Compiled by Jill Mahoney
Globe and Mail Update Published on Wednesday, Feb. 03, 2010 1:27PM EST Last updated on Wednesday, Feb. 03, 2010 1:47PM EST
Feb. 28, 2006 : Natives from the Six Nations reserve seize the Douglas Creek Estate housing development in Caledonia, Ont. They claim the contested land was taken from them more than two centuries ago.
April 20, 2006 : The occupation turns violent when the Ontario Provincial Police stage an early-morning raid and are driven off by as many as 1,000 aboriginal protesters, who set large fires and block roads.
Dec. 16, 2006 : Activist Gary McHale, who has led demonstrations protesting what he considers two-tier justice in the policing of the occupation, is arrested at a rally.
April 7, 2007 : OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino sends an e-mail to Caledonia Mayor Marie Trainer and her councillors lambasting one for supporting Mr. McHale. He also warns that if any of his officers are hurt in a protest led by Mr. McHale, he would hold the county responsible and bill it for the added policing costs, support any OPP officer who sued council in the civil courts and “strongly recommend” the OPP not renew its policing contract.
December, 2007 : In an eight-day period, Commissioner Fantino writes at least 27 e-mails about Mr. McHale, according to documents later disclosed by the Crown.
Dec. 7, 2007 : Mr. McHale is arrested and charged with counselling mischief after a violent protest over a Six Nations-operated smoke shop.
August, 2009 : Mr. McHale tries to have Commissioner Fantino charged with influencing or attempting to influence a municipal official but a justice of the peace refuses to proceed with the charge.
Dec. 31, 2009 : Superior Court Justice David Crane rules that Commissioner Fantino must face Mr. McHale's accusation, which is a Criminal Code offence carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison.
Jan. 20, 2010 : Commissioner Fantino is officially charged with influencing or attempting to influence a municipal official.
Feb. 2, 2010 : Mr. McHale releases several e-mails from December, 2007, contained in documents disclosed by the Crown in which officers discuss the possibility of a court order or charges against him. In one e-mail, Commissioner Fantino writes: “At some point McHale has to go.”
Feb. 3, 2010 : The Crown withdraws the charge against Commissioner Fantino, saying there is no reasonable prospect of conviction. Mr. McHale vows to fight the move.