By KATIE DAWSON
The Sachem
(March 09, 2007)
At an organized march by Gary McHale, of Richmond Hill, and Mark Vandermaas, of London, about 60 people gathered to show their supported of recently suspended Hamilton police officer and resident of Caledonia, Constable David Hartless.
Constable Hartless, who lives next to Douglas Creek Estates, is being investigated for discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act. This began a few weeks ago after he wrote an open letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty criticizing him and the OPP for their lack of leadership in Caledonia. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino then sent word to the Hamilton Police Service and a probe was launched. McHale, who has been the subject of much controversy in Caledonia, has spoken out against how the OPP seem to be practicing a Òtwo-tier" justice system since late summer. He has organized previous rallies in Caledonia to much media attention.
Saturday was slightly more low key. At 10 a.m. Mark Vandermaas, Voice of Canada editor, gathered with several Caledonia residents and outsiders to take petitions door to door. The first petition is to show support for David Hartless, who Vandermaas says is having his freedom of speech trampled on, and the other is to have OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino fired. At 2 p.m., the "March for Freedom" was taken to the OPP station, where Haldimand County Councillor for Caledonia, Craig Grice, spoke to about 60 people.
"The issue before us is not about land claims, an occupation, or race relations. It"s about the constitutional right of Ôfreedom of speech." Throughout this entire ordeal in Caledonia I never thought I would need to defend this entrenched right. The right that gives every individual the power and protection to use their voice. At no time has this man, who we are here for today, spoken a racist word, commented on things he has no business discussing, or expressed hatred towards any individual. However, today we hear how he may be a discredit to his employer as he speaks out against the injustices placed before him and those he cares for," said Grice. Grice is a neighbour of Constable Hartless, and gives him credit for helping his family through much of the summer"s ordeal. ÒHe has stood tall, not for himself but for his neighbours and his community. Throughout the turbulent times alongside the Douglas Creek Estates, he sought to bring about a sense of security and provide a piece of mind to others. It was he who knocked on my door, telling me that if my family ever needed anything, he would be there. In fact, this truly courageous individual spoke to all of us in an effort to organize a call for help, as we all could see the O.P.P. with their hands tied."
Grice added that it is only because Hartless speaks for the application of the law, as facilitated by an officer"s oath and duty, that he is censored today. "I propose to you, that at any other time he would be celebrated by his employer for his direct involvement with those he lives closest to." "Mr Fantino stated only two short days ago that provincial police Ôwill continue to assume our responsibilities for keeping the peace, and do what they can to mitigate consequences." I would suggest to Mr. Fantino that it was, and is, Mr. Hartless who has helped keep that peace by bringing my community together and dealing with the consequences that the O.P.P., the province, and the federal government have allowed to exist in our backyards. Mr. Fantino goes on to explain that he and the province are trying to get the federal government to understand the volatility that we are faced with, yet to me it"s clear that Mr. Hartless, and his community, already understand this."
Vandermaas addressed the crowd, announcing that on March 14th he and McHale will be taking a presentation to Queen"s Park where they will show the findings of their investigation of what happened in Ipperwash, Ontario and how the handling of the situation there has had an impact on Caledonia. "At 11 a.m. in the media room at Queen"s Park we will be releasing the Ipperwash Papers," says Vandermaas. "400 pages of documents of the truth of what really happened there." McHale also announced that on March 24th there will be a community information session held at the Cayuga Lions Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. Toby Barrett, MPP, and John Findlay, lawyer with the class action suit, will be there to answer questions about what rights people have under the Charter and what legal action can be taken.