Toby Barrett, M.P.P.

Over 5,000 call for Caledonia inquiry
Petition calls for Fantino’s resignation

Queen’s Park – Petitions with over 5,000 names presented by MPP Toby Barrett in the Ontario Legislature have reignited the call for a public inquiry into policing and land disputes in the Caledonia area.

Today’s petitions represent the first of many to be submitted to Queens Park calling for a public inquiry, and the resignation of OPP Commissioner Fantino.

To request the Premier of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the Commissioner of the OPP Julian Fantino and impose his immediate suspension without pay and upon confirmation of the facts, his immediate resignation.
To request the Premier Of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the OPP with respect to Caledonia over the past 3 years.

Caledonia resident and petition creator Ken Hewitt was at Queens Park to see the petitions read in.

“Haldimand Norfolk MP Diane Finley agrees that an inquiry into both Commissioner Fantino and Caledonia should be called, the people deserve to know the truth,” said Ken Hewitt. “As we observe the courts and see no end to the stand-off in Caledonia, it is becoming more and more apparent that the Ipperwash report is flawed, and actions should be taken to change the way we deal with native protests.”

“While the Premier was successful in pre-judging and pre-determining the rejection of my call for a public inquiry last winter, I’m proud to bring this call forward on behalf of the people,” Barrett stated. “Those who signed this petition will be waiting to see if government will lift the veil of secrecy and initiate a public inquiry this time around.”

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

Mr. Toby Barrett: A petition entitled “People of Ontario Petition for Caledonia Public Inquiry.” It’s signed with well over 5,000 names, including Jennifer Stuart and Ken Hewitt, who is in the gallery today.

“Background for the petition: Commissioner Julian Fantino has proven through his own court testimony and published documentation that he is no longer unbiased or neutral. Along with native leaders having his personal cell number exclusively, he also uses his position to support them in court against charges by his own police force.

“Following the flawed results and recommendations of the Ipperwash inquiry, the OPP and the command decisions made by the OPP have violated and ignored the rules and guidelines as set out by a number of statutes. These include the Criminal Code and the Ontario Police Services Act. In addition, the OPP have violated or ignored their training and standard operating procedures. Thee is documented and electronic evidence that the OPP did so knowingly.

“The costs surrounding the OPP is grossly underestimated. As taxpayers, we have a right to know the true cost of Caledonia. As the province of Ontario enters into years of deficits, how much more money will be wasted on flawed policing and inability of leadership to change the tactics?

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“(1) To request the Premier of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the commissioner of the OPP, Julian Fantino, and impose his immediate suspension without pay and upon confirmation of the fact his immediate resignation;

“(2) To request the Premier of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the OPP with respect to Caledonia over the past three and a half years.”
I affix my signature as per part (2) at the bottom.

Petition for Caledonia Public Inquiry

TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO:

1. Commissioner Julian Fantino has proven through his own court testimony and published documentation that he is no longer unbiased or neutral. Along with native leaders having his personal cell number exclusively; he also uses his position to support them in court against charges by his own police force.

2. Following the flawed results and recommendations of the Ipperwash Inquiry, the OPP and the command decisions made by the OPP have violated and ignored the rules and guidelines as set out by a number of statutes. These include the Criminal Code and the Ontario Police Services Act. In addition the OPP have violated or ignored their training and standard operating procedures. There is documented and electronic evidence that the OPP did so knowingly.

3. The costs surrounding OPP is grossly underestimated. As taxpayers, we have the right to know the true costs of Caledonia. As the province of Ontario enters into years of deficits, how much more money will be wasted on flawed policing and the inability of leadership to change to tactics.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

1. To request the Premier of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the Commissioner of the OPP Julian Fantino and impose his immediate suspension without pay and upon confirmation of the facts, his immediate resignation.

2. To request the Premier Of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the OPP with respect to Caledonia over the past 3 years.