FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2020
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett continued to demand action on the illegal blockade on Highway 6 in Caledonia.
Following up on a similar statement last Tuesday, Barrett again reiterated, “The illegal blockade of Highway 6 at Caledonia must come down”.
The Highway 6 blockade is part of a national effort to block roads and rail lines in a show of solidarity with hereditary Wet’suwet’en chiefs opposed to the construction of the Coastal GasLink natural pipeline in British Columbia.
Barrett’s office has been deluged with calls and e-mails on the issue. Many are concerned about the impact of the increased traffic on the bridge and the negative impact on Caledonia’s business.
“Caledonia’s illegal blockade is very dangerous. Traffic is now being routed over a 1927 bridge that should have been replaced 18 years ago. The blockade seriously hinders the movement of goods, services and people,” Barrett said. “Our area’s economy, on both sides of Highway 6, is struggling. Stores are closing. It’s disheartening that the Canadian government continues to remain silent.”
Barrett called for action, and pointed to the federal government for a solution.
“We need a coordinated plan to see these illegal blockades dismantled immediately. We respect the right of a peaceful protest, but enough is enough. Tear down this blockade. Caledonia has been helpless for 14 years and 10 days now.”
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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org
ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Draft Hansard
March 10, 2020
INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
Mr. Toby Barrett: Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow members of Parliament from all political parties, I rise today yet again to restate my position: The illegal blockade of Highway 6 at Caledonia must come down. I’m calling on the federal government yet again to step up and take responsibility for the group of activists blocking our highways.
The blockade on Highway 6 is part of a national effort to block roads and rail lines in a show of solidarity with hereditary Wet’suwet’en chiefs opposed to the construction of the Coastal GasLink natural pipeline in British Columbia.
Caledonia’s illegal blockade is very dangerous. Traffic is now being routed over a 1927 bridge that should have been replaced 18 years ago. The blockade seriously hinders the movement of goods, services and people.
Our area’s economy, on both sides of Highway 6, is struggling. Stores are closing. It’s disheartening that the Canadian government continues to remain silent.
We need a coordinated plan to see these illegal blockades dismantled immediately. We respect the right of a peaceful protest, but enough is enough. Tear down this blockade. Caledonia has been helpless for 14 years and 10 days now.
If you want to help, contact me at toby.barrett@pc.ola.org.