For immediate release:
June 19, 2009

Barrett backing Hudak law against illegal occupations

Simcoe: Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett endorses Leadership Candidate Tim Hudak’s plan for a renewed focus on the rule of law in Ontario.

Barrett says he is particularly heartened by Tim Hudak’s commitment to strengthen the Trespass to Property Act.

“Tim’s proposed changes to the Trespassing Act will aid in the prevention of illegal occupations of property whether it is private property or public,” stated Barrett. “These changes would include the creation of a new offence for illegal occupations – something I feel is sorely needed.”

Hudak’s proposed changes include:

• Significantly increasing penalties for trespassing
  
  
• Making illegal occupation a separate offence, with escalating penalties each day of an occupation
  
  
• Making it an offence for an organization to encourage others to engage in an illegal occupation.

“The people of our area have dealt with three years of government inaction on land disputes and occupations,” Barrett concluded. “We look forward to seeing concrete steps taken through strengthening and updating trespassing protections to help address these ongoing concerns.”

The initiatives build on previous proposals announced during the 2007 election by then Opposition Leader John Tory to strengthen trespassing legislation.

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