For Immediate Release:
July 9, 2011
Simcoe – Yesterday, the McGuinty government reached a $20 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought forward by the residents and businesses of Caledonia in 2006.
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett feels the settlement may be a sideways apology from the government. “Or it could be a desperate attempt to hush the community,” he said. “The occupation has gone on for five years, with the people of the town of Caledonia paying the price – now, as an October election approaches, a desperate and panicked Premier thinks a $20 million bribe will make the problem go away.”
Barrett went on to say that actual loss to Caledonia and Haldimand County is far greater than the settlement indicates. “Families have lived under continuous stress and businesses have struggled and some have closed their doors. Major retailers abandoned their plans to develop in the County and a $116 million hydro corridor sits idle with a native flag flying from one of the towers.”
The Ontario PC caucus has been adamant they will expand the powers in the Trespass to Property Act to help restore faith in the fairness of how such disputes are settled.
“Ontario families should not be afraid in their own communities. We believe there should be one rule for everyone in Ontario, no matter what your background or where you live. We are all equal citizens under the law,” Barrett concluded.
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629