won’t call off negotiations with Six Nations protesters unless he’s told to do so by the provincial police and Prime Minister Stephen Harper". Toronto Star.

"I am totally committed to do what is in my power to reach peaceful solutions, however, I am equally unwavering in my resolve to hold accountable anyone who would break the law and jeopardize public safety." Commisioner Fantino.

"The Opposition says the Liberals have been encouraging lawlessness by tolerating the recent escalation of aboriginal protests. The Conservatives say the Liberals should call off negotiations with the Six Nations protesters until the protests stop. But Premier Dalton McGuinty says he won’t call off negotiations with the protesters unless he’s told to by the provincial police and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. cbc.ca

When I was a young girl I was brought up to respect and trust our Police Officers. Does everyone remember being taught that if you get lost find a Police Officer? We we brought up believing that the Police were there to protect us and we were to trust them, now it seems that our OPP here in Haldimand are only peace keepers. I would like to believe that the OPP will start doing the right thing and uphold the law. If not for me, for the younger generation, as I feel that the standards that are being set here in Haldimand are detremental. How can you preach to the young to not break the law, when they are witnessing the breaking of laws everyday in this community.

Well there you have it, my say!

Haldimand "Minister Bryant's Visit and Updates from Toby"

Well I attended the Council meeting today where Minister Bryant openly spoke with Haldimand County Council Members. I won't go into any details as you can watch the raw footage by visiting www.numberswatchdog.com it is under; Michael Bryant visited Haldimand County Council...see what happened (click on the video button) Numerous other media articles (click on Documentation) Thanks Numberswatchdog!

I strongly suggest that you view this video.

Here are some updates from Monday and today in the Legislature;

Toby here, April 21, 2008

Good afternoon, please find attached a news release and Hansard from two questions I asked of Michael Bryant today. They concern the fact that HDI is now expanding into Ancaster using the justification of the Nanfan Treat of 1701.

Have a good evening.

Development fees

Mr. Toby Barrett: To the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Today I want to talk about expansion.
This expansion is not good news. It’s about the expansion of the HDI and over the past few days, native protestors have turned their sights on the Ancaster Fairgrounds. The Ancaster Agricultural Society which received a letter from Six Nations asking for a donation plus the $500 fee.

The city of Hamilton, according to the Spectator, has said the issue is not a municipal one. I quote the director of planning. "It’s ... between the Agricultural Society and HDI."
Minister, your government told homebuilders during work along the Haldimand track that they’re own—and that was just two days before Sam Gualtieri was almost beaten to death.
Minister, will you now intervene or are Fairboards in Ontario now on their own?

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Hon. Michael Bryant: I think, as the member knows, the discussions between Haudenosaunee Six Nations, the province, the federal government and local municipality do cover broad range of issues—and are still underway.

The desire is to create a provincial side table that would allow for a whole host of issues to be addressed. I think it would be in error to imagine that every single individual would be speaking on behalf of Haudenosaunee Six Nations on issues such as that. I will continue to work with the chief McNaughton and members of the council, as well as municipalities and the federal government to try and come up with solutions.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary.

Mr. Toby Barrett: Minister, your government is talking with HDI and I’m sure you feel you are making progress as they continue to shut down local economies, site by site. Again, according to the Hamilton Spectator, HDI says, with respect to the Ancaster fair grounds, they are exerting their authority under the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 regarding hunting and fishing rights in southern Ontario, northern New York State, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.

As you know, HDI feels their mandate now ranges beyond the former Haldimand track to encompass and I quote HDI’s the interim director in the Spectator: "The whole of North American continent." Now I know that’s a little out of your league minister, but in your deliberations with HDI, do you feel are you progressing towards a meeting of like minds? Do you know about this treaty? Do you agree with HDI using the Nanfan Treaty to now justify protesting outside the Haldimand tract?

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

Hon. Michael Bryant: The member knows that main discussions take place with respect to land claims that have been filed with the federal government, where there is an appropriate provincial role and we play that role. That covers land claims certainly that do not extend as far as the member has suggested, with respect to some individuals, who have suggested that in fact the land claims are larger. The history is laid out in the Haldimand Proclamation of 1784, which I believe the member makes reference to. It was particularly unfortunate, I say, that in debating this issue, the member saw fit to mock the Haldimand Proclamation of 1784, which was seen—I should tell you—by the community as a major insult and affront to that community.

Our approach, in fact, is to negotiate with the parties on matters in which we believe we can come to a resolution and we’ll continue to do so.

Toby here, April 22, 2008

I hope everyone is enjoying the nice sunny weather. Here at Queen's Park land disputes continue to dominate Question Period. I have attached Hansard from this afternoon from my colleagues Bob Runciman and Randy Hillier. I hope you find this of interest.

Have a great evening. Toby

ORAL QUESTIONS

Native land disputes

Mr. Robert W. Runciman: I have a question to the Premier regarding the expansion of native protests across Ontario. Over the last number of weeks, Six Nations protestors have been blocking access to a number of construction sites in Brantford. Yesterday, the member from Haldimand-Norfolk raised the fact that Six Nations protesters are now blocking a development on the Ancaster fairgrounds. Yesterday, we learned that native protestors had set up a blockade on county road 2 in Deseronto, and have been occupying a nearby privately-owned quarry for some time.

Premier, whatever your government has been doing in Caledonia for the last two-plus years clearly isn’t working. The native protests are expanding. What do you plan to do about this escalating situation?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: To the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Hon. Rick Bartolucci: Just as an update to the subject that the member raised, the blockade erected by Mohawk protestors in eastern Ontario has come down, and came down at about 10:00 a.m. today.

I note as well that the chief of the band council of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council said yesterday that that council, and he as chief did not—I repeat, did not—sanction a blockade of the busy southern Ontario highway.

I think it’s important to note that, in fact, the blockade is down and that the chief and council exercised some leadership to indicate that this was not something sanctioned by their First Nation. Now those streets are free, and we’re pleased that it ended in a peaceful fashion.

Mr. Robert W. Runciman: We’re pleased that it’s ended, perhaps, temporarily in a peaceful situation. But the reality is that we’re not aware of any charges being laid. By failing to enforce the rule of law in Caledonia and Brantford, and refusing to shut down HDIs who are making what everyone would classify as extortion demands and what may fall under that classification in the Criminal Code of Canada, you are in fact giving tacit consent to further protests and blockades.

Developers are being told by the government not to pay the fees, but then you do nothing to stop the situation in Brantford and others areas. Minister, what are you going to tell the people of Brantford, Ancaster and Deseronto who are worried about their safety, their homes and their businesses? That they should "steel themselves," because as your Premier said to another issue, "This too shall pass?"

L031-1420-22 follows

(Mr. Robert W. Runciman)

... their safety, their homes, their businesses—that they should steel themselves because, as your Premier said to another issue, this too shall pass?
1420

Hon. Michael Bryant: I was speaking to Haldimand county council today and—in attendance were a number of citizens; obviously, the full council and the mayor were there—issues around what we are doing next were discussed. The answer is, negotiations are being encouraged that would see those who are on the street and at the work sites come off the street and off the work sites—and allow for discussions by way of negotiation.

It is, based on the recommendations of the Ipperwash commission, the recommended course of action not to escalate the tension, but rather to de-escalate the tension, and most importantly, to come to a lasting solution. That lasting solution will only happen if the parties sit down and negotiate, and that’s exactly the goal that we’re pursuing.

Mr. Randy Hillier: Premier, your government is creating a culture of violence and confusion. In Napanee and Deseronto, we expect nothing less than one law for every man and injustice for no man. You choose not to protect our communities from armed thugs, nor do you defend legal title to our properties. When will you stand up and protect property, stop the violence and end your policy of different laws for different people?

Hon. Michael Bryant: This comes from a member who—

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky: Shot deer out of season.

Hon. Michael Bryant: Well, shot deer out of season and blocked Highway 401.
If I’d closed my eyes, I could have heard the words of Mike Harris, when he said—

Mr. Randy Hillier: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: Those comments are patently untrue. Unless that minister has evidence, I would ask him to withdraw those comments.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): It’s not a point of order, but I do remind the members to be conscious of their language. We’ve got a full gallery here again today. Anything that’s going to invoke stress within this chamber isn’t useful to any of us. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Mr. Peter Kormos: On a point of order, Speaker: ??Standing order 23(a).

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): I thank the member for the reminder. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Hon. Michael Bryant: The member makes reference to violence. In fact, the most violent confrontation, the one that gave rise to a public inquiry, was the Ipperwash confrontation—and in it, the recommendation from Commissioner Linden was very clear. It is not appropriate for the government to enter the law enforcement domain of the police. Law enforcement properly falls within the responsibility of the police. To maintain police independence, the government cannot direct when and how to enforce the law. It is for the police to decide whether and when arrests will be made and the manner in which they will be executed. We will continue to follow that advice.

Haldimand "Merlyn Kinrade needs your Support"

Update March 9, 2008; Thanks again to Numberswatchdog. For full coverage of today's event please go to http://www.numberswatchdog.com/ In the video/audio section. I was given the opportunity to Ask Councillor Grice about the Proclamation today, and he confirms what Mayor Trainer said, that Council will not support this. My question is under Toby Barrett and the Proclamation. For those that are on dialup, numberswatchdog has an audio file, thanks from all of us that are on dialup.

If you read my blog on a regular basis you will know that I often write and post comments and concerns of the residents of Haldimand County. If you feel you are an "Unheard Voice", and you are respectful, I will post your story.

So in saying this, Merlyn Kinrade of Caledonia is asking for "Your" support on Sunday in Caledonia. I have often stated that it is better to receive information first hand before you make a "Judgement", whether it be attending a "Public" meeting at Council, or doing just this, passing information on to you. The ultimate decision is yours to whether you attend or not.

I will be there on Sunday, that is if I can shovel out from the "50" centimetres of snow that we are apparently suppose to get here in Haldimand County over the next couple of days. I will update you if this demonstration date changes.

I would like to add a personal note here; I have personally met Merlyn Kinrade on many occasion's. Merlyn is a passionate and caring person. You may not agree with some of the things that Merlyn has said or been involved in, but I have got to say that Merlyn truly cares about his community and therefore he has my support!

Merlyn has asked that anyone who has the means to send this along to as many people as possible, so as "Haldimand's Unheard Voice", that is exactly what I am doing. See you Sunday!

Merlyn's Letter to the Editor

It has become more apparent than ever that extortionist Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) are out of control and appear to have the blessing of the Province and OPP Commissioner Fantino.HDI spokesperson Aaron Detlor says they met with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – "we advised them that they were going to need our consent and we were going to have to take time to review the plan and be given the resources to do so".

The plan being Haldimand Country official plan.Mr. McGinty would you treat the Mafia with the same respect?

Your government has repeatedly rejected the authority of the HDI to charge fees and yet you meet with people who should be arrested. Need I say more, the lawlessness continues unabated?

A rally is planned for Sunday March 9th 2008, 1:00p.m. At the Caledonia Centre (twin pad area).

I am appealing to Mayor Trainer and council, MPP Toby Barrett, MPP Tim Hudak, PC leader John Tory, all the protest groups, the movers and shakers and all the rest of the citizens that realize now that we have been duped for two years and counting.

If you care about the business community and the very survival of Caledonia and indeed Haldimand County we need your support.

The Ipperwash or whitewash inquiry is a millstone around Dalton McGintys neck, strange how vindictiveness has a habit of coming back to bite oneself in the butt. We all suffer because of this scam.

In closing Mr. Detlor stated (channel CTS) that the Haldimand Tract is only the beginning, Ontario, New York and parts of Ohio are all under land claims. He appears (Detlor) bent on conquest.It’s up to us to ensure our voices are heard.

M. Kinrade
RCN Ret’d

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 Bridge Sit In"

Well it was a very interesting three days, to say the least! It is amazing when I think of what compels a person to take a stand on any issue. For me it was the "fact that there were no facts", just "rumors and threats" about blocking all the bridges in Haldimand County. The problem with rumors and threats for me is the "unknown" and the "what ifs".

So for me as I pride myself in being a proactive person, I decided to take a stand against the "unknown". In the back of my mind I had hoped and prayed that everything would be peaceful on Friday.

My goal was to send a strong message to the OPP to uphold the law in case the "rumors and threats" of blockades on our bridges became a "reality".

A few lessons can be learned through our actions; One lesson is that not everyone will interpret what you are doing the same as you, and that needs to be respected! Another lesson that can be learned is that even the smallest action can have a "huge impact". The most important lesson that can be learned is that "we have no control" over how things will turn out!

My family and friends know me well; that I am a positive person, and I really believe that being negative is not productive. But at the same time I do call things as I see them! So I would like to step you through my three days on the beautiful Dunnville Bridge. You may need a coffee for this read.

"Day One";I arrived at the Dunnville Bridge around 2:30pm Wednesday afternoon, with my sign in hand that read "Mr. O.P.P. don’t allow "anyone" to block this Bridge".

I was only on the bridge about 20 minutes when 4 O.P.P. officers approached me. They had received a call from someone that I was there, and came to see what the fuss was about. I told the officers that my message was clearly directly to the O.P.P. to uphold the law, that I had a right to be there, and I was peaceful! They agreed.

I was asked if I had a cell phone, I said no, they told me they would be near by if I ran into any trouble. I took that exactly as it was stated to me, for my protection. What I did say to the officers was that I was standing on the Dunnville Bridge and I was okay.

I was asked my name, address and birth date. I gave that information freely, as I have nothing to hide. I was asked, "where is everyone else"? I told the officers that besides my husband and about 6 other people, there is only me. I explained that I felt that it only takes "one" person to do something good, as well as it only takes "one" person to do something not so good.

Now I will say that as I watched the officers walk towards me, my heart sank a big in my stomach, but that wasn’t out of feeling fear or intimidation, it was simply because I had never really done anything quite like this before!

The response from people driving by was incredible! People dropped off water, honked, waved and were very supportive of what I was doing. A few people approached me on the bridge to chat with me and keep me company. My husband Ted left work early, and joined me around 4:15pm. We left the bridge around 6:00pm.

"Day Two";I started my stand on the Bridge Thursday around 12:15pm with my sign in hand, and stood between the now 2 Canadian flags flying from the bridge. Wednesday there was one flag on the bridge when I arrived. Thursday there was a second flag flying. I knew the second flag would be there, as a woman who dropped off a cold bottle of water to me on Wednesday, said that she would be putting up another flag during the night, and she did! Thanks!

No O.P.P. officers approached me the entire day; they did drive by regularly, and waved as they drove by.

Again many people dropped off coffee, water, waved, honked, and I had a few visitors. I left the bridge at 5:00pm. It was a great day!

"Day Three";I arrived at the bridge at 6:15am with my sign in hand and sat between the 2 Canadian Flags.

At 8:00am I was joined by Mark Vandermaas from Voice of Canada. For those of you who are aware of Caledonia Wakeup Call, Mark was asked by Gary McHale to cover the events of the day. Mark has posted his events of the day on http://voiceofcanada.wordpress.com/.

Again the day was full of kind gestures; one woman dropped off a stool for me to sit on. One gentleman stopped to drop off a magic marker, as he said that the print on my sign was not dark enough. One person came with a case of water; others dropped off smarties, coffee, donuts, chocolate bars, ice cream, fruit, chocolate eclairs, ice tea mix, water etc…. People again honked, waved, and sent gestures of support.

I wasn’t alone on the bridge today. People joined me from the community; there were at least 5 of us on the bridge at any given time throughout the day. We were also joined by, Karen Best from the Chronicle, Bill Jackson from the Regional News, Paul Legal (hope I spelled that correctly) from the Spectator, and Al Sweeney from CHTV. The parking lot beside the bridge was also filling up with people, looking on.

The O.P.P. were also very visible today, as they drove over the bridge many times throughout the day and once again waved as they drove by.

Now a strange chain of events occurred with the O.P.P., the first was when an O.P.P. cruiser stopped on the bridge, said to me, (not his exact words) everything is being packed up, it’s over, and asked us to leave. Shortly after that, 2 O.P.P. officers walked up to us on the bridge had a bit of a chitchat, and left. The same 2 O.P.P. officers came back a short while after that, around 1:30pm, to inform us that his supervisor had asked him or as one person heard the officer say that he was "ordered to request the we leave the bridge". The question was asked of the officer are we doing anything wrong and his reply was "not yet". We were then all asked our names, addresses and birth dates. I said I would give my information last as I had already given that information to the 4 officers on Wednesday and I had nothing to hide anyway. What angered me the most was that all of a sudden because I wasn’t "alone" we were being asked to leave, my comment to a few people was that if it was that important the Supervisor should have personally come to ask us to leave. I told the officer that I was staying, and the rest stayed with me to the end of the day.

There were many "rumors" circulating during the day, and I won’t go into any detail as they were just that "rumors". In a small town news travels very quickly, and so do the rumors!

Again, thanks to all who supported my stand on the Dunnville Bridge!