Hudak condemns highway, rail blockades
Erie-Lincoln MPP Tim Hudak condemned the Native blockades of the CN railway and 401 highway in eastern Ontario today, calling for the restoration of equal treatment of all Ontarians under one rule of law.
Hudak said resolutions to the concerns brought forward by the First Nations leaders can be achieved through peaceful mediation and negotiation, but resolutions can not, and should not, be resolved as a result of anyone breaking the law. Hudak said he sympathizes with the driving motives behind today’s Day of Action peaceful protests, such as quality of life on reserves and land claims; however, the few who chose to take unlawful action today are actually working against the Aboriginal cause.
“All levels of government can certainly do more to address the First Nations’ concerns about economic opportunities and health care,” Hudak said, “however, this does not justify threatened use of arms, blockades and a wanton flaunting of the law.”
Hudak said Premier McGuinty’s total bungling of the occupation in Caledonia, now in its 17th month, has sent a signal to protestors that such unlawful behaviour will be tolerated by the provincial government, and it has encouraged further unlawful activities, such as the blockades today.
“Where is Dalton McGuinty today? He must be camped out under his desk.” Hudak said. “The Premier should be showing leadership and showing that there is one law for everyone in Ontario.”
In a statement today, Ontario PC leader John Tory has pledged that a PC government will be a better partner to Ontario’s aboriginal people in helping them address their challenges, but it will also make use of all available legal and judicial actions in instances where any group defies the law.
“We’re celebrating Canada Day this weekend and everything that we cherish about our country,” Tory said. “One of the core principles our country is built on is the rule of law and the consistent application of that law to everyone.”