After waiting 10 months, apart from eight days in December, to return to the Ontario Legislature, the Official Opposition has been holding the McGuinty government to account.
For example, the number of questions and debate on illegal smoke shacks and native land disputes have been unprecedented.
A few weekends ago, I was in Tyendinaga/Deseronto – in between Caledonia visits -- when all hell was breaking loose. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino issued a news release on April 25th stating, "The violent criminal activity occurred outside of any legitimate protest and will not be tolerated." It was not tolerated, as arrests were made at Deseronto.
Back in Caledonia, ATVs stormed into town, Highway 6 and the railway shut down -- all of this, not because of a land claim but to show solidarity with aboriginal protesters in Eastern Ontario.
Those responsible for criminal activity were arrested at Deseronto but no reports of arrests that weekend in Caledonia?
A few days later, an article appeared in the Dunnville Chronicle stating: "He [Six Nations Band Chief Bill Montour] gave credit to [Michael] Bryant for talking to the Solicitor General who reportedly told the OPP to stand down."
But, on December 4, 2007, I had received the following answer when I questioned the Minister of Community, Safety and Correctional Services, as to who was directing the OPP on operational matters as they pertained to lawlessness in Caledonia. Minister Rick Bartolucci responded: "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 Bartolucci’s previous statement, last week I formally requested the Solicitor General to resign if he indeed directed the OPP to “stand down” in Caledonia.
Over the past six weeks I have also regularly questioned the extortion fees demanded by the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI). The answers from Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bryant are giving us no indication he will begin working with or protecting affected homebuilders.
My colleague, MPP Laurie Scott has been going to bat for the City of Brantford reminding the McGuinty Liberals about the native protests that are now paralyzing developments.
“You sat back and did nothing for the people of Caledonia until it was too late to save the businesses and homes,” Scott told Minister Bryant on April 24th. “Brantford has begun to hit its stride after some downturns, and now that is being halted as would-be investors are being intimidated and turning away.”
She concluded by asking how the government will compensate.
My caucus colleagues and I understand that much of the native land disputes relate to tobacco. That’s why we made use of questions and Opposition Day to speak about the increasing number of illegal smoke shacks not only near Caledonia but across Ontario.
Tory MPP Peter Shurman has been questioning the Ontario Government for weeks, why corner store owners are footing the bill to hide tobacco displays, while illegal smoke shacks thrive with no scrutiny.
Why any government would blatantly ignore the underground economy is beyond me.
Our area issues are being shouldered by John Tory and my caucus colleagues including Scott, Shurman, Tim Hudak, John Yakabuski and Bob Runciman. I assure you that the Official Opposition at Queen’s Park will not give up – our area deserves answers and deserves better.
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