McGuinty: Goodwill With Caledonia Standoff Almost Up
Posted June 12, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Part of the road may be blocked, but Premier Dalton McGuinty can see the end of it from Queen’s Park.
The Liberal chief is aghast at the weekend violence that saw seven arrest warrants issued and a number of media personnel injured, as tensions flared again at the Caledonia standoff.
The dispute, which surrounds a housing complex the natives claim is on their land, has been causing major dissension since last February. It has alternatively been waxing hot and cold until it heated up again over the weekend.
One elderly couple’s car was swarmed and a U.S. border patrol vehicle was seized as tensions threatened to escalate to new heights. The attack on two local cameramen prompted the arrest warrants, but the Aboriginals are adamant legal agents won’t be allowed onto the land to serve them.
McGuinty admits his government has been trying to be careful in getting a resolution to the issue but notes these kinds of actions won’t be allowed to stand.
“Our government’s goodwill is close to being exhausted,” he admits. “We have been negotiating in good faith. We’re doing everything we can on behalf of the province of Ontario to bring this to a peaceful resolution. But I am with the community. I’m with Ontarians generally. We have, as I say, just about exhausted our goodwill and our patience.”
A barricade that blocked the main highway into Caledonia was removed last month. But residents charge the protestors are being allowed to get away with whatever they want while the O.P.P. have stood by and done nothing.
