Five Months of Disrespect and Lawlessness Must Stop

(Caledonia, ON) – Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory today called on Dalton McGuinty to start upholding the rule of law in Caledonia and act to protect residents here and across Ontario.

“Ontarians want to know their government is on their side to keep them safe,” said Tory. “Dalton McGuinty should be acting to do everything possible to swiftly and completely return the rule of law to Caledonia and send a message that the law must be obeyed everywhere in this province, by everybody.”

Tory visited Caledonia today to speak to residents about the ongoing occupation and continued lawlessness, which have now gone on for over five months. It is the fifth time Tory has visited Caledonia since the occupation began. During the same period, Dalton McGuinty and his government have basically ignored this major law and order issue, hoping it would go away. The Minister in charge of Community Safety even said last week “There really isn’t an occupation”. After Tory’s visit today, he strongly disagreed.

Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett said: “People in Caledonia are worried for their safety. The occupation continues, court orders are being ignored and laws are being broken, Dalton McGuinty doesn’t seem to be concerned about it. This is a huge issue that has ramifications for other land claims across the province and it’s time for Dalton McGuinty to act.”

“This land occupation and the disrespect for the law must stop in order for negotiations to successfully proceed,” Tory said. “There should be no occupation by anyone, no lawless behaviour by anyone, and no defiance of court orders by anyone.”

Tory added: “I want to add my voice today to Justice David Marshall’s and strongly urge all parties to respect the law and our courts. Dalton McGuinty should stop negotiations until the occupied land is vacated, wanted suspects are turned into the police and all unlawful conduct ceases in all corners of this community. This disrespect for the rule of law wouldn’t be tolerated in Toronto or Ottawa or London, so there is no reason why it should be tolerated it in Caledonia.”