John Burman
The Hamilton Spectator
(Sep 25, 2007)
Former federal cabinet minister David Crombie is well aware of Caledonia residents' feelings of alienation and anger over the native land dispute.
Crombie told Haldimand council last night that friends who live in the area have explained the feelings of resentment and frustration they feel.
After meeting with Mayor Marie Trainer and councillors late yesterday, Crombie explained his role is to work with federal and provincial negotiators at the talks and "find ways to move the agenda forward."
He also said Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl is aware Caledonia residents have not really had a conduit between them and federal negotiators to get information about the talks and share their concerns about the dispute.
And, Crombie said, the minister expects recommendations from him.
Promising open public meetings, Crombie plans to work out of a Haldimand County office either in Caledonia or Cayuga.
"I will be accessible," he said.
The former Toronto mayor and federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs will not be part of the negotiating tables but will meet with negotiators and respond to residents' questions.
He said he is concerned about the level of resentment and frustration in the community because these things "impact future generations."
The future was very much on builder Joe Gualtieri's mind when he met with Crombie prior to the session with county council.
Gualtieri, whose brother Sam was severely injured in a confrontation with a number of native youth when the Stirling Woods subdivision was occupied by protesters, told Crombie he wants to see money set aside to help native and white youth reach out to one another and understand each other.
"We have to do that, or they'll never get over this," said Gualtieri, adding Crombie liked the idea.
The builder, who also wants a public inquiry into the whole Caledonia situation, said he was encouraged by Crombie's eagerness to listen.
"I accepted this mission because I believe I can help," Crombie said.
Ward 2 Councillor Buck Sloat told Crombie that residents have been feeling a huge gap between themselves and the federal government.
"We have had the least amount of support from the federal government," he said.
Ward 6 Councillor Lorne Boyko agreed, adding, "I see (Crombie) as a link between us and Ottawa, not just another layer of bureaucracy."
Perhaps the most telling comment about the job Crombie has ahead of him came from a man at the back of the room as Trainer finished up council's regular opening prayer and included Crombie, asking for "his success in the future helping Haldimand residents."
"He'll need the Lord on that one," the man said under his breath.