For immediate release:
February 23, 2012
Queens Park – As the people of Haldimand face the 6th anniversary of “Occupy Caledonia” at Douglas Creek Estates, the McGuinty government is adding fuel to the fire.
During Question period today, provincial Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne indicated the McGuinty government wants to discuss potential uses for DCE, while calling the Feds back to the negotiating table for a land claim she says is at the heart of the matter.
“As a first step, what we’re proposing is that we get all parties to the table to discuss potential uses for the DCE lands, finding a use for the lands that Haldimand residents and Six Nations members can all agree on,” stated Wynne. “….But it’s important to remember that at the heart of the matter is a 200-year-old land claim that only the federal government can resolve.”
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett was present during Question Period and wished to correct the Liberals who stated that there is a land claim on DCE. Barrett reiterated that a number of land claims exist elsewhere in the former Haldimand tract, but not on DCE or along the former Plank Road. Barrett further stated that the Government members erroneously accused him of stating there is no valid land claim in the Haldimand Tract area.
Barrett goes on to note that Opposition Leader Tim Hudak understands the impact of any possible official handover of DCE to Six Nations on families in Caledonia stating succinctly, “The Ontario PC Caucus opposes this move. We believe it is the wrong thing to do.”
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629