Friday, September 07, 2007 - 07:00
Brantford Expositor
Editorial - Mayor Hancock's recent comments that "he is disappointed with the protest at the building site because the city values its relationship with Six Nations" and "This doesn't help that relationship" are the most hypocritical and reek of desperate falsehood!
As a Canadian citizen and tax-paying Brantford homeowner, I believe the mayor needs to rise above his own calculated rhetoric and take into account his own relationship's damaging actions. The recent alarming rate of the issuing of building permits - while having the full awareness of a legal land claims dispute between the government and Six Nations - and making statements that construction projects will continue on regardless is a blatant devaluation of that alleged good relationship.
As noted by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1990: "For many years, the rights of the Indians to their aboriginal lands - certainly as legal rights - were virtually ignored."
This brings us to the point Mr. Quattrociocchi made "So, I'm responsible for the last 200 years of injustice? That's ridiculous." No, you're not directly responsible because if you were around 200 years ago we would all be seeking your secret to longevity. But 244 years ago (1763) the Royal Proclamation was written and 25 years ago it was incorporated into the 1982 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Section 25 states the rights and freedoms recognized by the proclamation take precedence over other rights and freedoms in the charter.
Fulfilling the duty to consult and accommodate Six Nations falls under the Mikisew Cree First Nation versus Canada ruling (2005) two years ago. A B.C. court ruling about failing to have "meaningful" consultation goes way back to about a month ago and the court ruled in favour of that band. These rules of law hold accountable all corporations/developers and all levels of governments alike.
Both the Canadian federal and provincial governments are equal stakeholders in neglecting the honour of the Crown and are legally subjected to the consequences of their poor judgments. The Honourable Sidney B. Linden stated in the Ipperwash Inquiry: "It is clear to me that the absence of timely, fair and effective procedures that can be reasonably relied upon to address disputes will likely lead to more occupations and protests in the future." The key word is fair and I am of the opinion that Mayor Hancock should look into a sincere, non-adversarial and honourable relationship that can come up with creative solutions that both nations can benefit from in dual prosperity.
Timothy Edward Reynolds Brantford