For immediate release:
June 6, 2006

Barrett appeals for leadership on sports in Caledonia and Six Nations
Says nobody wins when nobody plays

Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett reiterated his plea for leadership from the Ministry of Health Promotion, during today’s Question Period in the Ontario Legislature, as youth sports continue to be disrupted as a result of the ongoing dispute in Caledonia and Six Nations.

“There is a crisis with respect to culture and recreation,” Barrett said in the Legislature.  “There is a concern about local anger impacting access to sports facilities.”

“I did warn this House last week that opposing teams are unwilling to show up for baseball games,” Barrett continued.  “This flies in the face of the objectives of stronger communities through that particular ministry.”

Barrett’s remarks came on the heels of continued evidence that the ongoing dispute in Caledonia and Six Nations is preventing young people from participating in local sports events. 

“I want to say very clearly that I do not support any action that would interfere with the ability of young people to participate in local sports,” Barrett said outside the Legislature.  “It’s how you play the game that counts- preventing people from playing is more than just bad judgment.”

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446, or 1-800-903-8629