John Paul Zronik
Brantford Expositor
Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 07:00
Local News - Haldimand County politicians want a face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss faster ways of resolving Six Nations land claims within the municipality.
During a news conference on Monday, Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer, flanked by five municipal councillors, said the community's economy is at a standstill because of continuing native protests in the area.
Without quick action by the federal government, the region's economy could suffer irreversible damage, she said.
"We cannot stand on the sidelines and watch this municipality's economy fail," Trainer said.
"We can no longer tolerate a situation that inhibits any future planning to realize this county's potential.
"The only solution to this problem is an accelerated process for land claims."
The politicians said they want to meet with the prime minister "as soon as possible."
Trainer said at least 12 development projects have been brought to a halt because of recent Six Nations protests in Haldimand, including actions at the Douglas Creek estates subdivision in Caledonia - occupied by natives since February 2006 - as well as at projects in Hagersville and Dunnville.
Haldimand politicians held a meeting with about 40 representatives from the development community last Wednesday to hear their concerns.
"(Developers have) millions and millions of dollars in these projects," Trainer said.
"Why should they be held hostage for the rest of Canada? It's not fair."
Trainer said Haldimand is also losing future development opportunities because of fear of occupations or demonstrations "that the Ontario Provincial Police cannot or will not intervene in, other than to keep the peace."
The mayor said the economic standstill is having an impact "across the board," affecting all businesses in the municipality.
She said the slow economy is a direct result of circumstances created by Ottawa.
"For well over a year, Caledonia, and recently other communities in the county, have become the lightning rods for First Nations frustrations over land claim inaction by the federal government," Trainer said.
Coun. Buck Sloat said Haldimand County will suffer more in the future if the current land claims negotiation process isn't sped up. "We're going to be dead in the water for many years to come," Sloat said.
Haldimand politicians are also asking Ottawa to appoint Haldimand-Norfolk MP Diane Finley to serve as a "minister responsible for Haldimand County," a point person who would ensure land claims settlements are given the highest priority.
"We need her here on a daily basis, on a regular basis, to see what's happening," Coun. Don Ricker said.
During an interview, Finley said she has met with Haldimand County council to hear its concerns and regularly talks with Trainer. Finley said she has expressed the concerns of local residents in Ottawa, including the fact people want land claims settled quickly, safely and fairly, with the rule of law observed by all.
"My primary interest is the residents of Haldimand County," Finley said
Finley said Ottawa has taken action to resolve the land claims issue, including an offer of $125 million to Six Nations to settle four outstanding land claims.
"We're waiting for a response on that," she said. "That's where things stand."
The federal government in June also introduced a new mechanism that will settle a backlog of about 800 land claims more quickly, Finley said.
Whether Harper meets with municipal politicians will be up to the prime minister's office, she added.
Trainer said the municipality wants Six Nations protesters off occupied land in Haldimand and the settlement of at least some outstanding land claims. It also wants Ottawa to initiate an economic impact study to quantify how much the local economy has suffered since the native protests began.
Haldimand County also wants at least observer status at the negotiating table during current land claims discussions.
Trainer said the county has tried to be patient about the occupation and its effect on the municipality, but will no longer accept being an "insignificant player" in working to bring the situation to an end.
Coun. Tony Dalimonte said Haldimand needs to re-establish a healthy relationship with Six Nations, which will also require the assistance of the federal government.
"We need to work on restoring that relationship," Dalimonte said. "We need (the government's) help to do that. The key is settling the claims."