Give Fantino lot of credit
He kept blockade from escalating into violence
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"Self-serving nonsense."
And with that, straight-talking OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino expressed what he thinks of the firestorm in the media over the weekend.
Some are even calling for his dismissal over his direct dealing with native protester Shawn Brant, who is before the courts charged with public mischief and breach of bail conditions for his alleged role in the blockade of Hwy. 401 and rail lines at Deseronto in 2007.
But Fantino wasn't fazed.
"I am not going to worry about screaming headlines," said Fantino, who was reached while vacationing abroad with his family. "People should not be tried in the media."
Yet, much of the media reported Sunday that Brant's lawyer, Peter Rosenthal, is calling for action against Fantino.
"There is danger in allowing this man to be left at the head of the OPP," Rosenthal was quoted by the Sun's Ian Robertson. "The danger is life and death ... they should suspend Commissioner Fantino pending an inquiry."
Of course, such words, and legal dancing over the legality of such things as a wiretap are going to gain attention in an attempt to get the best deal for a client. However, when I read this, it struck me how lost in all of this is the fact that protesters had blocked one of the world's busiest highways and rail lines -- both the lifeblood for commerce in this country.
Fantino was able to hastily negotiate peacefully an end to this blockade; he should be given a medal. It did not turn out to be another Ipperwash or even a long drawn out situation like the one at
It's interesting to me that on one hand the OPP are criticized and even sued for not doing enough to end native standoffs and now there are calls for inquiries for doing too much. With this one, instead of pats on the back for the OPP and its gutsy leadership, the ghost of Dudley George was trotted out as were the violins for some so called native protesters who, by the way, are not elected by their own band members, are not part of the Assembly of First Nations and are not sitting at the table of numerous legitimate land claims negotiations.
This was not a land claim but merely a bunch of protesters cutting off the country's citizens from reaching each other by highway or rail! One thing for sure is they should not be able to usurp the authority of this province's police and do what they want, whenever they want.
Those trying to shake Fantino's command, quote wiretap transcripts from a phone call where -- among other things -- Fantino said to Brant he would do "everything I can within your community and everywhere else to destroy your reputation" and "Shawn, your whole world's going to come crashing down on this issue."
EMPTY WORDS
I think he was just telling the truth, but Rosenthal told reporters "this type of attitude is going to lead to another Ipperwash" and discounted the commissioner's actions by saying "it was a very big inconvenience for some people that day, but it was only for one day and it could easily have escalated into violence."
But it did not escalate into violence or into another Ipperwash and Fantino deserves a large part of the credit for that. Knowing all eyes were on him, he was, after all, dealing with a blockade on the massively busy 401 which stranded the east-west CN rail line, stalling millions of dollars worth of cargo from getting to its destination -- and several passenger trains, too!
Somebody has to put the conversation between Fantino and Brant into context. These men are not equal. One is the top cop and the other one is an alleged criminal!
I remember very well speaking to Fantino on that very day and he told me taking steps to ensure no one was hurt -- while re-establishing the highway to law abiding commuters -- were equal priorities in his attempts to negotiate a peaceful conclusion.
It wasn't Fantino or the OPP who were blocking the highway. And now the likeable Brant and his lawyer have the nerve to shift the blame and focus onto Fantino.
It's a strong attempt and some fell for it but it's doubtful to work with Ontarians, whose premier has already backed Fantino.
In fact, many see it as somebody finally standing up to non-stop agitators, who are not elected native leaders and some of whom are nothing more than punks.
As for Rosenthal calling for his suspension, Fantino said: "I don't answer to him, I answer to the courts."
That was a good reminder that there is a trial on and perhaps this move by Rosenthal was a clever way to transfer some of the focus away from his client.
On that assertion, Fantino would not comment other than to say: "I have been working in the court system for 40 years and have tremendous faith in it. I am not worried at all, Joe. Nor should I be. I mean, these people doing all of this talking were not there and don't know all of the complications of the day. There is a trial on and it's best to leave it to the court."