Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory is vowing to revamp the law to impose hefty daily fines on protesters who illegally occupy land.
At a Caledonia pit stop yesterday, Tory said his government would "broaden" trespassing laws to address land occupations. Fines would be doubled to a maximum of $2,000 and issued daily.
Organizations that direct or finance an illegal occupation would also be penalized up to $25,000 daily.
"There will be consequences to illegal acts," said Tory, who met with local residents and Mayor Marie Trainer to hear their frustrations.
Tory had sharp criticism for Premier Dalton McGuinty, who he says has allowed the rule of law to be suspended.
"From the comfortable confines of the Premier's Office, Mr. McGuinty pretends this crisis does not exist."
Tory noted he has visited Caledonia at least eight times since the occupation began, while McGuinty hasn't been there once. Trainer added McGuinty has travelled to Hamilton several times during the same period, often with funding announcements.
McGuinty spokesperson Ben Chin said it's easy to make political hay out of the premier's schedule, but the important point is McGuinty's ongoing dedication to solving the dispute.
The only solution to the Caledonia situation is negotiations between the federal government and Six Nations, said Chin, adding he has yet to see any party offer a solid alternative.
"There is no instant solution that isn't going to make it worse."
Tory said if elected, he would bring both sides together to end illegal occupations, but Chin noted such talks are already ongoing.
Frustrated residents at Tory's event said they believe it will take someone's death before the province takes action. It's become a joke around town to ask who is willing to volunteer to help the town.
"Take one for the team," quipped Val Vanderwyk.