Brant MPP Dave Levac says he will take to the Ontario government city council's request for compensation for lost revenue, lost development and extra policing costs stemming from native protests.
As soon as a bill being prepared by city staff is ready, Levac said he'll take it to Premier Dalton McGuinty's office.
His comments were in response to a resolution from Coun. Mark Littell that was unanimously endorsed by councillors earlier this week. The resolution is expected to receive council approval Monday. It directs staff to estimate the value of development charges and tax assessment lost to the municipality as a result of native protests and the costs of having city police monitor blockades at targeted development sites.
"It is a reasonable thing that the municipality seeks assistance and I can state clearly that the resolution will be studied," Levac said Wednesday.
He said he has already spoken to Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant and McGuinty about the impact of the protests on the city's development and that the municipality wants to pursue compensation.
'treated seriously'
"I'm being assured by all three that this type of resolution will be evaluated," Levac said.
"That does not say 'green light, you get everything you want.' There might not even be a nickel. But it will be treated seriously."
Many council members have said they're skeptical that any compensation will be forthcoming. Some say that the provincial and federal governments are unconcerned about the fallout the city is catching from the unresolved land claims dispute. But some councillors believe the request for compensation might at least be a way to get their attention.
Levac said he considers that attitude unfair.
"I agree with a lot of what is said about the frustration. I don't agree with the characterization that the government of the day doesn't care about their situation," he said.
"That's unfair. Every Tuesday I express my concerns about the issue in caucus, in front of cabinet ministers and the entire caucus. They hear what's happening in Brantford."
Littell believes his resolution could have a wider impact.
"A positive thing about it already is that I have received several calls and e-mails from the business and development communities saying it's nice that the city is being proactive."