Local MPP Toby Barrett caused a stir in the Legislature at Queen's Park yesterday with some pointed questions about the native standoff in Caledonia.
Barrett recently learned that a house occupied by native activists in the former Douglas Creek Estates subdivision is still hooked up to water and hydro service. Barrett asked Premier Dalton McGuinty why the province continues to pay the utility bills on a property that features the flag of the Mohawk Warriors.
"This is an organization described by the OPP as 'A lawless group, usually armed, with a reputation akin to the Hell's Angels,'" Barrett said.
McGuinty deflected the question to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid, who chastised Barrett for stirring the pot.
"We're making great progress in bringing people together in that community," Duguid said. "Municipality after municipality now in that region -- and the member knows this -- are signing agreements with Six Nations to work together. When the member raises questions like these with the intent, I believe, to split parties apart and try to drive a wedge between parties, I think it is particularly unhelpful."
Barrett wasn't deterred.
"Premier, to answer my own question, you are footing the electricity bill," Barrett said.
Barrett then recounted some of the violence that has attended the Douglas Creek Estates since the occupation began in February of 2006.
"By continuing to pay the water and electricity bills, what are you doing about the perception out there that your McGuinty government is supporting and condoning the activities and actions of militant law breakers?" Barrett asked. "When will you stop sticking taxpayers with these utility bills?"
Duguid sidestepped the question by saying "the member is getting very close to an ongoing lawsuit that's taking place."
Duguid was referring to a civil suit in Hamilton brought by David Brown, 42, and his wife Dana Chatwell, 45, against the province. The couple's home on Argyle Street South in Caledonia was caught inside the native barricade after the Ontario Provincial Police failed to evict the native protesters in a bungled raid three years ago. Brown has testified in recent days that the OPP failed to act after his family was subjected to threats, intimidation, unlawful confinement and theft while his property was under the control of natives.
A commotion broke out in the legislature when Duguid declined further comment. However, after speaker Steve Peters restored order, Duguid took the opportunity to compare Barrett unfavourably with other MPPs involved in the Caledonia dispute.
"I appreciate the opportunity to respond to this because it gives me an opportunity to compare the approaches being taken by members and leaders in the community, like our member from Brant, Dave Levac, who is tirelessly working, contrary to the member opposite, to bring people together in that community to reach out and try to create economic development partnerships. That's the