Statement from Hon. David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs

The situation faced by those in Caledonia and surrounding areas over the past months has been very difficult.

Important progress is being made in discussions between Six Nations, Canada, and Ontario.

 There are some, however, who wish to divide the community and exploit the current situation for their own gain and a chance for the media spotlight.

It is deeply regrettable and disappointing that despite being advised by the Government of Ontario that the allegations alluded to on a certain website are false, CHTV still chose to broadcast these. 

We will not waiver from our determination to find a lasting, peaceful resolution that benefits all members of the community.

Can people understand how many meetings must have taken place today throughout the government and political parties over our website. I can assure people that Mr. Ramsay's press release not only proves how effective our website is becoming, but that they are acknowledging that many people are following and believing what we post.

In 6 weeks we have gone from an average joe on the street, to providing a voice for the residents, to providing valuable information to media outlets, to creating fear within senior levels of the Ontario Government.

If we were some nut posting rumours, like thousands of blogs do daily, no one would care and I can assure people no Government Ministry would do a Press Release.

There is a pattern here. First, the OPPA wanted to stop us for what we saw as proof that officers wouldn't enforce the law. Second, the OPP blocked all police computers from viewing our site. Third, a Minister of the Government does a Press Release to question our motives - 'who wish to divide the community and exploit the current situation for their own gain and a chance for the media spotlight.'

The last time we checked Mr. Ramsay did not have some crystal ball by which he can determine the motives of people's hearts. We didn't know that is was the function of a Minister in the Ontario government to impugn a person's character by directly claiming that they are acting solely for our 'own gain' and a chance for the 'media spotlight.'

We are sure that this Press Release didn't go out by some low-level employee in the Government putting together a few words. So we call upon Mr. Ramsay to provide any evidence to support his claim that we are doing this for 'our gain'.

Either produce the evidence for your statement or admit that you are spreading rumours.

We hope all media will ask Mr. Ramsay what evidence he has for his claim.

In general terms, Mr. Barrett stated that he finds our website "very well done and well resourced". Furthermore, Mr. Barrett wanted the people of Ontario to understand just how common it is for the residents of Caledonia to refuse to provide their names to media, politicians and police. He stated that just this past Monday in Caledonia many people came out to express their experiences to John Tory and in many cases, when the media asked people for their name, the people repeatedly refused. There is a great fear in many people in Caledonia, Mr. Barrett told us.

In connection with our Leaked Liberal Plan, Mr. Barrett could fully understand many reasons why the source of the leak would not want to be identified to the public.