For immediate release:
June 19, 2006
People want to know-‘is it on the table, or is it not?’ -Barrett
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett again asked about the provincial government’s intentions for the Burtch property, today at the Legislature, but the Minister continued to refuse to answer.
“On Friday night, I attended a town hall meeting about the Burtch Correctional Centre and the Six Nations land dispute,” Barrett told the Acting Premier. “Is the Burtch property up for grabs at the land rights negotiating table?”
“Burtch is a large area, two miles immediately west of Six Nations territory,” Barrett continued. “If it is handed over, homes and farms on that two-mile strip will be sandwiched between two very large native areas.”
For weeks, there have been rumours that David Peterson offered the Burtch property in return for taking down the Argyle Street barricades. On June 14, June 5, May 29, and April 19, Barrett demanded answers on the possible Burtch transfer, but is yet to receive a definite answer.
“You’ve already caved in, I’m told, and allowed Six Nations people on the property to plant soybeans,” Barrett continued. “How can you now negotiate Burtch- if you are negotiating Burtch- if you’ve already handed over it’s use?”
“This is the fifth time I’ve asked about Burtch in the Legislature,” Barrett said outside the Legislature. “By refusing to answer, the McGuinty government is only feeding the already out of control rumours.”