Tory vows to uphold one law for all

CALEDONIA, ON, Sept. 23 /CNW/ - Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory today returned to Caledonia, the site of the ongoing land-occupation, where he called for new leadership to resolve the current standoff and prevent other illegal occupations in the future.

"For over a year and a half Dalton McGuinty has permitted an illegal occupation to paralyze this entire community," Mr. Tory said. "He has failed the people of Ontario."

The Caledonia occupation began on February 28th, 2006 when a group of protesters claiming to represent the Six Nations Confederacy staged an illegal occupation of a Caledonia area building site. In the ensuing 19 months, vandalism and violence have held the community hostage.

To date, Dalton McGuinty has refused to insist on the rule of law when it comes to illegal occupations. The Caledonia occupation alone has cost Ontario taxpayers $55 million so far. Similar disputes have since threatened communities ranging from Desoronto, Brantford, Hagarsville, the Village of York, and Dunnville.

Tory announced today that he would move to protect Ontario communities from illegal occupations by strengthening existing laws.

"I am announcing today that a PC government will amend provincial statutes, including the Trespass to Property Act to address the breakdown in law that results from an illegal occupation," said Tory. This new act would respect the valid interests of each side, protect innocent bystanders, and set a policy framework for police."

Tory reiterated his commitments to showing new leadership on addressing the many longstanding issues of Ontario's First Nations' communities:

- Make it a priority to resolve Aboriginal land claims, working in a spirit of partnership with Aboriginal peoples and the federal government;

- Work with Ontario's Aboriginal peoples to address the deplorable conditions in many Aboriginal communities, by working to meet essential needs in education, health, social services, and infrastructure;

- Improve mental health service capacity in Aboriginal communities in partnership with Aboriginal peoples and the federal government; and,

- Work with Aboriginal peoples, the federal government, employers and our colleges and universities to promote and enhance access to our college and university programs by Aboriginal students.

He also outlined the new ground rules that a Progressive Conservative overnment would enforce when confronted with an illegal occupation:

- No negotiation with anyone engaging in an illegal occupation;

- Oppose any group using an illegal occupation to extort concessions or payments

- Insist that the authority of the courts, including court injunctions, are respected and enforced; and,

- Use the justice system to pursue civil action against those who participate in, direct, or financially support illegal occupations.

"I will stand up and stand beside the people of this province to ensure they are protected," Tory concluded. "For a safe and strong Ontario, leadership matters."

For further information: Mike Van Soelen, Tel: (647) 722-1760