Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is questioning why the province will not tolerate lawlessness in Deseronto but allows criminal activity to continue in Caledonia.
Barrett was in Tyendenaga/Deseronto Sunday and reported back to the Legislature that local people were confused and were questioning who was in charge – many locals did not even know who the MPP for the area was. However, people were pleased and appreciated the OPP making arrests at Deseronto, as well as holding those participating in criminal activity to account.
Barrett then pointed out that “… back in Caledonia, ATVs storm into town, barricades go up on the railway and Provincial Highway 6, and all of this, not because of the land claim, as you know, Minister Bryant, but to show solidarity with aboriginal protestors in eastern Ontario. We know people have got the barricades moved for now, but my concern is the double standard. Those responsible for criminal activity are arrested in Deseronto and no reports of arrests in Caledonia.” Barrett then asked: “Why the double standard?”
Bryant became agitated and responded with: “Well, the allegation that the member seems to be making—and I know he wouldn’t want to make this allegation—would be as against the standard set by the very institution and the people who, in fact, engage in decisions of police operations. That is, as the member knows, the OPP.
“The member congratulates the OPP for their work in Deseronto, but I may say that I would’ve thought that the community was supportive as well of the work that the OPP did in keeping the peace. They make decisions—operational decisions—in Deseronto. They make decisions—operational decisions—in Caledonia,” Bryant continued.
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