For Immediate Release
February 18, 2009

Inquiry to seek “the truth” about Caledonia

MPP introduces Private Members Bill call for inquiry

Queens Park – Three years of unanswered questions, and government inaction on area land disputes have led to MPP Toby Barrett’s call for a full public inquiry into all aspects of the ongoing debacle.

Haldimand Norfolk MPP Barrett introduced today proposed legislation, titled “Truth about Caledonia Act, 2009” into the Ontario Legislature.

“This proposed legislation builds on Ken Hewitt’s petition to establish an inquiry into law enforcement, as well as an Opposition call for an inquiry into Caledonia two and a half years ago –   ” stated Barrett. “It’s time we get all sides off this three-year hamster wheel.”

Following introduction today, Barrett’s, “Truth about Caledonia Act, 2009” is set to be debated March 12th.

Barrett’s Private Members Bill calls for an inquiry:

• to inquire into and report on allegations of political influence in the administration of justice by the courts and in the enforcement of the law by the police…
  
• to determine the facts with respect to the ownership of land
  
• to make recommendations directed to the prevention of attempts of intimidation and related behaviour
  

Caledonia residents Ken Hewitt and Judy Laszlo – webmaster of Have your say Caledonia – joined Toby in a press conference before the bill was introduced to speak in support of Barrett’s initiative as well as discuss their own work to seek answers.

“The fundamental right of policing and security of land ownership – should be the right of each and every individual in Ontario,” stated Judy Laszlo. “Premier McGuinty and this government have a duty to address the lack of this in Haldimand.”

“The leadership of the OPP, including Commissioner Fantino has failed the people of Caledonia, they have failed the people of Ontario,” stated Ken Hewitt. “They must be held accountable; the time for race based policing must come to an end.”

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at
(519) 428-0446 or (905)-765-8413, 1-800-903-8629