For immediate release:
Aug 4, 2006
Calls for details on arbitration process
Caledonia—MPP Toby Barrett remains under whelmed by reports that the land negotiations are yielding ‘progress’.
“Every couple of weeks the Ontario Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs sends a news release or other communication stating that ‘progress’ is being made,” Barrett said. “But we see nothing more than ‘symbolic’ messaging – we need details of progress.
“With the negotiation deadline set for next Tuesday, August 8, I’m looking forward to learning the details of the proposed arbitration process,” Barrett said. “Will the arbitrator focus solely on the occupied site? What about other provincial lands?”
On May 19, The Hamilton Spectator published a website list titled “Compendium of Commitments” dated May 10, between Ontario and the Haudenosaunee Council, including: *If negotiators cannot resolve the Douglas Creek land rights in 90 days, negotiators will agree to an arbitration “or other peaceful process.”
This document sets August 8 as the deadline.
“Instead of re-establishing the rule of law the province has a proposal to build a fence to hide the problem,” Barrett said. “Are the McGuinty Liberals planning to just build a fence anywhere there’s a problem? That’s weak leadership from Dalton McGuinty and it’s time for his approach to this situation and ongoing lawlessness to change.”