For immediate release:
June 12, 2009

Re: Illegal Occupation of Privately-owned Farmland

Premier,

Further to my communication to you and various Cabinet Ministers on June 11th, 2009,  I continue to be contacted by a number of constituents – some too intimidated to reveal their identity – with respect to the construction of the ‘smoke shack’ / ‘information centre’ on a privately-owned farm. The property is adjacent to provincial Highway # 6 just South of Caledonia (911 number is 5350 Highway #6). A white building has been moved to the site beside the driveway of a privately-owned farm not owned by the occupiers.

This occupation of private farmland is without precedent.

There is a clear perception in the community that this is criminal behaviour – organized criminal behaviour and extortion, blatantly intimidating the owner of the land – and that the OPP have not prevented this from occurring.

We have government for a reason. We have law for a reason. It is unacceptable and dangerous for government to abdicate responsibility and put this situation in the hands of private citizens

I ask you to respond to me as soon as possible as to why this perceived criminal behaviour is being condoned

Sincerely,

Toby Barrett, MPP
Haldimand-Norfolk
cc.     Prime Minister Harper
Haldimand-Norfolk MP Diane Finley
Haldimand Mayor Trainer and Council
Key stakeholders