For immediate release:
October 24, 2008

McGuinty should relocate Caledonia couple

Caledonia – Dave Brown and Dana Chatwell have had to endure nearly three years of hell -- all because their property backs onto the disputed lands in Caledonia.

“I continually hear from folks in Caledonia who are sick and tired of the lawlessness in their town,” Barrett said. “The people of this community are worried for the health and safety of the couple.”

Barrett has written to the Premier and a number of cabinet ministers twice in the past two years asking that the provincial government relocate the couple who have suffered immeasurable losses due to their proximity to Douglas Creek Estates.

“Basically I’ve been told that my recommendation would be taken under advisement. While Dave and Dana’s story is unique, they do represent the sentiments shared by many in Caledonia who are disheartened that their government would allow lawlessness to continue.

“We have government for a reason – in this case to step in during tough times. Premier McGuinty has failed miserably in living up to the role the people of Ontario elected him to fill,” Barrett said.

Today John Tory, Leader of the Official Opposition, joined Barrett in Caledonia to first sit down with Dave and Dana and then to hold a news conference on Argyle Street.

Tory reiterated Barrett’s position that Dave and Dana be relocated by the government.

“The McGuinty government should at the very least be providing these people with the help they need in order to relocate. How can it possibly be okay for Dalton McGuinty to spend $12 million purchasing a piece of land to appease one group, then allow them to thumb their noses at the rule-of-law, all the while refusing to help law abiding families whose lives have been torn apart by this fiasco?" Tory added.

“Their lives have been ruined by this land dispute and the government’s inaction,” Barrett said. “Dalton McGuinty and his government should be ashamed of themselves.”

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 1-800-903-8629