Tue Sep 26, 6:12 PM
By Chinta Puxley
TORONTO (CP)
The governing Liberals said they don't know the cost of managing the ongoing aboriginal occupation in Caledonia, Ont. but at least one minister says it will "cost what it's going to cost."
Conservative Leader John Tory said Tuesday the seven-month aboriginal standoff in the town just outside of Hamilton has cost taxpayers about $55 million - including $30 million in policing costs, $20 million to buy the disputed land and $330,000 to pay negotiator Jane Stewart's salary.
David Ramsay, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs, said he has "no idea" how much the occupation is costing. His ministry has beefed up its staff, he said, and people are working hard to get the dispute resolved.
"It's going to cost what it's going to cost," Ramsay said. "When you're confronted with a situation, it's the government's responsibility to deal with it."
"It's just one of those incidents that governments run into and you have to manage it."
Tory called that attitude "incredible."
"People are working hard to earn these monies that they're paying in taxes to the government of Ontario and I think this matter has been mishandled like nothing I've ever seen before," Tory said.
"There are ways they could have got this matter resolved a lot sooner."
When asked about the cost of the occupation in the legislature, McGuinty didn't respond with a total figure, saying the province is intent on reaching an agreement with Six Nations protesters at the negotiating table.
"We are proud of the way that we have managed this difficult, complex situation," McGuinty said.
McGuinty wouldn't repeat previous comments that it would be "unacceptable" for the occupation to drag on through the winter, but said the province will continue negotiating with the federal government and Six Nations.
"We are intent at remaining at the table," he said. "This particular issue predates Confederation. It is complex. It is fraught with challenges . . . We will continue to be at the table for as long as it takes."
Tory said the province should exact an agreement from Six Nations protesters, holding them to a "minimum standard of behaviour" as long as they remain on the land.
The standoff, which began in February, has been marred by violent clashes between town residents and aboriginals.
Six Nations protesters say they will stay on the site - bought by the province and being held in trust - until it is returned to them. They say the land was taken illegally from them by the Crown more than 200 years ago.