What’s going on in Caledonia and Six Nations?

As I talk to people throughout the riding and at Queen’s Park, I am often asked, “so what’s going on in Caledonia and Six Nations?”

Often I reiterate the positives- Caledonia just hosted hundreds of young people for both the Ontario Wrestling and the Ontario gymnastics championships.  And recently I joined a number of MPPs to honour John Monture, President of the Six Nations Veterans Association, with Ontario’s Outstanding Volunteer Achievement Award.

While great things continue to happen in Caledonia and Six Nations, most people expect me to address the ongoing land dispute.  Indeed, I’ve been busy on this file, continually pressing the provincial government to step up to the plate and show some leadership.

A week ago Tuesday in the Legislature, I joined my caucus colleagues in asking seven questions about Caledonia and Six Nations in Questions Period.  The first three were asked by Opposition Leader John Tory, on the expansion of the barriers north of the Grand River.  The Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs- who recently said “…this is the issue that this government is seized with 24 hours a day”- shocked us all when he admitted he was not aware of the expansion of the perimeter. 

I asked the fourth and fifth questions, specifically referring to the threat to the power-line replacement project between Thorold and Caledonia.  As with Mr. Tory’s question, the Minister proved to be unaware of the usage of trestles from the hydro towers as road blockades.  And in fact, one is topped with the Warrior flag- 130 feet up.

In the final two questions, my caucus colleague, MPP Garfield Dunlop, asked the Minister of Community Safety how much it is costing for the heavy police presence.  Minister Kwinter argued it isn’t costing the province any additional money.

No one in the provincial government seems to understand the issues involved.  No senior government representative of any kind has actually visited Six Nations or Caledonia- although the provincially appointed mediator has made a start.  I’m left wondering if the misspelling of ‘Caledonia’ on the northern detour sign is a symbol of this neglect.

As an Opposition MPP, I am unable to force the McGuinty government to take the lead. Further, as I explain to many who ask, I have no authority over the police, the army, the courts, or the Prime Minister.  What I am able to do is continue to demand leadership and communicate directly with concerned constituents.

For the present time, I will continue pressuring the provincial government to take the lead in resolving this dispute.  My petitions are still circulating, and I will continue raising this in the Legislature.

I encourage you to do two things.  First, keep sending me e-mails at toby@tobybarrett.com.  Let me know what I can do- within my capacity as an Opposition MPP- to help resolve the dispute. To date, I have sent out nearly 1,000 e-mails with information on the controversy.

The second thing you can do is call your elected Premier.  Simply call (416) 325-1941 (no toll free number is listed) and ask for answers.

In the meantime, I will continue reminding people of the positives in Six Nations and Caledonia, and reminding government not to leave us in the dark.