The Hamilton Spectator
(Oct 20, 2007)
Re: 'Ontario rejects authority of native institute; Confederacy chief says province 'making decisions on lands it doesn't own' (Oct. 18) and 'Six Nations warns of legal action over permits'(Oct. 10)
I read with astonishment the words of Aaron Detlor, the lawyer representing the native confederacy. He is quoted as saying, "The bottom line ... if they don't come to the table to negotiate in good faith (with the Haudenosaunee Development Institute), all development will come to an utter and complete stop." He is also quoted as saying that if the citizens of Haldimand do not come to the Haudenosaunee Development Institute "... there's not going to be any development."
The only reasonable interpretation of these statements in light of current events is that if the natives do not get their way they will commit illegal acts against the citizens of Haldimand.
I am surprised the Law Society would want lawyers threatening illegal actions by their clients in an attempt to obtain some benefit. Has Canada become a country where I can say to my neighbour, "if you build a deck, bad things will happen to you?" Detlor needs to step back and remember his first obligation is to foster respect for the laws and courts of Canada.
In regard to the big picture, I support settling any reasonable claims and refusing those that are unreasonable. At the same time, the government needs to act decisively to stop all illegal acts to protect individual and property rights. When we delay in taking these steps, we allow innocent citizens to suffer and we give the native community the false belief they can have success by trampling the rights of others. We also give the native community unreasonable expectations about their rights.
Our neighbour has told us she is moving away from Haldimand County. I cannot blame her. Her decision to move is logical. Those of us who stay can expect years of depressed housing prices, zero growth and poor community relations. We know it will take many years to repair this rift in our county. I ask myself, must there be a death before we will see leadership and decisive action?
Albert H. Marshall
Cayuga