By Karen Best
Friday, January 19, 2007 - 09:00
Haldimand Review
On the eve of Gary McHale's second flag raising event, a Six Nations spokesperson announced that Canadian flags will fly on Douglas Creek Estates. The press release is the last in a series denouncing disruption caused by this campaign.
Both the Canadian and American flags will fly alongside the Haudenosaunee flag to reflet the dual citizenship of Six Nations, stated the press release. This move is an attempt to put an end to the Canadian flag issue and to show respect for Canadian and American supporters of the occupation of the subdivision in Caledonia.
"But let us be clear about this," said Six Nations spokesperson Hazel Hill. "This is about the land. Our land. Our rights. It is unfortuante that some people see this for what they can gain while using the insecurities and fears of teh Caledonia residents to promote the goals of hatred, racism and biogotry."
Calling McHale a "publicity hound", the press release said McHale and other agitators used Canadian patriotism as an excuse to cause disrpution and divert attention from the real issue of Six Nations land rights.
An Arnold Jacobs painting honouring Six Nations veterans in all wars will be assembled on DCE. Since 1812, before Canada was a country, Six Nations people have defended Canadian borders and continue to and are currently serving in Canadian uniforms in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Shortly before the Six Nations press release was received, a Haldimand County statement which was flagged urgent, contained the mayor's message calling for maintaining peace.This will allow the county's tradition of living in harmony and cooperation to continue, said Mayor Marie Trainer.
"Haldimand County does not welcome anyone into our community who has the intention of breaking the law, getting arrested or inciting violence, " she said. "These types of behaviours jeopardize officer and public safety for the sake of a wilful and purposeless arrest.”
OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino was blunt about the event he catagorized as “mischief making”. In a statement issued on Jan. 18, he said the rally is “irresponsible” and “provocative” and asked people to stay away from the rally area.
“The Ontario Provincial Police will be present to maintain peace at all costs and any lawbreakers will be dealt with,” said Fantino. Enforcement will be strict and lawlessness will not be tolerated, he said.
A Jan. 19 press release said that people who attempt to go around or through the police line could face criminal charges of obstructing police. If arrested, the person could be fingerprinted and photographed.
“It disturbs me that persons with self-centred agendas are willing to come into this community and undermine our efforts,” said Fantino. These agendas bring an added element of risk, and those pursuing such agendas will be held accountable, he said.
“Officers continue to bravely police the community and will continue to preserve the peace that exists in Caledonia”, said the commissioner.
In early December, several Caledonia residents launched the flag campaign to honour Canadian Forces in Afghanistan. One man, who attempted to put up a flag beside a native flag on a pole near DCE, was arrested.
Two week later, McHale came to Caledonia on the same mission. His point was to illustrate two tier justice through the OPP reaction. He and Mark Vandermaas were arrested. They have filed small claims suits for unlawful arrest in the Superior Court of Justice. They are asking for $10,000 and legal costs.
On Jan. 20, the two men are hoping 50 Caledonia residents step forward and are willing to be arrested for erecting a Canadian flag on poles where native flags fly across from DCE on Argyle Street South.
Based on a 1993 Supreme Court of Canada ruling, posters and other forms of expression cannot be banned from utility poles. The court ruled that a Peterborough bylaw forbidding the practice was a violation of the freedom of expression enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights.
In an earlier interview, Haldimand County Hydro president Lloyd Payne said the local utility company would not be taking flags of any kind down from its poles. Hydro One is also leaving flags and signs in place on their poles.