Caledonia citizens get back at Bryant

For anyone following the Caledonia debacle, this post by Jonathan Kay is excellent. It has links to several recent events including Michael Bryant's pathetic use of YouTube as a PR forum for communicating with residents.

Well the townsfolk have returned the favour. Videos can be found here. (The Spectator suggests trying here).

Psst, Rick Mercer... I see skit potential here!

Good on the National Post for continuing to be one of the few MSM voices supporting the citizens of Caledonia and the theory of a non-discriminatory police and justice system - even if it doesn't exist in Ontario at the present time.

Dalton to the ROC - Chip in for Caledonia!

Are you guys outside of Ontario alright with Dalton McGuinty clamoring for more money to offset the $50 million tab for Caledonia (which is actually closer to $54 million)?

Remember now, he bought the land. The Province of Ontario now owns it. Negotiations continue even though the land is occupied.

Bear in mind too, that the Feds already gave Dalton $26 million of your hard-earned tax dollars last year to help offset Caledonia costs, and this problem has no end in sight.

Michael Bryant calls it "...the cost of keeping the peace".

Do you agree to foot this bill, ROC?

* * * *

Update - Message from a reader in comments:

Dalton, from Alberta...get stuffed! Your inaction and inability to bring this issue to resolution is your problem, do not depend on Canadian taxpayers to bail out the incompetence of you and your government.

* * * *

Wednesday Update: More bad news for my reader from Alberta by the Sun's Christina Blizzard - Another slap for Ontario:

...Meanwhile, remember how Ontarians used to joke that if you wanted to see this province's tax dollars at work, you had to go to Newfoundland? Guess now, Albertans will have to come to T.O. to see how we're spending their transfer largesse.

Howdy, y'all.

If Dalton really does have federal leadership aspirations, and ends up being Prime Minister one day, I wonder who he'll blame for his incompetence? And where will the money come from to throw at the unions and other highly influential special interest groups?

A good leader knows when to say NO!!!



And read this one. You won't believe it. Six Nations' $1 Billion based on 'legal rules' (Spectator):

Six Nations says it has used Canadian legal principles the corporate world would employ to come up with the $1 billion it claims it's owed for the flooding of land it once controlled in Dunnville in 1829.

Calculations are "based upon Canadian legal principles and are fair and reasonable," said lawyer Aaron Detlor, an adviser to Six Nations negotiators in talks with Ottawa and Queen's Park.

"If you were Coca-Cola, this is what they would do. If you were Wal-Mart, this is what you would do..."

Also see Halls of Macadamia - Like Federal, like Provincial.

$54 Million and counting

The Record pegs the cost of the Caledonia dispute at $54 million at the second year mark, with no end in sight.

All new land development along the Grand River watershed, including various Waterloo Regional bridge construction projects could be highjacked by the demands of the HDI, which has obviously been emboldened by the lack of consequences for law-breakers.

And the Post notes that this attitude appears to be extending into car-theft industries, and other illegal undertakings.

Yet the McGuinty government looks the other way when it comes to law-enforcement, which is under Provincial jurisdiction.

And then Dalton gets angry when Jim Flaherty tells him that Ontario is not the best province in which to invest?

Duh!

The truth hurts, doesn't it?

Beyond frustration

Today is the Second Anniversary of the Caledonia dispute, and my frustration with the McGuinty government has reached its zenith.

First we have the arrogant Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant responding to the HDI extortion policy with the following:

"My experience with developers . . . is they didn't just fall off the turnip truck,'' Bryant said. "They know very well what the rules are and the laws are. The only fees that need to be paid are paid to municipalities. That is the law.''

So what the flick does that mean? If they were farmers, then you'd step in and help?

He maintains that "It's up to the police, not the province, to intervene and press charges."

Well everyone who didn't just fall off a turnip truck knows that the OPP has to follow the mandate of the McGuinty Government, which has been so intimidated by a fear of an Ipperwash reoccurrence, that it has effectively castrated Julian Fantino and the OPP in terms of any power to enforce the law regarding native disruptions.

This story alone could take up the whole post, but it's hard on my blood pressure to dwell on it too long.



So we'll move onto Health Minister George Smitherman, who feels the need to announce several times that he's going to wear a diaper to test out the modern incontinence products.

Pull-eeze! Spare us the gruesome mental images and just do something about those poor seniors sitting in their own waste in nursing homes!! We're talking about human dignity here.

And if the Liberals are so into first-hand experiencing of problems, why hasn't McGuinty gone to Caledonia yet? Or Fantino for that matter?



Finally, I am sick and tired of Dalton McGuinty's knee-jerk response of pointing his finger at Ottawa whenever a reporter or taxpayer raises an issue.

For example, he is in shock that the Feds aren't going to bail him out of the manufacturing crisis in Ontario, which Jim Flaherty suggests could be eased somewhat with provincial corporate tax cuts.


McGuinty refutes this suggestion stating:

Mr. McGuinty said it is easy for the federal government to cut taxes because it is awash in cash.

"We're in a slightly different situation here," he said.

No kidding - Because the high costs of a continual policy of appeasement, incompetence and bending over will catch up with you in the end.



He's great at giving out holidays, banning stuff and taking away prayers though.

* * * *

Update: Jeff Allan is discussing this issue right now, and suggested in his opening rant that maybe we need UN peacekeepers right here in Ontario. Right on, Jeff!!


Jeff found this remark particularly disturbing:

"We're simply not in a situation in history any longer where Canadian governments are going to dictate solely to First Nations how and what is going to be done on First Nations land,'' Detlor said.

John Tory was just on and said we shouldn't be negotiating while these extortion tactics continue.

* * * *

RESOURCES:

Expositor - Caledonia at a glance. Excellent history of the whole sad story. Check out the $$$.

Spectator - No going back. First of a three-part series.

Friday Update: Spectator - $54 million: Total cost of Caledonia dispute.

On McGuinty's finger-pointing solutions - Flaherty wins allies in Ontario attack (Globe)

'Race-based policy' continues in Caledonia

As the Second Anniversary of the Douglas Creek occupation/reclamation draws closer, MPP Toby Barrett registers his disgust with the two-tiered system in Caledonia - Police Ignoring Native Violence, MPP Alleges.

It's amazing how McGuinty acted so outraged when the protesters suggested wintering through the first year. Now it's just become an accepted way of dealing with native disputes - Bend over and take it.


So thanks to Dalton, we now have Race-Based school funding in Ontario, as well as Race-Based policing.

Clearly, some citizens are more equal than others.

Native Issues Update

For anyone who might be under the false assumption that the Federal Government isn't doing anything regarding native claims, there is in fact a Six Nations meeting going on this evening to discuss a $26 million offer from Ottawa to settle a compensation claim from 1829. Reports available from the Spectator and the Record.


Also, Chief Patrick Brazeau had an excellent letter to the editor in today's Post:

...It is time for Canada to move beyond an archaic position of aboriginal affairs that is rooted in Victorian paternalism that aimed to deal with "the Indian problem," as it was termed in the day. To do so, calls for many to act: Parliament, the machinery of government that often resists progressive change, the national aboriginal leadership and, most importantly, this country's aboriginal peoples.

We have a moral duty and an obligation to act now on behalf of those who seek a better life off-reserve. As a wise man once said, "If not us, whom? If not now, when?"

I have great respect for Chief Brazeau, is the National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. He advocates for off-reserve natives, but challenges all natives to strive for greater self-sufficiency.

Saturday's Post included a great piece by Julie Smythe about Chief Brazeau - Shaking up Canada's native establishment. Well worth the read.

Also please check out the Brazman's blog, Chief Chat. You'll find a respectful discussion going on with natives from both on and off-reserve, as well as non-natives such as myself who are seeking a greater understanding of the problems and challenges that Canadian aboriginals face today.

* * * *

Wednesday Update: Chuck Strahl has a letter in today's Post - Canada is helping urban natives.

How Ipperwash emasculated Ontario

Yesterday's National Post contained an illuminating article by lawyer John Findlay ('Sacrificial lambs at the altar of Ipperwash'), regarding a class action suit he is bringing against 'former OPP Comissioner Gwen Boniface, the former Haldimand provincial police detachment commander and the Ontario Government, on behalf of several businesses and property owners in Caledonia'. (Thanks to Just Right or I might have missed it.)

Anyway, it is a comprehensive account of the whole Caledonia story, as well as being a real eye-opener concerning the lame attitudes of government and police as they cower in fear over the ramifications of the Ipperwash inquiry and strip non-natives of money and rights in the process.

But holding Ipperwash up as the Holy Grail on which to base all future native policy is not only disingenuous, it is also unworkable.

- Disengenuous, because as John Findlay pointed out, "The Ipperwash situation was unique. The disputed land at Ipperwash was located on rural land that had been used by the government. At Caledonia, by contrast, the occupation has taken place in a heavily populated area on land that has been in private hands for over 150 years."

- Unworkable because this spineless attitude of backing off no matter what, means that nothing can be built along the Grand River without fear of the project being taken over a dissenting native group, and everyone is well aware there will be no consequences for any law-breakers. This cannot continue in a democracy.

Finally, Mr. Findlay suggests that the real culprits here are the bureaucrats, politicians and police who are unable to "distinguish between the criminals and the responsible members of the native community."

By doing so they have not only disrespected the rights of all Ontario citizens, but have also played a role in promoting racism and stereotyping.

It is unacceptable.

John Tory's Counterpoint

John Tory appears to have taken exception to the National Post's January 19 editorial, The Coward at Queen's Park, which was mainly a slam at Premier Dalton McGuinty for his lackadaisical attitude regarding Caledonia and the HDI's so-called native 'extortion racket'.

The Post had taken Tory to task as well:

...The saddest part is that the disgrace here is bipartisan: This is not merely an indictment of Ontario's governing Liberals, but also the opposition Conservatives. In the face of Mr. McGuinty's spinelessness, the best John Tory's party could do was suggest bringing civil lawsuits to try to recover lost income. Among other things, this is a pathetic microcosm of why Mr. Tory can't win an election...

At the time I thought it was a trifle harsh, but nobody seems to be taking a tough stance in this matter, so I reasoned that the criticism was warranted.


In today's Counterpoint - At Caledonia, the rule of law must be upheld, Tory clarifies his stance on the issue:

...Since the beginning of the dispute in Caledonia, my colleagues and I in the PC Party have been unwavering in our argument that the rule of law must be respected and upheld. Quite simply, actions must have consequences.

I have said repeatedly that no negotiations should be held with any person or group involved in an illegal occupation, or any other illegal activity. Otherwise, a very dangerous precedent will be set...

That's true. I must give credit where it is due, and I strongly feel that Tory's solution is the best. It is non-confrontational, but it does imply a certain consequence when the rule of law is broken.

Too bad that the one myopic issue derailed the whole election. John Tory would have done far better on this file than Dalton McGuinty.

I could almost support John Tory to stay on as leader - if it weren't for the Prince of Darkness.

* * * *

Related: Great letter in today's Post by Mike Quattrociocchi - 'Lawlessness' in Caledonia:

As a small developer in Brantford who has dealt with native protesters and their demand for "development fees," I can say that your editorial was bang on. Truer words could not be spoken than, "It is a case study in cowardice, and everyone who voted for Mr. McGuinty should be ashamed of it."

However, I don't agree with tarring all politicians with the same brush. While Mr. McGuinty took his firm stance on the fence, John Tory was busy visiting Caledonia on several occasions to witness firsthand what was happening. He wanted to understand the challenges and concerns many residence faced, and even accepted an invitation to sleep over at a Caledonia residence. While Mr. McGuinty was busy pitting natives against non-natives and promoting vigilantism, John Tory was the only politician who spoke for the rule of law and constantly pushed for a resolution.

( . . . )

When I confronted Mr. McGuinty at a campaign stop in Hamilton to question his government's lack of resolution, he was more concerned with threatening media outlets who dared to air the story than addressing my problem. Mr. Tory, on the other hand, in the middle of his campaign, took time to talk to me and to listen to the problems I and other developers were experiencing. Mr. McGuinty attempted to stifle the subject, Mr. Tory listened and addressed the issue.

Mike Quattrociocchi, Brantford, Ont.

(Links added by yours truly)

* * * *

Wednesday Update: Oops!! Gary McHale is not impressed - John Tory failed Caledonia.

O.K. then. Let's just say that there are degrees of spinelessness. Realistically no Ontario politician is going to rush into Caledonia with guns a-blazing.

Thursday Update: Ontario reaps what it sows - Gazette. H/T Jack's Newswatch.

They get letters

The editorial in today's National Post is a sample of the collective voice of citizens affected by the disruption in Caledonia. On Saturday, the Post invited readers from the Caledonia area to send in their stories and this is the result - Caledonia's pain -- in our readers' words.

Good on the Post for taking up the cause for freedom of speech and the rule of law in a province that turns a blind eye to extortion and lawlessness.

Now how's that for a reality-based editorial, Warren?

Rule of law vs. PR needs of a 'gutless government'

Premier Dalton McGuinty is under fire in today's National Post for allowing Haudenosaunee Development Institute, which is essentially a "commercial protection racket", to continue to sidestep the negotiating table and the rule of law - Caledonia redux.

McGuinty acknowledges that it is illegal, but does nothing to enforce the law. Fantino stated yesterday, that his mandate continues to be to simply 'keep the peace' regarding aboriginal issues.

Yesterday, Premier Dalton McGuinty said no one should be paying development fees to the HDI. "We don't recognize development fees being charged by anyone but municipalities. I understand there is a land claim here that predates Confederation, and I think everybody understands there is a fundamental issues of difference here between First Nations community and the federal government, but I think we also need to understand there is a way to resolve these things, there is a table there. "My advice to anybody is not to pay those [development fees]."

Yet when developers try to ignore the 'shakedown' tactics of the HDI, bad things happen:

But not all have been so receptive. Mike Quattrociocchi, president of Mayberry Homes, said he was invited to a meeting with the HDI after work on an eight-unit townhouse complex in Brantford was halted by protesters.

He said he was told that for a 4% cut of his $1.2-million project, a $7,000 application fee and an agreement that he could lease the land back from the Six Nations for 999 years, his work site was "less likely" to be the target of protest.

"What I said to them, was, 'If you guys were Italian, it would be called the Mafia,' " said Mr. Quattrociocchi, a former city councillor. "It's nothing more than extortion, pure and simple. It's, 'You pay up or we're going to stop you.' "

After his refusal , Mr. Quattrociocchi said construction was interrupted six times, he was pushed two months behind schedule and he probably lost more money than he would have paid.

"I'm not paying any fees for development I have a legal right to with my land titles," Mr. Quattrociocchi said. "I really, really resent being used as a pawn in this political game of extortion to get the government to take notice."

Even Six Nations spokeswoman Janie Jamieson seems baffled by the existence of the HDI, and questions its legitimacy:

...If accepted is the $26 million to be funneled to the Haudenosaunee Development Institute? What is HDI? The name implies it is an agent for ALL Haudenosaunee. Very misleading.

Who is Aaoron Detlor, head of HDI? He is not a Six Nations of the Grand community member, yet he has so much voice and influence regarding our future generations.

My husband and I were recently told the land issue happening now at Six Nations is a Grand River Issue and does not concern other Ogwehowe territories. Yet, this Institute calls itself Haudenosaunee.

The name Haudenosaunee Development Institute itself is an oxymoron. When did our people, the Haudenosaunee agree to become institutionalized to develop land? A total contradiction. According to our Great Law, being Ogwehowe or Haudenosaunee is about land protection and land preservation, not land development....

Kahentinetha Horn of MNN does not appear to be a big fan either.


As the Post editorial states in its conclusion, "The rule of law must take precedence over the PR needs of a gutless government"



But hey. . . At least we don't have any of that nasty Faith-based funding, right?

Here in Lemmingrad, that's all that matters.

* * * *

Update: More from Halls of Macadamia.

Christian Conservative - "Don't pay royalties to HDI": McGuinty.

Also check out these comments from the above-noted Post link:

Kim Fullerton, a lawyer who has handled many aboriginal land claims cases in Ontario, has never heard of an organization quite like it.

"It's radical. It's audacious," he said. "I think what you're really seeing is that First Nations are saying that they want to participate in the economic mainstream and they want a share in the benefit of what's being done on their land.... It's going to be very interesting to see how it finally gets resolved, whether the governments are going to make room for the First Nations to collect fees on their land."

JR - Cowards, scofflaws, appeasers.

Developers left out to dry

Dalton McGuinty must have thought it was groundhog day - He actually surfaced long enough to declare that municipalities should not give in to the demands of the Six Nations' HDI - Premier tells municipalities to ignore Six Nations development fee.

That's wonderful, but in the words of NDP house leader Peter Kormos, "the premier is leaving the developers and the landowners out to dry", because there do not seem to be any consequences for the campaign which promises to become more intense later this month.

Basically McGuinty is saying, They're wrong, but you're on your own. Which is pretty much what his government said last September. So there has been no movement.

Developers like Mike Quattrociocchi are left to deal with the HDI on their own.

But why should Dalton worry? He has a majority and therefore nothing to fear.

Gary McHale banned from Caledonia

The Dunnville Chronicle reports that Gary McHale has been "prohibited from entering Caledonia, Hagersville and York under conditions set by the Ontario Provincial Police...", among other restrictions.

Is this a normal way to deal with such things? I never heard of a Canadian citizen being barred from a particular town before.

More details at Caledonia Wakeup Call.

Fantino gets smack-down from Record

In the interest of fair play, I should give credit where it is due, and the Record certainly earned kudos for this editorial - Police willingly ignore illicit cigarette sales.

The Record rightly points out the selective law enforcement techniques of the OPP and Julian Fantino in particular:

...Rather than simply dismiss -- or attempt to suppress -- a messenger that he finds objectionable, Fantino should consider the message. And while he's at it, perhaps the commissioner could explain to the people of Ontario why some laws are more worthy of enforcement than others.

Well, it would appear that either Gary McHale's decision to sue the OPP, or all the negative press and video clips that were generated after McHale's beating on the weekend have led to some action. The smoke shop in question is apparently going to be shut down.


No word yet of any charges in Saturday's assault.

Also no word on how Fantino plans to deal with the rest of illegal cigarette sales in Ontario.


More at Halls of Macadamia.

* * * *

Thursday Update: Great video from CHCH available here.

Friday Update: Cash offer expected in Caledonia dispute - Record:

Federal negotiator Ron Doering is expected to present a cash offer to settle the 175-year-old Welland Feeder Canal/Dunnville Dam claim Dec. 12. But Mohawk Chief Allen MacNaughton, lead negotiator for Six Nations, said yesterday a resolution to outstanding Six Nations claims "will not be resolved simply by throwing money at Six Nations."

"Neither one is taking into consideration that land was stolen from us and we are looking for fair equitable compensation for the loss of that land," MacNaughton said in a statement. "Promises were broken and the land has to be returned."

But what is Plan B?

Another 'disturbance' in Caledonia yesterday - Activist badly beaten in Caledonia attack (Spectator). More at LFP.

I just can't get over this line from Julian Fantino:

OPP commissioner Julian Fantino said in a release that the force, “will seek every legal remedy possible to end this madness and to bring them (protesters) to justice.”

“These incidents, where interlopers put their personal agendas over those who are striving for a permanent and lasting resolution will not be tolerated,” said Fantino.

At first I thought he was referring to the native protesters.

Silly me.


Meanwhile, the feds will offer another cash settlement, since the $125 million offered last May wasn't good enough - Ottawa plans new cash offer to Six Nations.

If that fails, then Plan B goes into action.

Trouble is, nobody seems to know what that might be.

Time for McGuinty (and therefore us) to pay the piper

Well, the unions were solidly behind McGuinty during the election, and now begins payback time.

The labour movement is demanding that the province take a more aggressive stance in safeguarding union jobs. That usually means more money for them and more taxes for us.

Funny thing is that usually the lefties scorn corporate tax incentives, but they still want their high-paying, union jobs protected.

Anyway, at the end of this Star article (Unions turn screws on Liberals) there is an interesting bit of information about the infamous 'Working Families Coalition':

Representatives of the building trades, teachers and firefighters were all at the convention. But their unions all worked along with the CAW to help elect Liberals in last month's provincial election, either directly or indirectly through the "working families" coalition. They are unlikely to join any concerted anti-government protests.

It will be interesting to see how this all works out.



Meanwhile back in Caledonia, resident Ken Hewitt made it clear in an open letter to Michael Bryant that he expects much more involvement from the Minister than a quick photo-op:

In any event my concern lies with the comment you made regarding the HDI; a group that has no legitimacy, nor do they have lawful jurisdiction over land that has yet to be settled in any formal claims negotiations. I fully support and agree with your comment that no builder or developer should consult with such group, and that fees were not expected to be paid to any group; that they should trust the legal titles and registration process prescribed by the province. My question is why then does the provincial government not stand behind those statements. Furthermore your statement that,” natives will not be forcibly removed from any site” only serves to guarantee more protests like Caledonia’s. Most of us live our lives with an understanding that with behaviour come consequences. You have taken the consequences out of the equation and have given them a false of sense of power that will bring harm on them as well those they affect.

Today, as a result of your statements, the HDI has decided to test them by stopping a builder in Brantford indefinitely. The terms are to consult and to pay fees that you said he would not have to. I am afraid that he will be faced with little choice as your (our) government abandons him and leaves him on his own. You should know that just recently the HDI was involved in stopping a dump that was given the provincial go ahead to move forward. While that is a win for the environment, the fact that they are no longer there would suggest that the environment was not their agenda and that they have been or will be paid fees as well.

So the McGuinty government is going to have a few challenges in the next little while. I wonder how much more of our money they will spend to try and make it all go away?

* * * *

Thursday Update: Board meeting erupts over black school plan - Star.

The Post has an article this morning about the meeting as well, but I can't find the link (I hate their new on-line format) - Africentric school issue brings TDSB meeting to halt:

"We're not divided tonight", said Ms. Wilson, a parent, directing herself at members of the executive committee who remained in the room. She pointed to other alternative schools, like one for gay, lesbian and transgendered youth, which flourish in the public system. "Why can't our children have that?" she yelled, before collapsing in tears into the arms of a man.

Expositor - Builder fails to get native OK to resume his project.

Where is Michael Bryant now?

Caledonia resident - "It sucks"

So Michael Bryant arrived in Caledonia today. As the Globe reports he met with "local politicians, business and spiritual leaders during his much-publicized trip, but did not meet with any of the Six Nations protesters or their representatives."

Frustrated residents were not able to talk to the Minister, but seemed only too happy to vent to reporters:

Misti Bottenfield, who lives near the former housing development site that has been occupied for almost two years, said it's time Mr. Bryant gave protesters an ultimatum.

“It should be — get off the land or no talks,” said the 26-year-old, adding she has been repeatedly intimidated by the protesters. “Get off the land and out of the houses. Even though the barricades are down and the roads are open, it's still not much better. It sucks.”

Pat Woolley, another Caledonia resident complained:

“This thing is getting worse, not better,” said Woolley, adding the province should put an end to the occupation now while it continues negotiating the land claim.

“Businesses continue to suffer ... You can't allow this thing to go on. I've always brought my children up to believe we are all equal under the law. My frustration with this Liberal government is that we're not seeing this transpire in this community.”

Bryant's main response to the occupation was that "whether the provincially owned land is cleared of protesters is a matter for the provincial police, not the governing Liberals to decide".


So, what's the hold-up, Julian Fantino? Why not clear the land? Are we not all equal under the law?

* * * *

Tuesday Update: Why am I not surprised? - Bryant rules out force in Caledonia.

Same old, same old.

Many residents have long insisted the occupation is a flashpoint for conflict, and many say they feel intimidated by the protesters. Bryant, however, said the occupation is now largely a symbolic one.

It sure is 'symbolic' - of two-tier justice, appeasement, and a police system that has a racial bias when it comes to enforcing the law.

It's going to be a long wait until the 2011 election for those Caledonia folks. Let's hope we'll have strong opposition leadership by then.


Spectator - Bryant to Caledonia: No forced removals. That's right, Michael. Just throw more of our money at it.

Expositor - Native Protesters again shut down Mike Q's project.

Cultural disparity and the rule of law

The first thing Michael Bryant should do as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs is to establish which rule of law applies the native population in Ontario.

According to some native activists, the Canadian government has no jurisdiction over their people. Therefore any action by non-native legal systems is viewed as 'high treason'.

This isn't the first time this argument has been advanced. Many Canadian taxpayers are left wondering why they are still having to support reservations, etc.

In fact, Jonathan Kay mentioned this little item in a recent editorial:

Each year the federal government spends over $8-billion on reserve-resident natives, or $80,000 per reserve-resident household (a statistic I never get tired of quoting, because it puts to rest the idea that natives are somehow being nickel-and-dimed under the current system).

Yet, many natives still feel that they should only be accountable to themselves. It would appear that sometimes our courts condone this view, as in the release of Byron Powless on $5000 bail. (You remember the Sam Gualtieri story, right?):

As part of the bail conditions, Powless must live on the Six Nations reserve with his parents, have no contact with the alleged victims and not possess any firearms, explosives or ammunition. Styres said he agreed to be Powless's surety because he believes it's an important time in Canadian history as the Six Nations Haudenosaunee try to assert their land rights. "He was defending the right of the Haudenosaunee people (to their land) as he understands it," he said.

This idea of 'we can take care of our own' appears to be in direct conflict with the rights of non-natives.

Michael Bryant will need to bridge this chasm of understanding.

Julian Fantino seems to be blaming the non-natives for stirring the pot, but blame is not getting us anywhere. Neither is passing the buck to the feds for policing issues.

Oh, and by the way, here is a slightly more accurate figure on the Caledonia price tag.

Michael Bryant, you have a job to do. Let's see some action.

Now.

Has the buck finally stopped?

Dalton McGuinty's decision to have the Aboriginal Affairs ministry stand separate from Natural Resources, sounds like a good one at first glance. Natives and non-natives alike think it's about time.

Yet, I can't help agreeing with Aaron Detlor's take on things:

Detlor also described the post-election move as a "reluctant admission" on the part of the government that land claims are in fact a provincial concern.

That was exactly what I was thinking.

Time to start actually taking responsibility, Dalton.


Meanwhile, there's a throne speech coming.

Smitherman and Wynne are staying put.

*Sigh*


And I didn't see that one coming.

How many more sleeps til the next election?

Could the answer be this simple?

A letter to the editor in today's Spectator suggests two methods be used for dealing with Caledonia-type issues - Preventing the Crisis.

The first is to "ensure the provincial government stops issuing licences and permits to build, mine, etc. on native or contested land without the permission of the First Nations concerned..."

This is something that has puzzled me since the Caledonia occupation/reclamation began. How did those building permits get issued in the first place. Isn't the Ontario government extremely negligent here?

The second suggestion by Mr. Sorger is that the Feds speed up the land claim resolution process. I think that one is easier said than done, but you do wonder why this seems to drag on. Of course, why take millions, if you're willing to hold out for 'billions'?

* * * *

Backgrounder - Interesting but complicated history here - Difficult to Resolve.

Related: Native Protester's lawyer using obscure treaty to derail CH case. (Spectator)

The Legacy of Caledonia - Appeasement doesn't work

Today's headline in the Record - Land Titles Under Review.

...A team of native researchers has begun reviewing all Crown land titles issued along the Grand River in the last 200 years to determine which parcels were illegally transferred to non-natives, according to a lawyer representing the Six Nations.

It's the latest escalation in the long-standing dispute over who owns a huge swath of land extending 10 kilometres wide on either side of the entire Grand River, an area which encompasses much of Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge.

This week, councillors near the mouth of the river in Haldimand were warned for the second time in less than a month they could face dire consequences and legal action for ignoring the Six Nations reserve in their development approval process.

( . . . . )

(Aaron) Detlor said the Haudenosaunee Six Nations (HSN) has asked the province to put a notation on the title of any property within the Haldimand Tract that was improperly transferred to non-natives. He suggested this approach would help protect homeowners, developers and other parties from unwittingly buying a disputed property.

But the province has refused the request and stood by its current land titles system.

In the meantime, he added, natives have warned an area bank about the risk of approving mortgages on disputed properties. They've also talked to agencies that set bond ratings for municipalities such as Haldimand County, whose tax base and ability to pay back loans could be affected by native land claims.

( . . . )

Detlor said Ottawa has implicitly acknowledged responsibility for past abuses by offering a $125-million compensation package to the HSN during the ongoing land claims negotiations.

But Detlor believes it will take "billions" rather than millions to properly compensate the HSN.

Last month, Haldimand councillors got a similar letter from the Six Nations Elected Band council urging them to stop all new developments.

"We would strongly recommend that Haldimand county cease all development permits until the land claim negotiations are complete and a settlement has reached," that letter stated.

"This would help avoid any future protests/occupations within our mutual territories..."

I would recommend that the Six Nations plan occupations at the homes of every Ontario politician with any influence and responsibility in this fiasco, starting with Dalton McGuinty.


Oh yeah... Remember to vote today.

Moving Forward Together, with the Premier in the Bubble.

Four more years of this?

And this?

And this?

How about this?




Well, if you run into any problems, just remember this:

"Don't call again. We can't help you".

* * * *

Post - The Caledonias Keep Coming. On the print copy the subtitle is, "This is what happens when police refuse to enforce the rule of law".

It's called anarchy, folks.

Spectator - Six Nations warns of legal actions over permits.

ASTTR: Caledonia - Coming to a subdivision near you.