Local MP Diane Finley faced searing criticism from both fellow federal candidates and disgruntled residents at the
Hundreds of angered Caledonians showed up to the all-candidates’ debate at the Royal Canadian Legion. Or at least they tried to. Some debate goers were left to strain their ears in either one of several hallways or backrooms after the second-floor hall was filled way beyond capacity.
But for those lucky enough to land a much-sought-after seat, the entertainment was worth all the squeezing and elbow bumping.
For two hours, Caledonians had a chance to hear local candidates promise, accuse and even fumble through a heated discussion of the ongoing Six Nations land claim. Residents posed a variety of questions — from how to overhaul the local economy in light of the conflict to how to ensure negotiations continue — to guarantee the issue remained on the front burner.
But Independent Gary McHale wasn’t a politician that needed to be reminded of the land claim.
“We have land claim issues every single week (in this country),” McHale said, adding that Six Nations residents are earning millions in delaying the process. “Why would anyone want to settle making that (kind of) money?”
But Conservative candidate Diane Finley was quick to defend the negotiations spearheaded by her government, particularly their selection of Barbara McDougall and Ron Deering as negotiators.
“It doesn’t get any better than Ron Deering,” she justified. “We cannot force people to accept settlements.”
She also attempted to dispel the myth that she hasn’t been on the frontlines in
“I fly in every Friday night and fly out every Sunday,” she explained. “It’s hard to reach everyone in one weekend.”
But the audience wasn’t buying her story of being on the scenes — or even her story of bringing the community’s concerns to her staff of negotiators.
“I have to continue to get your input to bring to negotiators,” she said to a roar of laughter from the audience.
“Give your head a shake!” quipped a heckler in the back. “Give your head a shake!”
Hoskins also wasn’t letting Finley’s lack of presence at the Douglas Creek Estates slide.
“There’s no single issue in the county greater than
He also took the opportunity to remind audience members of his heightened presence at
“I’ve been on the ground,” Hoskins said. “I know that you haven’t been in
But while Hoskins, Finley and McHale pointed fingers, Green candidate Stephana Johnston took a different — more controversial — position on the issue.
“They’re (Six Nations natives) not a conquered people, so these people have a right to their land,”
She also suggested that the issue could be settled at the United Nations.
“At the UN, we have laws for aboriginal rights,” she justified to a clamour of boos.
But at the end of the debate, all attention was directed back to Finley — the person currently at the helm of the riding.
“Look at Diane Finley,” McHale commanded the audience. “You’re not going to see her here for another four years! Have a good look at her.”
Hoskins added fuel to the fire.
“Finley has played hide and go seek, while McHale believes media and protests are a solution,” he explained. “A protest vote will guarantee four more years of Diane Finley.”