For immediate release:
May 1, 2008

Barrett calls for Solicitor General’s resignation

Queen’s Park – Since the start of the Caledonia land disputes two years ago, the McGuinty Liberals have been clear that they do not direct the OPP on operational matters. A Dunnville Chronicle newspaper article printed yesterday suggests the Minister of Community, Safety and Correctional Services (Solicitor General) Rick Bartolucci has done otherwise.

Prior to Question Period today, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett spotted the article which read: Over the weekend, Six Nations band chief Bill Montour told Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant that the blockade was not a criminal activity and said this could become something all parties did not want it to be. He gave credit to Bryant for talking to the Solicitor General who reportedly told the OPP to stand down.

Back in December, the Minister of Community, Safety and Correctional Services said in response to one of Barrett’s questions: “If the member is suggesting that the Solicitor General or any other minister or member should interfere with the operation of the OPP, he’s wrong. He’s dead wrong.”

Given the report that Bartolucci allegedly asked the OPP to “stand down” Barrett then formally asked in the Ontario Legislature, “Given your previous statements, are you prepared to resign?”

“That allegation is ridiculous, and, no, I will not resign because I won’t interfere with policing operations,” Bartolucci said. “We’ve learned from past history that you don’t interfere as government with policing operations.”

Barrett also asked the Minister why arrests were made in Deseronto/Tyendinaga for lawless behaviour over the weekend, but not in Caledonia. The Minister refused to answer the question but congratulated the OPP on their handling of the situation.

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