Court ruling validates Barrett’s position on Caledonia

Simcoe—“Today’s court ruling is further proof that Premier McGuinty condones the suspension of the rule of law” – Barrett

Upon receiving word that Cayuga Court Justice T. David Marshall ordered the suspension of negotiations until the rule of law is restored, MPP Toby Barrett condemned the McGuinty government for condoning the criminal contempt of court.

“John Tory and the entire Opposition Caucus have been clear that the rule of law must prevail,” Barrett said. “Today’s court order effectively gives teeth to suggestions we’ve been giving for weeks.

“Nobody wins when we suspend the rule of law,” Barrett continued. “Despite being elected to represent the public interest, the McGuinty government has shown no commitment to upholding this central component of our society.”

For months, the McGuinty government has been negotiating from a position of weakness, by approving the suspension of the rule of law. Barrett, John Tory, and the Opposition Caucus have repeatedly called on the provincial government to stop rewarding the suspension to the rule of law.

“According to the compendium of commitments reported in the Hamilton Spectator in May, today was the final day of negotiations before going to arbitration,” Barrett said. “It’s possible that the government will simply substitute arbitration for negotiations, and continue to turn a blind eye to the suspension to the rule of law.”