Kwinter draws heat for standoff remark

By Paul Morse
The Hamilton Spectator(Jul 27, 2006)

Ontario's minister in charge of police says the native standoff in Caledonia has devolved into a "symbolic" protest.

"There really isn't an occupation," said Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter yesterday.

"All of the barriers are down. There is a symbolic one on the property that is now being held by the province in trust."

Natives blockaded two major roads around Caledonia in late April after provincial police moved in to remove protesters occupying the Douglas Creek Estate development.

Highway 6 and Argyle Street were reopened in June.

Kwinter, in Hamilton yesterday to meet police Chief Brian Mullan, also said he is unaware of neighbourhood complaints that natives are using the disputed Douglas Creek Estates subdivision as base for disturbances in the neighbourhood.

"I am not aware of that," Kwinter said. "I am not aware of any mayhem that is taking place at the present time."

Kwinter's comments drew sharp criticism from Caledonia's mayor, residents and opposition politicians.

"To argue that no occupation is still going on is ludicrous," said Conservative opposition leader John Tory yesterday. "If there is no occupation taking place, then why are people still on the land?"

Tory said the Liberal government should "come clean and tell us" if Queen's Park has negotiated a settlement with natives.

Tory said the government's strategy is to pretend there is no problem in Caledonia.

Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer said the minister "is not in touch with reality."

While the main roads are no longer blockaded, the standoff has simply returned to the original level of confrontation, Trainer said.

"This is where we started with this occupation," she said.

Local residents say Kwinter is downplaying the levels of tensions that persist in the town.

"It makes me very angry that he would make such a foolish comment when clearly there is an occupation," said Ken Hewitt, president of the Caledonia Citizens Coalition.

"He has absolutely no idea what's going on down here. Land is still being occupied and that occupation and protest is still being thrust in the face of the community.

"I recommend he come visit Caledonia for himself before he makes such a ridiculous statement."