Haldimand "Council Delays Dealing with Militia Issue"

Council delays dealing with 'militia' issue
Posted By DONNA PITCHER
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
June 24, 2009

A debate heated up at Council on Monday night after Councillor Craig Grice voiced his concerns regarding the recent events in Caledonia and the forming of a militia group. Grice went on to say, "This is not 2006 or even 2007, it is 2009. If it were 2006 or 2007, I would be saying something different."

Grice is not in favour of a militia group being formed in Caledonia. He spoke of the meeting Tuesday night in Cayuga: "We now have a protest protesting the protest. This does not move us forward. Don't get sucked into the antics of others, Caledonia is a collection of issues; we need positives, period. We are suffering through our corporate image."

He asked, "What is the Municipal stand on the demonstrations, on the militia, and other events like the flag raisings?"

"It is time that we took a stand on this. This has gone on long enough, and it's not just Caledonia," said Councillor Lorne Boyko. According to Boyko the recent coverage of the militia is sending a negative message about our community that will affect shopping habits and tourism. "This is negative towards Caledonia and for Haldimand County."

Councillor Buck Sloat agreed with Boyko. "We need to take a stand on the issues and have the courage to stand behind it". According to Sloat council needs a resolution the Mayor can promote. "We need to have a stand from you, Madam Mayor; you are a pillar of the community."

"The media goes to you first as Mayor. What is your position on this, are you in favour or not?" asked Grice. Trainer did not respond to the question.

"This council speaks through resolution," said Councillor Don Ricker.

Council agreed to deal with the issue after their summer break as no resolution had been formulated before last night's meeting.

But Ricker voiced his concerns regarding Trainer speaking on behalf of council for the next month or so, as council is now in recess for five weeks.

Defending the decision to deal with the issue after recess Boyko argued, "I think we have a direction. We didn't come here tonight prepared to deal with this."


Article ID# 1626672
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1626672

Haldimand "New Nuclear Power Plant Project goes to Review Panel"

Environment Minister Refers Nanticoke New Nuclear Power Plant Project to a Review Panel

OTTAWA, June 24 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice
announced today that the proposed Nanticoke New Nuclear Power Plant Project in
Haldimand County, Ontario will undergo an environmental assessment by an
independent review panel.

"I am confident that an independent review panel will fully consider the
environmental issues related to the proposed project and make sound
recommendations to the federal government," said Minister Prentice. "This will
be the best means of addressing public concerns pertaining to this major
nuclear project."

The Minister's decision is based on a recommendation made by the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission.

The project is a proposal by Bruce Power Erie Inc. to construct and
operate up to two new nuclear reactors and associated facilities, in the
former municipality of Nanticoke, Ontario, for the generation of 2200 to 3200
megawatts of electricity. The proposed site is located on the north shore of
Lake Erie in Haldimand County.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is making
available up to $100,000 in participant funding to assist individuals or
groups to take part in the environmental assessment process. This funding will
help successful applicants in Phase I of the process to review and comment on
the draft guidelines for the environmental impact statement (EIS) and draft
joint review panel agreement. In Phase II, additional funds will be made
available to help applicants review the EIS and prepare for and participate in
the public hearings. Funding applications for Phase I received by July 27,
2009 will be considered.

Information on the funding program, the proposed project and on the
environmental assessment process is available on the Agency's Web site at
www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca, under registry number 08-03-43757.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal
environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects
of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of
sustainable development.

For further information: Media: Annie Roy, Senior Communications
Advisor, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, (613) 957-0396

Haldimand "Are you Concerned about Your Property Rights?

Here are a few updates from MPP Toby Barrett;

Anyone concerned about private property rights?

The arrival of an illegal smoke shop on the front of a privately-owned farm on Highway-6, South of Caledonia, has raised a number of questions.

Does government not have a role in defending private property, or are people on their own?

Smoke shops are illegal, regardless of who owns the land where they are located. So why are they seemingly condoned by all levels of government?

We have government for a reason. We have law for a reason.

And, as I explained in a June 12th letter to Premier McGuinty, when government abdicates responsibility it puts matters back into the hands of people themselves. Hence talk of a Caledonia Militia and other measures not seen since the American West of the late-1800’s.

On June 1st, I introduced, for the third time in the last 14 years, legislation to restore property rights in the Province of Ontario. The Property Rights and Responsibilities Act, 2009 provides measures for compensation and a public hearing in those cases where a home - or property – owner is subject to a government initiated ‘taking’ of property.

My bill does not provide measures to protect property owners from a ‘taking’ by a private individual or group because the law has been very clear on this one – you don’t set foot on someone else’s land or go in their home to intimidate or extort or steal without suffering the extent of the law.

We have had such protections, from intrusion by government and by private individuals, for centuries going back to the Magna Carta of 1215 and the beginnings of English common law. The legacy of these protections can be found in the Criminal Code of Canada.

In 1960, Prime Minister Diefenbaker introduced the Canadian Bill of Rights - one of the most comprehensive human rights documents in western society. Upon introduction, the bill gave Canadians statutory protection against the federal government infringing on their rights – including “security of the person and enjoyment of property, and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law.”

However, for whatever reason, Prime Minister Trudeau did not include the right to own property in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In light of this constitutional void, it is up to both levels of government to pass laws protecting property rights. It’s time for society to acknowledge the very basic need to address an individual’s right to own and enjoy one’s land and home.

These are some of the reasons that I joined John Tory and now Tim Hudak in calls to beef up the Trespass to Property Act – the most recent proposal calling for a significant increase in penalties for trespassing, as well as the designation of separate offence for ‘illegal occupations’.

As well, I will continue to seek support for my private members bill calling for property rights protection in this province – following my The Land Rights and Responsibilities Act, 2006, and The Property Rights Statute Law Amendment Act, 1995.

While my focus has always been directed at ensuring protection, consideration and possible compensation for private property from government-takings, the most recent smoke shop example makes clear the need for further steps to ensure that property rights are maintained, strengthened and enforced throughout Ontario.

Toby here,

Please find attached and below a news release regarding my support for Tim Hudak’s proposed changes to the Trespass To Property Act and related creation of a separate offence for illegal occupations.

Have a great weekend.

For immediate release:

June 19, 2009

Barrett backing Hudak law against illegal occupations

Simcoe: Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett endorses Leadership Candidate Tim Hudak’s plan for a renewed focus on the rule of law in Ontario.

Barrett says he is particularly heartened by Tim Hudak’s commitment to strengthen the Trespass to Property Act.

“Tim’s proposed changes to the Trespassing Act will aid in the prevention of illegal occupations of property whether it is private property or public,” stated Barrett. “These changes would include the creation of a new offence for illegal occupations – something I feel is sorely needed.”

Hudak’s proposed changes include:

Significantly increasing penalties for trespassing

Making illegal occupation a separate offence, with escalating penalties each day of an occupation

Making it an offence for an organization to encourage others to engage in an illegal occupation.

“The people of our area have dealt with three years of government inaction on land disputes and occupations,” Barrett concluded. “We look forward to seeing concrete steps taken through strengthening and updating trespassing protections to help address these ongoing concerns.”

The initiatives build on previous proposals announced during the 2007 election by then Opposition Leader John Tory to strengthen trespassing legislation.

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at (519) 428-0446 or (905)-765-8413, 1-800-903-8629

June 19, 2009

Dalton McGuinty, Premier
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1

Re: Illegal Occupation of Privately-owned Farmland II

Dear Premier:

On June 12th I wrote to you concerning an illegal smoke shack occupying a privately-owned farm not owned by the occupiers.

In my letter, I indicated that government abdication of responsibility will force the matter into the hands of private individuals. This has now happened.

Your government’s response to this situation has been to label the formation of a Militia, “a dumb idea”, but you have not addressed the illegal smoke shack on private land.

For three years Ontario has watched the Warrior flag fly over mayhem in the Caledonia area – much of it occurring on a provincially-owned highway and provincial property. I think of the destruction of the Sterling Street Bridge, excavation of a trench across the main street of Caledonia, the three year occupation of Douglas Creek Estates, ongoing blockage preventing construction of the Middleport Hydro Corridor.

You have criticized the concept of a Militia as “a dumb idea”, but for three years have been silent on the destruction wreaked under the banner of Warriors. What is your public position on the Warrior Society? Do you condone the Warrior Society and its activities in the Caledonia area?

Premier, as you know, smoke shops and the business they do, are illegal whether on public or private land. What is your plan of action to bring this ongoing illegal activity to an end?

Sincerely,
Toby Barrett, MPP
Haldimand-Norfolk

cc.Prime Minister Harper
MP Diane Finley
Mayor Trainer
Key stakeholders

Haldimand "Keep Off our Lawn, pair tells Fledgling Caledonia Militia"

It is strange how a story can grow it's own legs. Well this one certainly has.

I wrote an article for the Dunnville Chronicle about the Caledonia Militia. The incident that I was speaking of that triggered these events was Ernie Palmer. He owns property just outside of Caledonia where a smoke shack has been erected. Now I might add that this is a different scenario than the rest of the smoke shacks as this one is on private property.

I know a close friend of Ernies and when I asked about getting a hold of him for an interview I was told that he just wanted to be left alone. He will deal with this situation on his own. So I respected his wishes and never attempted to contact him. Other media outlets did and the story has grown it's own legs. Thank goodness I stayed away from that one. Although I guess I am not a very good reporter for not pushing.

The whole issue of Ernie's property has been, he said she said they said. Everyone seems to have different factual information. So today in a Toronto newspaper everything seems to be crystal clear. There is a picture of Ernie and Powless smiling and hitting their fists together. (I cannot put pics up on my site.)

Keep off our lawn, pair tells fledgling Caledonia 'militia'

PETER EDWARDS/TORONTO STAR
Ernie Palmer is okay with Stephen Powless running smoke shop on his land.


Jun 19, 2009 04:30 AM
Peter Edwards
Staff Reporter

CALEDONIA–Ernie Palmer says he's smoking mad at locals who want to set up a "Caledonia Militia" in part to protect him from natives running a discount smoke shop on his front lawn.

"We have the OPP if there is lawlessness," the retiree said yesterday in an interview on his 19-hectare property on Highway 6.

However, he doesn't foresee any need for anyone to protect him from Oshweken resident Stephen (Boots) Powless, 44, one of the smoke shack's proprietors.

"I have found (Powless) a very nice man," said Palmer, who came to Canada from Hungary in 1957. "We have drunk so much coffee we're swimming. ... I have a good dialogue with Boots."

While he didn't invite Powless to set up on his land, Palmer said he respects the attempt to reinforce the assertion that native land claims can't be extinguished.
At one point in an interview on Palmer's lawn, Powless joined in and aimed a squirt gun at the property owner as if taking him hostage, which caused Palmer to burst out laughing.

Powless calls Palmer a friend, but said the area could have a long, hot summer of racial tension if the militia idea catches on.

"I have never run from anyone," he said. "If they come here looking for a fight, they'll get one.

"Hopefully, things remain peaceful," he added.

He said he was willing to leave Palmer's property until he read on the Internet of the plans to set up a local militia.

Organizers stated their right to remove "illegal trespassers" from local properties.
"Trespassers will be arrested and turned over to the OPP," the Internet announcement said.

As for the militia, "hotheads need not apply," the announcement said.

One of the organizers, Doug Fleming, also feels local racial tensions could come to a boil this summer.

"I think people are less resilient," said the 47-year-old, who installs pools and cuts firewood seasonally.

He acknowledged some may have problems with the term "militia."

"It conjures up images of shotguns and rifles," he said. "We're going to discourage (recruits) who are looking for a fight."

The OPP says it opposes formation of a local militia.

Insp. Dave Ross dismissed criticism that the OPP haven't kept law and order, noting the 148 charges laid against 61 people since early 2006, when protests began against a housing development on Douglas Creek land claimed by Six Nations.

"Our role is to act in an appropriate manner to monitor the peace and act in the best interests of everyone involved," Ross said.

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/653395

Haldimand "Caledonia Militia being Formed"

Caledonia Militia being formed
Posted By DONNA PITCHER, FOR THE CHRONICLE
June 17, 2009

A citizens group called the Caledonia Militia is being formed by Caledonia resident Doug Fleming.

Fleming said in a recent release the group is being formed due to the ongoing reality that the OPP refuses to enforce the Criminal Code with regards to people's property rights.

Fleming has the backing and support of Gary McHale, of Caledonia Wake Up Call and President of Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality (CANACE).

The idea has been rolling around for about three years said Fleming in an interview with The Chronicle Tuesday morning.

"I wish that we didn't have the need to do this, we are not here to add to the trouble, we are here to help."

Fleming realizes that the name Militia will conjure up images of guys toting guns. This couldn't be farther from the truth, we are following in the spirit of the Guardian Angels, a group of unarmed citizens that will have cool heads, adhere to the law and exercise restraint.

A recent incident in Caledonia triggered Fleming to officially kick things off.

"This has nothing to do with land claims, this is to do with law enforcement and is a reflection of the shortcomings of the OPP", said Fleming.

Next Tuesday, an information session will be held at the Cayuga Lion's Hall starting at 7 p. m. No "hotheads" are allowed. Interested parties will be screened said Fleming with the intentbe a law abiding group not a goon squad.

McHale will do a presentation on Sections 38-42 of the Criminal Code. This section of the code relates to the rights of a citizen to place an individual under arrest when law enforcement fails to do so.

"CANACE will support this group" if the group adheres strictly to the law, McHale said in an interview Monday evening. "Serious self-control will be required, this is not to have boxing matches between people."

If someone is on private property and breaking the law, the members of the militia will use reasonable force and arrest the individual breaking the law and transport them into the custody of the OPP.

"This is all Caledonia needs" according to Haldimand County OPP Inspector Dave McLean. "This group will serve no good."

This is just another attempt of a few individuals to aggravate the situation without all the proper information. This group is just trying to discredit the OPP said McLean.

Article ID# 1615957
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1615957

Haldimand "Nanticoke Nuclear Bid goes to Review Panel"

Nanticoke nuclear bid goes to review panel

Bruce Power Erie wants to build two reactors

May 07, 2009 NANTICOKE – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has asked the Minister of Environment to refer the environmental assessment of Bruce Power’s proposal to build two nuclear reactors in the industrial area of Haldimand County to a review panel.

The commission says in a statement late Wednesday an assessment is required before it can consider Bruce Power’s licence application and has concluded that public and stakeholder concerns warrant that a request be made to the minister for an early referral to a review panel.

Bruce Power, which operates a nuclear power plant on Lake Huron near Port Elgin is seeking to build the reactors beside the coal-fired Nanticoke generating Station which is set to be closed in 2014.

The province is not endorsing the proposal, but it has support of Haldimand and Norfolk council’s, local MPs and federal cabinet minister Diane Finley.

A review panel is a group of experts selected and appointed by the minister of the environment.The commission said it has considered Bruce Power Erie's project description, the views already expressed by the public, interest groups, Aboriginal groups and in media reports on previous major nuclear projects, as well as its own experience with consultation on major nuclear projects and decided “…public and stakeholder concerns warrant that a request be made to the minister for an early referral to a review panel.”

A group calling itself Grand Erie Energy Quest has launched a petition requesting a moratorium on nuclear development in Nanticoke because its members feel there has not been sufficient public discussion of contamination, cost and security issues.

Jim Elve, spokesperson for the group, said today the commission decision comes as no surprise. “its the next step,” he said.Grand Erie Energy Quest, which expects its petition to gain momentum with better canvassing in good weather, wants the questions of contamination , cost and most importantly disposal of nuclear waste generated by the plant given a full airing, he said.

“We want to know just where you’re going to put it ... forever,” said Elve.

Elve said the group’s visibility in Haldimand and Norfolk rising as more and more of its dandelion yellow signs are popping up on lawns.

Bruce Power Erie applied in October 2008 for a licence to prepare a site for the future construction and operation of two nuclear reactors to potentially generate between 2,200 and 3,200 megawatts of electricity to the Ontario grid.

The application for a licence to prepare a site is the first in a series of applications to build and operate a new nuclear power plant, as part of the CNSC licensing process.

http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/561949

Haldimand "Donna What's Up?

I have been asked more than once what has happened to my Blog.

As some may be aware I was appointed to the Haldimand County Disaster Relief Committee by council back in March. I signed up to work on the Fundraising Sub-committee, and let me tell you that has kept me hopping! The nine people that I am working with on the committee have been great especially Don Edwards who is the Chair of the sub-committee that I am working on. I am loving every minute of it and the support coming in is very humbling. We have raised around $20,000.00 so far, but still have quite a way to go. It looks like the committee may need to raise around $100,000.00. We will have a solid goal around May 21st when all of the applications are in.

Bob Lidddycoat, editor of the Dunnville Chronicle asked me to cover council meetings for the paper when Karen Best announced that she was leaving. May 4th was my first "official" council meeting as a reporter. Deadlines are another thing when the paper comes out on a Wednesday. I was up most of the night Monday writing.

I was able to meet my "first official deadline". But let me tell you I wondered what the hell did I get myself into here? When the paper came out on Wednesday and I read my articles I was quite proud of myself, as I accomplished what I thought I could never do, and that was write articles that spoke only of the "facts" with no personal "opinions"!

I have been a "blogger" for the past two years and I can tell you that writing for a paper is totally different than blogging!

As a reporter for Council Meetings, I am to report the "facts" with no "opinions". Although I have always said that I blogged the facts about council, I have learned very quickly that "blogging and reporting" are as different as "black and white".

Maybe if I am lucky Bob will allow me do an "Opinion Piece". I am already working on one about my experiences so far with the paper, council, staff and some residents of Dunnville that have commented on my new position with the Chronicle.

So for the past two months I have not blogged much. Believe me it's not because I don't have anything to say, there just seems to not be enough hours in the day.

It is nice that I was asked the questions from those of you that enjoyed my sometimes "colourful" articles.

Thanks for asking!