Toby Barrett, M.P.P.

As you know, the Caledonia land dispute is now approximately 2 months old. People on all sides of the dispute are right to feel frustrated- real leadership and a plan is needed to address the broader issues involved.

On February 28, when I first learned of the dispute, I immediately took action. In addition to my repeated visits to the site, and to Caledonia, I have taken a number of actions:

March 1: I talked with the Provincial Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.
March 2: I visited the site, asking people where we go from here.
March 3: I wrote to the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs.
March 3: I spoke to OPP Inspector Getty regarding OPP intentions.
March 6: I distributed a copy of my correspondence with Minister Prentice to PC caucus colleagues.
March 21: I personally delivered a communication package regarding the land dispute to the Governor General of Canada.
April 12: I directly asked the Premier in the Legislature why he refuses to show leadership.
April 19: I asked the Premier, in the Legislature, why he refuses to show leadership.
April 24: I attended the Caledonia rally, spoke vie megaphone, and communicated directly with concerned residents.
April 25: I reported on the Caledonia rally to the Legislature.
April 25: I presented a petition to the Legislature, formally demanding leadership.
April 25: I sent the first ‘Action Updates’ to everybody that has contacted our office by email.
April 26: I asked the Minister of Transportation for a comprehensive plan to deal with traffic issues in Caledonia. Twice the Minister refused to respond.

As you can see from this selection of my action on this issue, finding answers to the land dispute has been my top priority. My office has received hundreds of phone calls and emails- and we encourage you to keep sending them.

In order to stay informed on my actions to solve this dispute, please send an email to my office asking to be added to our list. We will work to ensure this list is used only for the purpose of providing updates and information with regards to this particular issue.

As an opposition MPP, I have a limited number of tools that I am able to use to put pressure on the government. I am not part of the McGuinty government. I assure you that I have been using all tools- petitions, question to the Premier and Ministers, letters and phone calls to Ministers at both levels of government, delivering communication packages directly to Ottawa, speaking with all sides of the dispute, visiting the site, information updates to concerned citizens, telephone conversations with local residents, and work with my caucus colleagues and other MPPs.

I am happy to continue taking on a leadership role in finding a resolution to this crisis. But, please remember that as MPP- especially an Oppsition MPP- I do not have jurisdiction over the police, the Premier, the Prime Minister, or the military.

If you have any further questions about my actions- or comments on your thoughts on the dispute- please do not hesitate to contact my office.