In the history of cross-border smuggling, the Thousand Islands in general, and this one in particular, have a special place. Scattered through the upper St. Lawrence River, with the republic on the south shore and the dominion on the north, the islands were a smuggler’s dream — the American border is only about 10 kilometres from where I live.
But those days are in the past, no competition for a reality even better than any smuggler’s dream: Indian reserves.
The smuggling action is now to the east of us on the cross-border Akwesasne Mohawk reserve near Cornwall, Ont., where illegal cigarettes from New York state can be brought into Canada without leaving the reserve. And to the west is the Tyendinaga Mohawk reserve near Belleville, which is another sort of customs-free entity, in which tax-free cigarettes, legal for native Canadians, are smuggled out and sold on the black market. As was reported on the front page of yesterday’s Post, it is estimated that nearly one-third of all cigarettes sold in Ontario and Quebec were illicitly tax-free, smuggled off native reserves.
The lawlessness of the Caledonia, Ont., property dispute, now well over a year old, brought to public attention a phenomenon well-known in the illicit cigarette trade–namely, that many native reserves are no-go areas for police and treasury agents.
Perhaps attention is being paid now. At the end of June, when the Ontario Provincial Police obligingly closed the 401 highway in order to facilitate the native “day of action” protests, many residents in these parts were rather taken aback that the police appeared to be on the side of the illegal blockaders. Yet that has been true for a long time in regard to illegal tobacco and the rule of law — the peddlers of contraband have no better friend than police who deliberately look the other way.
Read the full story here
Showing posts with label Corruption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corruption. Show all posts
Friday, August 24, 2007
Illegal cigarette trade thriving in Quebec and Ontario, new study indicates
MONTREAL (CP) - The trade in contraband cigarettes is thriving in Canada, particularly in Quebec and Ontario, a new study by the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council indicates.
The study, released on Thursday, says the trade has cost federal and provincial governments $1.6 billion per year in lost revenues. The majority of the illegal cigarettes are concentrated in Quebec and Ontario. Ontario accounts for 53.8 per cent of the volume and Quebec for 41.1 per cent.
Illegal cigarettes were defined for the survey as cigarettes and tobacco sold by individuals who are not paying the appropriate taxes or duty. Those smoking illegal cigarettes in Ontario has risen to 31.6 per cent this year from 23.5 per cent in 2006. Thirty-seven per cent of smokers in Quebec pull contraband smokes.
The council says traffickers in illegal cigarettes often also sell guns, contraband liquor and drugs.
The council said the source of the contraband tobacco has changed since the 1990s. The trade was based then on popular brands that were exported to the United States and then brought back into Canada and sold without charging tax.
Now the industry is based on tobacco imported in bulk from China and South Africa and then made into cigarettes on aboriginal reserves and sold without taxes.
“About 95 per cent of the cigarettes are manufactured on aboriginal reserves,” said Yves-Thomas Dorval, a spokesman for the council.
“The first place to develop a contraband network is always close to the source.”
Read the full story here
The study, released on Thursday, says the trade has cost federal and provincial governments $1.6 billion per year in lost revenues. The majority of the illegal cigarettes are concentrated in Quebec and Ontario. Ontario accounts for 53.8 per cent of the volume and Quebec for 41.1 per cent.
Illegal cigarettes were defined for the survey as cigarettes and tobacco sold by individuals who are not paying the appropriate taxes or duty. Those smoking illegal cigarettes in Ontario has risen to 31.6 per cent this year from 23.5 per cent in 2006. Thirty-seven per cent of smokers in Quebec pull contraband smokes.
The council says traffickers in illegal cigarettes often also sell guns, contraband liquor and drugs.
The council said the source of the contraband tobacco has changed since the 1990s. The trade was based then on popular brands that were exported to the United States and then brought back into Canada and sold without charging tax.
Now the industry is based on tobacco imported in bulk from China and South Africa and then made into cigarettes on aboriginal reserves and sold without taxes.
“About 95 per cent of the cigarettes are manufactured on aboriginal reserves,” said Yves-Thomas Dorval, a spokesman for the council.
“The first place to develop a contraband network is always close to the source.”
Read the full story here
2 Tiered Justice struggle: What has been accomplished
For many months now we - with the help of some extraordinary fellow Canadians in and outside of Caledonia - have worked full time to vigorously and legally oppose the Two Tier Justice policies of the McGuinty government and the Ontario Provincial Police, and give a voice to those who had none. During this protracted and tiring struggle it is hard for people, especially those closest to the continuing occupation of the Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia to believe that anything at all has been accomplished, especially given that native intimidation of landowners is spreading.
In fact, a great deal has been accomplished to date:
Our accomplishments
Helped media realize that residents were innocent victims. Public opinion has turned against them so much that Natives involved in the most recent landclaim intimidation event resorted to carrying signs saying, “We are NOT terrorists!“
Provided reliable source of information for media stories.
Made ‘Two Tier Justice’ a household phrase.
Exposed terrorist threats to CSIS and the public.
Created ‘The Ipperwash Papers’ project to expose Ipperwash Inquiry for the shameful cover-up it was, thereby denying it as a tool for McGuinty’s re-election campaign. We were the first to tell the real story of what happened to the residents of Ipperwash. We were the first to get that story in the mainstream media, and we were the first to predict - 2 ½ months prior to release of its report, that the Inquiry would not be able to make any recommendations for preventing violence against innocent residents.
Silenced OPP propaganda machine with lawsuits and police complaints.
Exposed Liberal plan to sell out residents.
Read the full story here
In fact, a great deal has been accomplished to date:
Our accomplishments
Helped media realize that residents were innocent victims. Public opinion has turned against them so much that Natives involved in the most recent landclaim intimidation event resorted to carrying signs saying, “We are NOT terrorists!“
Provided reliable source of information for media stories.
Made ‘Two Tier Justice’ a household phrase.
Exposed terrorist threats to CSIS and the public.
Created ‘The Ipperwash Papers’ project to expose Ipperwash Inquiry for the shameful cover-up it was, thereby denying it as a tool for McGuinty’s re-election campaign. We were the first to tell the real story of what happened to the residents of Ipperwash. We were the first to get that story in the mainstream media, and we were the first to predict - 2 ½ months prior to release of its report, that the Inquiry would not be able to make any recommendations for preventing violence against innocent residents.
Silenced OPP propaganda machine with lawsuits and police complaints.
Exposed Liberal plan to sell out residents.
Read the full story here
Monday, August 6, 2007
Bulletin: Mayor Trainer Needs Your Help NOW
Tomorrow morning, Haldimand Council will present a repugnant bit of skullduggery cooked up by behind the Mayor’s back with the help of some councillors and county staff. This treachery takes the form of a resolution that removes all privacy between you and your mayor. Here is an excerpt:
BE IT RESOLVED; THAT ALL correspondence sent and received through the Mayor’s office including all e-mail addressed to the Mayor by title or name, be copied to all councilors as well as the County Clerk;
AND THAT the Mayor’s assistant implement this direction for all hard copy correspondence;
You got it. Council wants copies of everything sent to and from the Mayor! Of course, they aren’t suggesting that copies of their messages be subject to this odious rule, only the Mayor’s.
In addition to violating the privacy between you and your Mayor, Council is seeking to dramatically undermine her role as the CEO of Haldimand, a post for which she was duly elected. It is un-democratic and it cannot be allowed to succeed.
Read the full story here. Much more at www.voiceofcanada.ca
BE IT RESOLVED; THAT ALL correspondence sent and received through the Mayor’s office including all e-mail addressed to the Mayor by title or name, be copied to all councilors as well as the County Clerk;
AND THAT the Mayor’s assistant implement this direction for all hard copy correspondence;
You got it. Council wants copies of everything sent to and from the Mayor! Of course, they aren’t suggesting that copies of their messages be subject to this odious rule, only the Mayor’s.
In addition to violating the privacy between you and your Mayor, Council is seeking to dramatically undermine her role as the CEO of Haldimand, a post for which she was duly elected. It is un-democratic and it cannot be allowed to succeed.
Read the full story here. Much more at www.voiceofcanada.ca
McGuinty Attempts to Control Mayor Trainer
By Gary McHale - www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
A year ago we released the Liberal Plan for resolving Caledonia. It was clear that McGuinty was using the Alliance to influence the residents as McGuinty made secret deals with the Native Protesters during the low media period of August.
One of the problems McGuinty has had is the fact that Mayor Trainer speaks out – the only Haldimand Council member who does. McGuinty needed to have Mayor Trainer silenced and therefore the best way was to have her lose last Fall’s election.
The Alliance, being lead by Ken Hewitt, was to help ensure Mayor Trainer didn’t win the election. The Alliance backed Lorraine Bergstrand to be the Mayor in the election. [Link to Leaked Liberal Plan]
Lorraine Bergstrand phoned me and told me she had no connections with the Ontario Liberal Party and she was not working with the Alliance to remove the Mayor. Here are some points to remember:
1) Prior to my posting of the Liberal Plan, McGuinty was proud that he, unlike Harris or the Federal Government, was handling Caledonia quite well and would have a quick resolution.
2) After posting the Liberal Plan, McGuinty suddenly started saying that Caledonia was a Federal problem.
3) Ken Hewitt who claimed to have no connections with the Liberals ran for nomination for the Federal Liberals.
4) Lorraine Bergstrand, who claimed to have no connections with the Liberals, will be running against Toby Barrett in this Fall’s election. Which party is she running for… the McGuinty Liberals.
The Alliance Failed to fulfill McGuinty’s desire to replace Mayor Trainer.
Read the full editorial here
A year ago we released the Liberal Plan for resolving Caledonia. It was clear that McGuinty was using the Alliance to influence the residents as McGuinty made secret deals with the Native Protesters during the low media period of August.
One of the problems McGuinty has had is the fact that Mayor Trainer speaks out – the only Haldimand Council member who does. McGuinty needed to have Mayor Trainer silenced and therefore the best way was to have her lose last Fall’s election.
The Alliance, being lead by Ken Hewitt, was to help ensure Mayor Trainer didn’t win the election. The Alliance backed Lorraine Bergstrand to be the Mayor in the election. [Link to Leaked Liberal Plan]
Lorraine Bergstrand phoned me and told me she had no connections with the Ontario Liberal Party and she was not working with the Alliance to remove the Mayor. Here are some points to remember:
1) Prior to my posting of the Liberal Plan, McGuinty was proud that he, unlike Harris or the Federal Government, was handling Caledonia quite well and would have a quick resolution.
2) After posting the Liberal Plan, McGuinty suddenly started saying that Caledonia was a Federal problem.
3) Ken Hewitt who claimed to have no connections with the Liberals ran for nomination for the Federal Liberals.
4) Lorraine Bergstrand, who claimed to have no connections with the Liberals, will be running against Toby Barrett in this Fall’s election. Which party is she running for… the McGuinty Liberals.
The Alliance Failed to fulfill McGuinty’s desire to replace Mayor Trainer.
Read the full editorial here
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Breaking News: McGuinty’s Liberals use Taxpayer’s Money to Run Election Campaign
Courtesy of our new site www.Ontario2007.com
At first we thought the Liberals had not yet posted their campaign material until we started to follow the links from the Ontario Liberal Party web site to various Government department web sites and we then found their campaign material popping up in each Government department.
Why take the time and pay the cost that the Conservatives did by creating about 10 web sites - catering to each topic - when you can use taxpayers’ money by having Government employees posting McGuinty’s photo in each Government Department site with a few statements straight out of your election campaign?
Who needs a good Liberal Party web site to promote your campaign when you can force each Government Department to promote McGuinty for you?
Posted examples are just 28 Government Ministries which suddenly have McGuinty’s photo with a few campaign style captions posted - there are more departments doing the same.
There is one Government Ministry without Dalton’s Photo on it - Aboriginal Affairs - surprised, NO - see photo. Do you think McGuinty doesn’t want his photo associated with Aboriginal Affairs? Why is this the only department without his photo?
Just how much has it cost Ontario Taxpayers for this sudden change in dozens of Departments’ web sites?
McGuinty’s government is the ONLY Government in Canada running their Election using the Government Web Site
To see the evidence for yourself and for full coverage of this scandal, visit our new site devoted to the upcoming Ontario Election www.Ontario2007.com
At first we thought the Liberals had not yet posted their campaign material until we started to follow the links from the Ontario Liberal Party web site to various Government department web sites and we then found their campaign material popping up in each Government department.
Why take the time and pay the cost that the Conservatives did by creating about 10 web sites - catering to each topic - when you can use taxpayers’ money by having Government employees posting McGuinty’s photo in each Government Department site with a few statements straight out of your election campaign?
Who needs a good Liberal Party web site to promote your campaign when you can force each Government Department to promote McGuinty for you?
Posted examples are just 28 Government Ministries which suddenly have McGuinty’s photo with a few campaign style captions posted - there are more departments doing the same.
There is one Government Ministry without Dalton’s Photo on it - Aboriginal Affairs - surprised, NO - see photo. Do you think McGuinty doesn’t want his photo associated with Aboriginal Affairs? Why is this the only department without his photo?
Just how much has it cost Ontario Taxpayers for this sudden change in dozens of Departments’ web sites?
McGuinty’s government is the ONLY Government in Canada running their Election using the Government Web Site
To see the evidence for yourself and for full coverage of this scandal, visit our new site devoted to the upcoming Ontario Election www.Ontario2007.com
Monday, July 23, 2007
Tories move towards one fishery
Black Press - Posted on BC: Maple Ridge News
Can the federal Conservative government plan to create one fishery in B.C. appease both commercial and aboriginal fishermen and finally bring peace to the fractious Fraser River?
“What we’re trying to do will increase First Nation participation in the commercial fishery,” Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP Chuck Strahl said Monday after announcing the plan in Vancouver with Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn.
And it will eventually replace the aboriginal fishing strategy, a program critics – including Prime Minister Stephen Harper – have called a race-based commercial fishery with a “shared fishery” based on one set of rules.
Read the full story here
Can the federal Conservative government plan to create one fishery in B.C. appease both commercial and aboriginal fishermen and finally bring peace to the fractious Fraser River?
“What we’re trying to do will increase First Nation participation in the commercial fishery,” Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP Chuck Strahl said Monday after announcing the plan in Vancouver with Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn.
And it will eventually replace the aboriginal fishing strategy, a program critics – including Prime Minister Stephen Harper – have called a race-based commercial fishery with a “shared fishery” based on one set of rules.
Read the full story here
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Natives win more through negotiations
Blocking railway tracks gets aboriginal protesters noticed. Talking quietly at a table gets aboriginal negotiators results. You decide which strategy makes the most sense today.
The latest victory for one of Canada’s First Nations came Monday when leaders of northern Quebec’s 16,500 Cree announced a $1।4 billion deal with Ottawa that will eventually give this aboriginal community a form of self-government. The deal was a long time coming — 32 years to be exact. But the important thing now is that it came. As for the Cree, they deserve praise for patience, perseverance and relying on negotiations instead of resorting to illegal protests or even violence, as have some native groups.
At the end of June, Mohawk protesters were responsible for closing a main rail line and Highway 401 in eastern Ontario।
Their confrontational tactics — which included the threat that they were armed with rifles and would use them in self-defence — got international attention. However, aside from landing a native leader in jail and creating a lot of ill-will in the general public, the confrontations gained the natives nothing. (EDIT: Nothing? Race based immunity to any crime they wish to commit is far from nothing)
Likewise, the occupation of a subdivision in Caledonia has not delivered to a group of Six Nations protesters the land that they wanted, even though it has dragged on for nearly 1 1/2 years and been marred by physical assaults, vandalism and a tension between the local aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities that has not abated।
The latest victory for one of Canada’s First Nations came Monday when leaders of northern Quebec’s 16,500 Cree announced a $1।4 billion deal with Ottawa that will eventually give this aboriginal community a form of self-government. The deal was a long time coming — 32 years to be exact. But the important thing now is that it came. As for the Cree, they deserve praise for patience, perseverance and relying on negotiations instead of resorting to illegal protests or even violence, as have some native groups.
At the end of June, Mohawk protesters were responsible for closing a main rail line and Highway 401 in eastern Ontario।
Their confrontational tactics — which included the threat that they were armed with rifles and would use them in self-defence — got international attention. However, aside from landing a native leader in jail and creating a lot of ill-will in the general public, the confrontations gained the natives nothing. (EDIT: Nothing? Race based immunity to any crime they wish to commit is far from nothing)
Likewise, the occupation of a subdivision in Caledonia has not delivered to a group of Six Nations protesters the land that they wanted, even though it has dragged on for nearly 1 1/2 years and been marred by physical assaults, vandalism and a tension between the local aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities that has not abated।
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Ottawa commits $1.4 billion to implement 30-year-old treaty with Quebec Cree
MONTREAL (CP) - Decades of stop-and-start negotiations between Ottawa and the Quebec Cree ended Monday with the unveiling of a $1.4-billion agreement to launch the northern First Nation toward self-government.
The deal reaches back to settle billions of dollars in lawsuits and puts into action a 1975 treaty between the two sides that stalled shortly after it was signed. The agreement running through 2027 will give the Cree control over millions of dollars to improve local services ranging from sewers and roads to economic development projects and policing. Much of the work is expected to start in the next five to 10 years.
Longtime Cree leader and former grand chief Billy Diamond, who signed the original 1975 treaty with then-Indian affairs minister Jean Chretien, lauded the deal to finally put those words into action.
“It beats blocking roads and railroads,” Diamond said shortly after the announcement.
“You don’t have to block railroads. You stay at the negotiating table. This is the only way you can deal with government right now.”
(EDIT: Now that they’ve seen what you’re willing to do if they don’t make a deal, negotiation works)
Read the full story here
The deal reaches back to settle billions of dollars in lawsuits and puts into action a 1975 treaty between the two sides that stalled shortly after it was signed. The agreement running through 2027 will give the Cree control over millions of dollars to improve local services ranging from sewers and roads to economic development projects and policing. Much of the work is expected to start in the next five to 10 years.
Longtime Cree leader and former grand chief Billy Diamond, who signed the original 1975 treaty with then-Indian affairs minister Jean Chretien, lauded the deal to finally put those words into action.
“It beats blocking roads and railroads,” Diamond said shortly after the announcement.
“You don’t have to block railroads. You stay at the negotiating table. This is the only way you can deal with government right now.”
(EDIT: Now that they’ve seen what you’re willing to do if they don’t make a deal, negotiation works)
Read the full story here
Saturday, July 14, 2007
National day of protest grew from roots in Caledonia
The recent national day of protest passed without very much disruption of our comfortable lives here in Canada.The blockage of a few highways and a CN Rail line could have been repeated dozens of times, all across the country. We aboriginals of this land have certainly suffered enough injustice. The history books are full of examples, for those who will open them.
The reason so many of the protests were fairly peaceful may be because of Six Nations’ example in Caledonia.
When Janie Jamieson and Dawn Smith led their young group of Six Nations people to reclaim the former Douglas Creek Estates site in February 2006, they did not take weapons. They only took their knowledge of Six Nations history and the Haldimand Proclamation - and a whole lot of courage.
(Edit: What the??? What news has this guy been watching for the last 18 months? This story REEKS of appeasement minded journalism.. “look at me I’m aborignial friendly!!”)
Read the full story here
The reason so many of the protests were fairly peaceful may be because of Six Nations’ example in Caledonia.
When Janie Jamieson and Dawn Smith led their young group of Six Nations people to reclaim the former Douglas Creek Estates site in February 2006, they did not take weapons. They only took their knowledge of Six Nations history and the Haldimand Proclamation - and a whole lot of courage.
(Edit: What the??? What news has this guy been watching for the last 18 months? This story REEKS of appeasement minded journalism.. “look at me I’m aborignial friendly!!”)
Read the full story here
Six Nations waits on $125M offer; Confederacy negotiators wait for answers on Moulton land transfer documents
Six Nations Confederacy negotiators are waiting for answers before they respond to a $125 million offer from the federal government on four unresolved land claims.Mohawk Chief Allen MacNaughton said Six Nations asked federal negotiators for details on the 200-year old Moulton Township land transfer and on whose authority it was completed.
Proof of Canada’s level of priority for land issues in Haldimand County, the $125 million offer is an action that has never been taken before, said Haldimand Brant MP Diane Finley. “Now we are waiting for a response from Six Nations,” she added.“We hope the hereditary chiefs will look seriously at the offer or at least have a give and take and have something resolved,” said Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer.
She noted that the offer was contingent upon ending the occupation of Caledonia’s Douglas Creek Estates. She hoped that requirement applied to all sites in the county.
Read the full story here
Proof of Canada’s level of priority for land issues in Haldimand County, the $125 million offer is an action that has never been taken before, said Haldimand Brant MP Diane Finley. “Now we are waiting for a response from Six Nations,” she added.“We hope the hereditary chiefs will look seriously at the offer or at least have a give and take and have something resolved,” said Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer.
She noted that the offer was contingent upon ending the occupation of Caledonia’s Douglas Creek Estates. She hoped that requirement applied to all sites in the county.
Read the full story here
Hartless is a Hero!
By Gary McHale - www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
Mr. Dave Hartless, a Hamilton Police Officer, who lives next to DCE has demonstrated true courage in the face of our modern society’s penchant for personal gain.
It would be easy for Mr. Hartless not to take a stand and easy for him to turn his back on the injustices that have occurred in Caledonia. He could have decided that his police career was more important than Truth and Justice. He could have decided that obeying orders was more important than his Oath of Office - the same Oath OPP officers take. He could have decided that there is a greater good and stand by while neighbours were victimized.
Dave is a Hero. He would not say this himself and that is also the quality of a Hero.
Mr. Hartless is one of the few people I have meet in my life who sees that Truth, Justice and Equality are more than just words. They are the substance that make Nations Great, the glue that binds people together and what can bring about lasting peace.
Mr. Hartless has had his family attacked, his 3 daughters were targeted, but he will not remain silent. [Link]
The OPP and Governments have learned through Ipperwash how to intimidate and pressure non-Native people to remain silent. They do this because both the OPP and every level of Government refuse to deal with the criminal activities of a small group of Native Protesters.
It is easier for the OPP to arrest peaceful non-Natives trying to raise a Canadian Flag than to arrest armed Native Protesters who have publicly stated there will be bloodshed.
It is easier for Fantino to try to get Hartless fired because Hartless has morals and principles that Fantino cannot possibly understand. Fantino has no problem allowing his officers to violate their Oath of Office, violate the Constitution, violate residents’ Rights & Freedoms and even violate basic human compassion towards others.
This full story and much more at www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
Mr. Dave Hartless, a Hamilton Police Officer, who lives next to DCE has demonstrated true courage in the face of our modern society’s penchant for personal gain.
It would be easy for Mr. Hartless not to take a stand and easy for him to turn his back on the injustices that have occurred in Caledonia. He could have decided that his police career was more important than Truth and Justice. He could have decided that obeying orders was more important than his Oath of Office - the same Oath OPP officers take. He could have decided that there is a greater good and stand by while neighbours were victimized.
Dave is a Hero. He would not say this himself and that is also the quality of a Hero.
Mr. Hartless is one of the few people I have meet in my life who sees that Truth, Justice and Equality are more than just words. They are the substance that make Nations Great, the glue that binds people together and what can bring about lasting peace.
Mr. Hartless has had his family attacked, his 3 daughters were targeted, but he will not remain silent. [Link]
The OPP and Governments have learned through Ipperwash how to intimidate and pressure non-Native people to remain silent. They do this because both the OPP and every level of Government refuse to deal with the criminal activities of a small group of Native Protesters.
It is easier for the OPP to arrest peaceful non-Natives trying to raise a Canadian Flag than to arrest armed Native Protesters who have publicly stated there will be bloodshed.
It is easier for Fantino to try to get Hartless fired because Hartless has morals and principles that Fantino cannot possibly understand. Fantino has no problem allowing his officers to violate their Oath of Office, violate the Constitution, violate residents’ Rights & Freedoms and even violate basic human compassion towards others.
This full story and much more at www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
Cop cleared in war of words
The Hamilton Spectator
A Hamilton police officer has been cleared of accusations of discreditable conduct for criticizing Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino for their handling of the Caledonia native land claim dispute.
Fantino filed a formal complaint in February against David Hartless, a Hamilton constable whose Caledonia home backs onto the native-occupied, former Douglas Creek Estates, alleging a widespread e-mail Hartless sent was “venomous” and represented “conduct unbecoming” a police officer.
Hartless did not refer to himself as a Hamilton police officer in his Feb. 17 e-mail.
Fantino complained to Hamilton Police Chief Brian Mullan, telling him “the OPP have had enough of this nonsense.”
A spokesman for Fantino’s office said yesterday the OPP respect the findings of the Halton investigation and will not comment further. (Edit: Because they LOST)
Hamilton police agreed to issue a statement indicating Hartless — a frequent and vociferous critic of the OPP and the provincial government’s handling of the Caledonia situation — had committed no wrong.
Read the full story here
A Hamilton police officer has been cleared of accusations of discreditable conduct for criticizing Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino for their handling of the Caledonia native land claim dispute.
Fantino filed a formal complaint in February against David Hartless, a Hamilton constable whose Caledonia home backs onto the native-occupied, former Douglas Creek Estates, alleging a widespread e-mail Hartless sent was “venomous” and represented “conduct unbecoming” a police officer.
Hartless did not refer to himself as a Hamilton police officer in his Feb. 17 e-mail.
Fantino complained to Hamilton Police Chief Brian Mullan, telling him “the OPP have had enough of this nonsense.”
A spokesman for Fantino’s office said yesterday the OPP respect the findings of the Halton investigation and will not comment further. (Edit: Because they LOST)
Hamilton police agreed to issue a statement indicating Hartless — a frequent and vociferous critic of the OPP and the provincial government’s handling of the Caledonia situation — had committed no wrong.
Read the full story here
Diane Finley: Haldimand a Priority
Simcoe, ON – Minister Diane Finley, M.P. Haldimand-Norfolk and Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Canada issued the following statement in response to the July 8th Press Conference held by Mayor Trainer and council of Haldimand County.
“I have heard the frustration from the town of Caledonia . As MP for the people of Haldimand - Norfolk I will certainly continue to meet with the county, as I’ve done in the past, to hear their concerns and present them in Ottawa.
The federal government has tabled an offer to Six Nations, worth $125 million and I continue to work with my cabinet colleagues including Minister Prentice, Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs to find a solution that works for all sides including the people of Caledonia .
Canada’s New Government is taking action to address specific claims like those in Caledonia by introducing a comprehensive package of reforms that proposes to revolutionize the claims resolution process in four ways:
o The creation of a fully independent Claims Tribunal through which impartial judges will resolve those claims where negotiations have met with failure;
o Setting aside 250 million dollars on an annual basis for the next ten years to be used to settle these claims and ensure financial accountability;
o Transform the Indian Specific Claims Commission into a neutral dispute resolution body relieved of its role as the government’s arbiter of claims, the Commission will be able to focus its efforts solely on mediation; and
o Develop practical measures to clear the backlog of relatively small claims and to increase the flexibility in handling of larger claims.
As MP for Haldimand Norfolk I am committed to helping find a safe and reasonable solution for Haldimand County , as soon as possible”.
For further information, media may contact:Tim VailPress SecretaryOffice of the Hon. Diane Finley, P.C, M.P.613-954-1064
Courtesy of www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
“I have heard the frustration from the town of Caledonia . As MP for the people of Haldimand - Norfolk I will certainly continue to meet with the county, as I’ve done in the past, to hear their concerns and present them in Ottawa.
The federal government has tabled an offer to Six Nations, worth $125 million and I continue to work with my cabinet colleagues including Minister Prentice, Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs to find a solution that works for all sides including the people of Caledonia .
Canada’s New Government is taking action to address specific claims like those in Caledonia by introducing a comprehensive package of reforms that proposes to revolutionize the claims resolution process in four ways:
o The creation of a fully independent Claims Tribunal through which impartial judges will resolve those claims where negotiations have met with failure;
o Setting aside 250 million dollars on an annual basis for the next ten years to be used to settle these claims and ensure financial accountability;
o Transform the Indian Specific Claims Commission into a neutral dispute resolution body relieved of its role as the government’s arbiter of claims, the Commission will be able to focus its efforts solely on mediation; and
o Develop practical measures to clear the backlog of relatively small claims and to increase the flexibility in handling of larger claims.
As MP for Haldimand Norfolk I am committed to helping find a safe and reasonable solution for Haldimand County , as soon as possible”.
For further information, media may contact:Tim VailPress SecretaryOffice of the Hon. Diane Finley, P.C, M.P.613-954-1064
Courtesy of www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
Diane Finley: Promise Made Promise Broken
One advantage of having a web site with over 5000 stories posted is that you can point out when Politicians are lying.
Below is a copy of Diane Finley’s web site from last year. On her web site she made a promise to the People of Haldimand County which you will not find any where on her new web site. She promised the following:
“From here on in, I will be sending out updates such as this every week until this situation’s resolved, so that you can be kept as informed as possible. As you deserve to be.”
Of course Mrs. Finley only sent out one additional weekly update in the past year - Promise Made Promise Broken. We would fully agree with Mrs. Finley that the people ‘deserve’ to have their representative communicate with them.
Read the full story and see the evidence for youself here
Below is a copy of Diane Finley’s web site from last year. On her web site she made a promise to the People of Haldimand County which you will not find any where on her new web site. She promised the following:
“From here on in, I will be sending out updates such as this every week until this situation’s resolved, so that you can be kept as informed as possible. As you deserve to be.”
Of course Mrs. Finley only sent out one additional weekly update in the past year - Promise Made Promise Broken. We would fully agree with Mrs. Finley that the people ‘deserve’ to have their representative communicate with them.
Read the full story and see the evidence for youself here
Grice puts McGuinty’s re-election ahead of residents
If there is anyone on Haldimand Council who should know what Caledonia residents have suffered through, and who is to blame for it, you’d think it would be Craig Grice, Councillor for Ward 3, especially since he lives close to the Douglas Creek Estates.
Apparently not.
According to Donna Pitcher’s report on her exclusive interview with Mayor Trainer today, the entire council (with the exception of Lorne Boyko who was out of town) stood against the Mayor’s desire to hold the province accountable for its failures in the County’s July 09/07 news release.
Councillor Grice is the same guy who has attended several March for Freedom events yet, on April 12/07, when asked about Fantino’s threatening email to Council, said “I have never supported the Marches in Caledonia. I think they send the totally wrong message.”
Read the full story here
Apparently not.
According to Donna Pitcher’s report on her exclusive interview with Mayor Trainer today, the entire council (with the exception of Lorne Boyko who was out of town) stood against the Mayor’s desire to hold the province accountable for its failures in the County’s July 09/07 news release.
Councillor Grice is the same guy who has attended several March for Freedom events yet, on April 12/07, when asked about Fantino’s threatening email to Council, said “I have never supported the Marches in Caledonia. I think they send the totally wrong message.”
Read the full story here
Finley: No direct role in Caledonia
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Diane Finley will continue her efforts to help reach a settlement in the protracted Caledonia land dispute.
But she isn’t about to abandon her Ottawa post to become a full-time “federal government person on the ground” in Caledonia, as members of Haldimand County council suggested yesterday.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Finley said she’s been working closely with Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer and the council since the beginning and will continue to represent their views in Ottawa.
“I’m hoping to do all I can, if anybody has other ideas, I’d like to hear them,” she said. (Edit: I do I do! Stop negotiating with terrorists and enforce the law)
Read the full story here
But she isn’t about to abandon her Ottawa post to become a full-time “federal government person on the ground” in Caledonia, as members of Haldimand County council suggested yesterday.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Finley said she’s been working closely with Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer and the council since the beginning and will continue to represent their views in Ottawa.
“I’m hoping to do all I can, if anybody has other ideas, I’d like to hear them,” she said. (Edit: I do I do! Stop negotiating with terrorists and enforce the law)
Read the full story here
Haldimand demands Ottawa act quickly on aboriginal land claims
Elected officials in this southern Ontario community say they’ll march on Parliament Hill with local residents if Ottawa doesn’t act soon to end numerous aboriginal land disputes in Haldimand County.
“We’re the victim,” Mayor Marie Trainer said yesterday during a news conference where she called for the federal government to adopt “an accelerated process” for resolving land claims in her county.
“We’re the pilot project for natives to see what they can get in occupations across the country.”
With five of six councillors standing in a semicircle behind her, Trainer called for a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and suggested he appoint local MP and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Diane Finley as “minister responsible for Haldimand County, to ensure that claim settlements are given the highest priority.”
Read the full story here
“We’re the victim,” Mayor Marie Trainer said yesterday during a news conference where she called for the federal government to adopt “an accelerated process” for resolving land claims in her county.
“We’re the pilot project for natives to see what they can get in occupations across the country.”
With five of six councillors standing in a semicircle behind her, Trainer called for a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and suggested he appoint local MP and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Diane Finley as “minister responsible for Haldimand County, to ensure that claim settlements are given the highest priority.”
Read the full story here
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Mounties probe finances at aboriginal institute
The RCMP is investigating financial irregularities at a Burnaby aboriginal school.
A forensic audit at the Institute of Indigenous Government found that out of a total of 104 students, only 20 were aboriginal. Another 19 were non-aboriginal, and 65 were international students.
The college receives an annual operating grant of $2 million from the province, to be spent only on aboriginal education. “They were offering programs for international students, which they weren’t able to do through their agreement with the province,” said Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell.
Read the full story here
A forensic audit at the Institute of Indigenous Government found that out of a total of 104 students, only 20 were aboriginal. Another 19 were non-aboriginal, and 65 were international students.
The college receives an annual operating grant of $2 million from the province, to be spent only on aboriginal education. “They were offering programs for international students, which they weren’t able to do through their agreement with the province,” said Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell.
Read the full story here
More than ever last year, casinos were cash cows for the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.
The First Nations gaming agency, which runs casinos in North Battleford, Prince Albert, Yorkton and on the White Bear First Nation, made a record profit of $48.8 million in the 2006-07 fiscal year. That’s a 21 per cent increase from the year before.
Revenues went up $17 million to $130 million, according to figures SIGA released Wednesday.
Read the full story here
The First Nations gaming agency, which runs casinos in North Battleford, Prince Albert, Yorkton and on the White Bear First Nation, made a record profit of $48.8 million in the 2006-07 fiscal year. That’s a 21 per cent increase from the year before.
Revenues went up $17 million to $130 million, according to figures SIGA released Wednesday.
Read the full story here
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