August 28, 2007
A Brantford developer who is developing land along Grand River Avenue in Brantford has been ordered to stop all development by Six Nations natives or face occupation of his land.
The order from Six Nations came on Thursday, August 23, 2007. The developer, who is developing houses in a residential area was ordered by Six Nations to stop the construction of all housing units.
On Friday, August 24, 6 members of Six Nations came to the site and told the developer that if he did not stop all building they would send 20 to 30 natives to occupy his land stating he had no right to do any development as the land did not belong to him. Six Nations claims it is their land.
He contacted the police and the government, but was told to wait until after the Confederacy meeting on Saturday to see what the outcome of that would be.
Read the full story here
Showing posts with label OPP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OPP. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Another Native Occupation in Brantford
By Christine McHale
August 28, 2007
Another one bites the dust!
Yes folks, it’s happened again. This time in Brantford, go figure!
A developer in Brantford was contacted by Six Nations last Thursday and told he had to stop all development of a housing sub-division because the land he bought wasn’t his. It belongs to Six Nations. Sound familiar?
The developer of Mayberry Homes, Mike Quattrociocchi, says he did everything right, everything he was supposed to do. He bought the land, got the land title, got the building permits, then made the fatal mistake of thinking all was good for go and he was in the clear. Never mind the fact that by that time, even before any ground was broken, before any basement was poured, before he did anything else, he would have spent millions already.
Now, after being told to stop all development, he is frustrated. Now that’s an understatement.
And, as if that weren’t enough, last Friday, six natives paid him a visit and told him that if he didn’t stop all development they would get twenty to thirty more natives to come and occupy land he had legally purchased, and legally had received all necessary land title, deed, and building permits for. Lock, stock and barrel!
So who runs this province anyways? Not the spineless McGuinty government, a government that would fail to recognize leadership if it bit them in the you-know-what!
The police perhaps? Nope!
So far, not one single developer, not one single police force, not one single McGuinty government MPP has stood up for justice.
To be sure, the developers, and they are a growing number, have made noise, but to no avail. Development has been stopped in Caledonia, Dunnville, Hagersville, to name a few, and now in Brantford, again.
Spineless, leadership clueless governments have enabled radical natives to thwart development and progress. Any why not? They’ve been given the green light by the government to go ahead, bring economic terrorism to town after town. They’ve been told to go ahead, claim land parcel after land parcel, rightly or wrongly so, and you just never know, you may walk away with oodles and oodles of land and cash to boot.
One glimmer of hope though. October 10 is coming up fast. Why not dump the clueless, leadership challenged McGuinty Liberals. After all, you can’t get any worse form of government that one which doesn’t govern.
Read the full story here
August 28, 2007
Another one bites the dust!
Yes folks, it’s happened again. This time in Brantford, go figure!
A developer in Brantford was contacted by Six Nations last Thursday and told he had to stop all development of a housing sub-division because the land he bought wasn’t his. It belongs to Six Nations. Sound familiar?
The developer of Mayberry Homes, Mike Quattrociocchi, says he did everything right, everything he was supposed to do. He bought the land, got the land title, got the building permits, then made the fatal mistake of thinking all was good for go and he was in the clear. Never mind the fact that by that time, even before any ground was broken, before any basement was poured, before he did anything else, he would have spent millions already.
Now, after being told to stop all development, he is frustrated. Now that’s an understatement.
And, as if that weren’t enough, last Friday, six natives paid him a visit and told him that if he didn’t stop all development they would get twenty to thirty more natives to come and occupy land he had legally purchased, and legally had received all necessary land title, deed, and building permits for. Lock, stock and barrel!
So who runs this province anyways? Not the spineless McGuinty government, a government that would fail to recognize leadership if it bit them in the you-know-what!
The police perhaps? Nope!
So far, not one single developer, not one single police force, not one single McGuinty government MPP has stood up for justice.
To be sure, the developers, and they are a growing number, have made noise, but to no avail. Development has been stopped in Caledonia, Dunnville, Hagersville, to name a few, and now in Brantford, again.
Spineless, leadership clueless governments have enabled radical natives to thwart development and progress. Any why not? They’ve been given the green light by the government to go ahead, bring economic terrorism to town after town. They’ve been told to go ahead, claim land parcel after land parcel, rightly or wrongly so, and you just never know, you may walk away with oodles and oodles of land and cash to boot.
One glimmer of hope though. October 10 is coming up fast. Why not dump the clueless, leadership challenged McGuinty Liberals. After all, you can’t get any worse form of government that one which doesn’t govern.
Read the full story here
Monday, August 6, 2007
Haldimand OPP - “We can write traffic tickets”
It seems that last weeks attempt to play “cops” by enforcing a curfew against teenagers in Caledonia was not good enough for the Haldimand OPP. In a further effort to convince the public that they in fact still have control in Caledonia, they sent out the following press release today.
August 02, 2007
(Haldimand County, ON) Haldimand County OPP is anticipating considerable traffic on the roadways and waterways this long weekend due to many motor sport events, boating and tourism plus its close proximity to larger municipalities within the Golden Horseshoe.
Haldimand County has experienced 4 fatal and 106 personal injury motor vehicle collisions so far this year. A traffic initiative is being implemented for this long weekend, which is intended to prevent further fatalities and enforce a zero tolerance policy for driving/boating infractions within the county.
Through this initiative, Haldimand County OPP has identified Highway 6 a hotspot between Haldibrook Road and Haldimand Road 66. For this year so far, the numbers show 12 motor vehicle collisions at the intersection of Green’s Road and Highway 6.
Cst Wright states the three major factors in collisions along this stretch of Highway and at this intersection are driving too fast for conditions, following to close and failing to stop/yield.
Haldimand County OPP will be increasing traffic enforcement at this intersection as well as along Highway 6. More R.I.D.E. Programs will be conducted at the intersection and on Highway 6, which will also help slow traffic down. The Haldimand County OPP Marine Unit will be increasing their enforcement as well while patrolling the Grand River and Lake Erie. Traffic on Highway 56 will be closely monitored as well as other major roadways to prevent people intending to race their vehicles or drive aggressively. Drinking and driving offences and non-compliance of seatbelt laws are a part of the zero tolerance policy, which officers will be strictly enforcing.
However, the best prevention comes from the motoring public. All motorists are encouraged to call OPP on their cell phone to report bad driving and impaired driving. In doing so, the hotspots will go away.
To report unsafe drivers call *OPP on your cell phone or 1-888-310-1122. If you see an impaired driver call 911. Your call makes a difference.
Here are a few questions I’m sure they won’t care to answer. How quickly will that “zero tolerance” policy change if they observe a driver who is Native that happens to be impaired, or not wearing his seat belt? How often do they check the many cars that come and go from DCE to see if the driver is wearing a seatbelt or impaired? How many cars have sped away from DCE and been pulled over so the driver could be ticketed?
When are they going to learn that enforcing boating safety regulations can’t undo their refusal to enforce a court order to remove violent criminals from a subdivision in 2006?
When they say “your call makes a difference” why don’t they mention that if your call comes from the Sixth Line Rd. or a house bordering DCE, your call will be ignored?
I’m sure Paula Wright who issues these statements is reading this, so feel free to answer my questions anytime Paula. I’m sure my readers would be fascinated by your answers.
Jeff Parkinson
Caledonia Wakeup Call
Jeff@CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
August 02, 2007
(Haldimand County, ON) Haldimand County OPP is anticipating considerable traffic on the roadways and waterways this long weekend due to many motor sport events, boating and tourism plus its close proximity to larger municipalities within the Golden Horseshoe.
Haldimand County has experienced 4 fatal and 106 personal injury motor vehicle collisions so far this year. A traffic initiative is being implemented for this long weekend, which is intended to prevent further fatalities and enforce a zero tolerance policy for driving/boating infractions within the county.
Through this initiative, Haldimand County OPP has identified Highway 6 a hotspot between Haldibrook Road and Haldimand Road 66. For this year so far, the numbers show 12 motor vehicle collisions at the intersection of Green’s Road and Highway 6.
Cst Wright states the three major factors in collisions along this stretch of Highway and at this intersection are driving too fast for conditions, following to close and failing to stop/yield.
Haldimand County OPP will be increasing traffic enforcement at this intersection as well as along Highway 6. More R.I.D.E. Programs will be conducted at the intersection and on Highway 6, which will also help slow traffic down. The Haldimand County OPP Marine Unit will be increasing their enforcement as well while patrolling the Grand River and Lake Erie. Traffic on Highway 56 will be closely monitored as well as other major roadways to prevent people intending to race their vehicles or drive aggressively. Drinking and driving offences and non-compliance of seatbelt laws are a part of the zero tolerance policy, which officers will be strictly enforcing.
However, the best prevention comes from the motoring public. All motorists are encouraged to call OPP on their cell phone to report bad driving and impaired driving. In doing so, the hotspots will go away.
To report unsafe drivers call *OPP on your cell phone or 1-888-310-1122. If you see an impaired driver call 911. Your call makes a difference.
Here are a few questions I’m sure they won’t care to answer. How quickly will that “zero tolerance” policy change if they observe a driver who is Native that happens to be impaired, or not wearing his seat belt? How often do they check the many cars that come and go from DCE to see if the driver is wearing a seatbelt or impaired? How many cars have sped away from DCE and been pulled over so the driver could be ticketed?
When are they going to learn that enforcing boating safety regulations can’t undo their refusal to enforce a court order to remove violent criminals from a subdivision in 2006?
When they say “your call makes a difference” why don’t they mention that if your call comes from the Sixth Line Rd. or a house bordering DCE, your call will be ignored?
I’m sure Paula Wright who issues these statements is reading this, so feel free to answer my questions anytime Paula. I’m sure my readers would be fascinated by your answers.
Jeff Parkinson
Caledonia Wakeup Call
Jeff@CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
OPP use curfew to tackle mischief in Haldimand
Haldimand OPP have taken the unusual step of issuing a curfew for young people to combat mischief.On the weekend, Haldimand police plucked three young people off the streets and took them home. In each case, the parents weren’t aware their children were out, police said in a news release.
In one incident, some young people were found under the Caledonia bridge breaking bottles. One youth was charged, while others fled the scene, sending text messages to their friends warning them not to come, say police.
Police believe word of their crackdown on mischief must have spread because their were only six mischief incidents reported over the weekend and most of them were minor. The exception was some graffiti spray painted on buildings in Dunnville. Most of the words and images were directed at police.
Under the Child and Family Services Act, police are able to take any child under 16 off the street if they are in a public place between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. and not accompanied by an adult. Police may take a child home or to a place of safety.
Courtesy of www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
See related article here
In one incident, some young people were found under the Caledonia bridge breaking bottles. One youth was charged, while others fled the scene, sending text messages to their friends warning them not to come, say police.
Police believe word of their crackdown on mischief must have spread because their were only six mischief incidents reported over the weekend and most of them were minor. The exception was some graffiti spray painted on buildings in Dunnville. Most of the words and images were directed at police.
Under the Child and Family Services Act, police are able to take any child under 16 off the street if they are in a public place between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. and not accompanied by an adult. Police may take a child home or to a place of safety.
Courtesy of www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
See related article here
Sides in uranium dispute seek truce; Judge asks for compromise to be found until trial starts in September
Kingston Whig-Standard
Both sides of a dispute over a potential uranium mine north of Kingston hope to reach a temporary truce as early as Thursday.Frontenac Ventures Corp. has asked the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to grant a permanent injunction against protesters who are blocking the entrance to a uranium prospecting area north of Sharbot Lake.
If granted, the court could potentially force the protesters to leave, among other options. (Edit: Not with a police force who refuse to enforce court orders against Natives)
Frontenac Ventures is also suing the protesters for $77 million.
The protesters, members of the Ardoch and Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin Nations, are counter-suing Frontenac Ventures and plan to ask the court to kick the prospecting firm off the land.
The judge asked Reid, Smitheman and Stephen Reynolds, who represents the Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin, to return Thursday with a point-form, one-page list of concessions that they hope the other side will make for them.
Read the full story here
Both sides of a dispute over a potential uranium mine north of Kingston hope to reach a temporary truce as early as Thursday.Frontenac Ventures Corp. has asked the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to grant a permanent injunction against protesters who are blocking the entrance to a uranium prospecting area north of Sharbot Lake.
If granted, the court could potentially force the protesters to leave, among other options. (Edit: Not with a police force who refuse to enforce court orders against Natives)
Frontenac Ventures is also suing the protesters for $77 million.
The protesters, members of the Ardoch and Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin Nations, are counter-suing Frontenac Ventures and plan to ask the court to kick the prospecting firm off the land.
The judge asked Reid, Smitheman and Stephen Reynolds, who represents the Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin, to return Thursday with a point-form, one-page list of concessions that they hope the other side will make for them.
Read the full story here
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Damage to 401 during protest could cost thousands
The Belleville Intelligencer
Officials for the Ministry of Transportation report they have no estimates on the cost to fix damage done to Highway 401 during the recent national aboriginal day of action.But a local expert said repairing road damages can cost thousands.
The June 29 protest, which saw police close a portion of the major highway from Belleville to Deseronto, caused minor damage to the road, most of which has been fixed, said spokeswoman Emna Dhahak.
Sections of a fence were knocked down or removed from three quadrants of an interchange, and two southbound guard rail posts were burned or damaged, she said.
There was a small area of burned asphalt on the paved shoulder and ash debris that was full of nails, she said.
There was also one crushed culvert end and two symbols painted on the structure piers, driving surface and barrier wall, she said.
The day of protest is not the only cause of local spray paint related to Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.“No OPP” can be found along Highway 49.
(EDIT: And who will be held responsible and have to pay for the damage to our Nations largest highway? The Terrorists who did this, or the taxpayers? Gee I wonder)
Read the full story here
Officials for the Ministry of Transportation report they have no estimates on the cost to fix damage done to Highway 401 during the recent national aboriginal day of action.But a local expert said repairing road damages can cost thousands.
The June 29 protest, which saw police close a portion of the major highway from Belleville to Deseronto, caused minor damage to the road, most of which has been fixed, said spokeswoman Emna Dhahak.
Sections of a fence were knocked down or removed from three quadrants of an interchange, and two southbound guard rail posts were burned or damaged, she said.
There was a small area of burned asphalt on the paved shoulder and ash debris that was full of nails, she said.
There was also one crushed culvert end and two symbols painted on the structure piers, driving surface and barrier wall, she said.
The day of protest is not the only cause of local spray paint related to Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.“No OPP” can be found along Highway 49.
(EDIT: And who will be held responsible and have to pay for the damage to our Nations largest highway? The Terrorists who did this, or the taxpayers? Gee I wonder)
Read the full story here
Saturday, July 14, 2007
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
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Native protester Brant denied bail after blockade
NAPANEE, Ont. — A militant activist who led aboriginal protests that snarled traffic on Canada’s busiest highway and blocked a major rail line was denied bail Thursday after turning himself in to Ontario Provincial Police.
While he sympathized with Shawn Brant’s desire to improve conditions on native reserves and resolve long-standing land-claim disputes, Justice D.K. Kirkland of the Ontario Court of Justice said it would be “dangerous” to allow his release.
“You had no intention of ever complying (with the May 3 bail conditions), did you?” prosecutor Robert Morrison asked the handcuffed and shackled Brant.
“Actually, no,” Brant replied.
Morrison also confronted Brant with his statement to The Canadian Press last week before the militant group set up the blockades for the day of action, suggesting that there would be “longer” and “harder” actions to come in the future.
“Sir, I’d not only say it then, I’d say it now,” Brant said.
Read the full story here
While he sympathized with Shawn Brant’s desire to improve conditions on native reserves and resolve long-standing land-claim disputes, Justice D.K. Kirkland of the Ontario Court of Justice said it would be “dangerous” to allow his release.
“You had no intention of ever complying (with the May 3 bail conditions), did you?” prosecutor Robert Morrison asked the handcuffed and shackled Brant.
“Actually, no,” Brant replied.
Morrison also confronted Brant with his statement to The Canadian Press last week before the militant group set up the blockades for the day of action, suggesting that there would be “longer” and “harder” actions to come in the future.
“Sir, I’d not only say it then, I’d say it now,” Brant said.
Read the full story here
Another AK-47 Peaceful protest ends with gunshots
A peaceful native protest on Friday turned violent after midnight as wooden pallets were set on fire near the bridge and shots were fired into the air, police confirmed.The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. Saturday while Akwesasne Mohawk Police officers were patrolling around Cornwall Island to ensure all was well, said police Chief Lewis Mitchell.
A handful of protesters threw wooden pallets across the roadway between the tollbooth and the Canadian Customs detachment at the foot of the St. Lawrence Bridge, Mitchell said.
“When police responded, shots were fired into the air,” he explained. “(The gunfire was) not directed at police or houses, but there was about 20 rounds that went off.”At this point, he said, police intervened and seized an AK-47. No one was injured.
Read the full story here
A handful of protesters threw wooden pallets across the roadway between the tollbooth and the Canadian Customs detachment at the foot of the St. Lawrence Bridge, Mitchell said.
“When police responded, shots were fired into the air,” he explained. “(The gunfire was) not directed at police or houses, but there was about 20 rounds that went off.”At this point, he said, police intervened and seized an AK-47. No one was injured.
Read the full story here
We aren’t all free
To gain some credibility back, Canada needs to either 1, start upholding the laws of the country or 2, start solving native issues with real, constructive solutions. Preferably both.
Take effect for what you will, but when all was said and done last weekend, two things were evident.
First, natives want Canadians to realize their plight and the only way they feel they can do it is by restricting freedoms. They want Canadians to react to their needs such as poverty, poor drinking water and land claims. And help them. But many aboriginals don’t want to abide by Canadian laws.
By the same token, most Canadians want to be free, wherever they go within our great nation. They don’t want to be blocked in, threatened, tormented, or taken advantage of for things they didn’t do, and have no power to help make better.
Read the full story here
Take effect for what you will, but when all was said and done last weekend, two things were evident.
First, natives want Canadians to realize their plight and the only way they feel they can do it is by restricting freedoms. They want Canadians to react to their needs such as poverty, poor drinking water and land claims. And help them. But many aboriginals don’t want to abide by Canadian laws.
By the same token, most Canadians want to be free, wherever they go within our great nation. They don’t want to be blocked in, threatened, tormented, or taken advantage of for things they didn’t do, and have no power to help make better.
Read the full story here
Day of Action - Dunnville rocks, OPP Two Tier Justice lives
By Mark Vandermaas - www.VoiceofCanada.ca
Gary McHale asked me to join Haldimand resident Donna Pitcher on the bridge in Dunnville to cover her one-woman protest/plea that the OPP keep the bridge open should native protesters decide to block it as part of their National Day of Action. My job was to gather photo/video evidence of any native actions, and to gather evidence to be used against the OPP should they refuse to enforce the law, or decide to violate the rights of non-native protesters.
The natives stayed away, but the same can’t be said for the ham-fisted OPP. If it weren’t for them and their silly police state tactics the only story I’d be telling today would be about the awesome people of Dunnville(!) and the sunburn I got while admiring the scenery and wildlife from the middle of their bridge over the Grand River. Fortunately for us, the OPP - once again - just couldn’t resist harassing non-native, law-abiding, peaceful people as if we were the ones threatening Canada’s infrastructure.
The OPP drove by once and stopped to ask when Donna was leaving the bridge. Later, a couple of officers on foot came by for a couple of minutes and then left. At 1:30 they returned just as a small group of about 7 people were standing with us. They informed us that they had been “ordered to request that we leave the bridge.”
Read the full story here Much more at www.VoiceofCanada.ca
Gary McHale asked me to join Haldimand resident Donna Pitcher on the bridge in Dunnville to cover her one-woman protest/plea that the OPP keep the bridge open should native protesters decide to block it as part of their National Day of Action. My job was to gather photo/video evidence of any native actions, and to gather evidence to be used against the OPP should they refuse to enforce the law, or decide to violate the rights of non-native protesters.
The natives stayed away, but the same can’t be said for the ham-fisted OPP. If it weren’t for them and their silly police state tactics the only story I’d be telling today would be about the awesome people of Dunnville(!) and the sunburn I got while admiring the scenery and wildlife from the middle of their bridge over the Grand River. Fortunately for us, the OPP - once again - just couldn’t resist harassing non-native, law-abiding, peaceful people as if we were the ones threatening Canada’s infrastructure.
The OPP drove by once and stopped to ask when Donna was leaving the bridge. Later, a couple of officers on foot came by for a couple of minutes and then left. At 1:30 they returned just as a small group of about 7 people were standing with us. They informed us that they had been “ordered to request that we leave the bridge.”
Read the full story here Much more at www.VoiceofCanada.ca
The man who led last week’s aboriginal blockades of Highway 2 and the CN rail line says he’ll turn himself in to authorities tomorrow and is frustrated that police approached him earlier than that.On Friday, Shawn Brant and a group of Mohawks organized the blockades in defiance of many native leaders’ admonitions. That same morning, the OPP issued an arrest warrant for him on a charge of mischief and breach of prior bail conditions.
During the weekend, Brant’s lawyer, Peter Rosenthal, entered negotiations with the Napanee detachment of the OPP for Brant’s surrender. Rosenthal has represented Brant in the past and will be his lawyer in the coming proceedings.
Brant said that despite his promise to appear for a bail hearing tomorrow, local OPP officers tried to arrest him yesterday morning. “The OPP had blocked the road and, I believe, were attempting to try and do an intervention,” he said, adding that he maintained a full force of men.“They were telling me that I should get in the car and go with them and there was a warrant for me,” Brant said.
“I told them that that was not the arrangement and I thought they should wait.”
He said the officers abandoned their attempt, but that he was left frustrated with the situation.
Related Story Here
Read the full story here
During the weekend, Brant’s lawyer, Peter Rosenthal, entered negotiations with the Napanee detachment of the OPP for Brant’s surrender. Rosenthal has represented Brant in the past and will be his lawyer in the coming proceedings.
Brant said that despite his promise to appear for a bail hearing tomorrow, local OPP officers tried to arrest him yesterday morning. “The OPP had blocked the road and, I believe, were attempting to try and do an intervention,” he said, adding that he maintained a full force of men.“They were telling me that I should get in the car and go with them and there was a warrant for me,” Brant said.
“I told them that that was not the arrangement and I thought they should wait.”
He said the officers abandoned their attempt, but that he was left frustrated with the situation.
Related Story Here
Read the full story here
Bring in the RCMP already
Council passed a motion Monday to explore possible options for policing in Haldimand County, but what about the RCMP? Forget the OPP and Hamilton police. We want Mounties and horses and fancy hats here in Haldimand. For months we’ve been reading articles in which the mayor has been quoted as saying the RCMP would be an option for Haldimand. However Monday’s motion approved by county council said nothing of the sort.
As many people already realize, the whole police review process thus far (which hasn’t been much of a process) has been driven by politics and posturing since the last municipal election. Not only by the mayor, but councilors as well. Some of these councilors now seem poised to start playing the vote game too, perhaps only while such a public relations effort isn’t impacting rational decision making. But you wonder when someone is finally going to pipe up and call the whole process what it really is – a colossal waste of time and a soapbox for politicians who choose to use it as one. Unfortunately, no such bravery has been witnessed around the council table.
In last week’s report presented to council, one of the options suggested the county could develop its own municipal force – something that along with the RCMP wasn’t incorporated into Monday’s motion. Wonder why? The unanimous vote to move forward with the ‘inquiry’ was misleading, because some councilors aren’t interested in letting this thing continue past the point of a token glance – a glance that could be quickly turned back when no new options come forward later this year.
Read the full story here
As many people already realize, the whole police review process thus far (which hasn’t been much of a process) has been driven by politics and posturing since the last municipal election. Not only by the mayor, but councilors as well. Some of these councilors now seem poised to start playing the vote game too, perhaps only while such a public relations effort isn’t impacting rational decision making. But you wonder when someone is finally going to pipe up and call the whole process what it really is – a colossal waste of time and a soapbox for politicians who choose to use it as one. Unfortunately, no such bravery has been witnessed around the council table.
In last week’s report presented to council, one of the options suggested the county could develop its own municipal force – something that along with the RCMP wasn’t incorporated into Monday’s motion. Wonder why? The unanimous vote to move forward with the ‘inquiry’ was misleading, because some councilors aren’t interested in letting this thing continue past the point of a token glance – a glance that could be quickly turned back when no new options come forward later this year.
Read the full story here
Terrorism at home
While we spend millions of dollars having our military clean up the bloody nose the U.S.A. created in Afghanistan, citizens of Ontario are subject to what appears to be home grown terrorism by the self-declared Mohawk State.
Phil Fontaine, in appearance an articulate, thoughtful representative of the native cause, shows us in video the deplorable conditions on some of the native reserves. This is effective. Nothing gets Canadians to dig into their pockets more than guilt, pity and the sense of concern and decency.Shutting down major economic and transportation routes is economic terrorism. Most people are sympathetic to the cause but these actions have and will continue to damage the good work done by men like Mr. Fontaine.
Instead of spending money to clean up Afghanistan and help its government gain control of that country, our army should be at home helping the inept Harper government gain control here. If some citizens of Havelock decided to blockade Highway 7 because of an unfair provincial or federal policy, the OPP riot squad would be called out, the citizens would be gassed, pepper sprayed and bludgeoned into submission, arrested and ultimately prosecuted. Where does this relate to fairness for one and all?
Read the full story here
Phil Fontaine, in appearance an articulate, thoughtful representative of the native cause, shows us in video the deplorable conditions on some of the native reserves. This is effective. Nothing gets Canadians to dig into their pockets more than guilt, pity and the sense of concern and decency.Shutting down major economic and transportation routes is economic terrorism. Most people are sympathetic to the cause but these actions have and will continue to damage the good work done by men like Mr. Fontaine.
Instead of spending money to clean up Afghanistan and help its government gain control of that country, our army should be at home helping the inept Harper government gain control here. If some citizens of Havelock decided to blockade Highway 7 because of an unfair provincial or federal policy, the OPP riot squad would be called out, the citizens would be gassed, pepper sprayed and bludgeoned into submission, arrested and ultimately prosecuted. Where does this relate to fairness for one and all?
Read the full story here
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Brant’s preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 20/21
It will be nearly Christmas before the criminal charges against Mohawk protester Shawn Brant are back before court here.Brant’s attorney, Toronto-based social justice lawyer Peter Rosenthal, appeared on Brant’s behalf Tuesday morning. A preliminary hearing was set for Dec. 20 and 21.
Brant, a well-known Terrorist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and spokesman for a group that has inhabited a privately-owned Deseronto-area quarry since March, is charged with mischief, disobeying a court order and breach of recognizance. The charges stem from a 30-hour blockade of a Canadian National rail line, the main corridor between Toronto and Montreal, on April 20.
Brant said in an interview Tuesday that if he does break his bail conditions on June 29 not to incite, encourage, plan or participate in illegal protests, it will be a testament to the desperation of the cause and the poor conditions of First Nations communities.
Read the full story here
Brant, a well-known Terrorist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and spokesman for a group that has inhabited a privately-owned Deseronto-area quarry since March, is charged with mischief, disobeying a court order and breach of recognizance. The charges stem from a 30-hour blockade of a Canadian National rail line, the main corridor between Toronto and Montreal, on April 20.
Brant said in an interview Tuesday that if he does break his bail conditions on June 29 not to incite, encourage, plan or participate in illegal protests, it will be a testament to the desperation of the cause and the poor conditions of First Nations communities.
Read the full story here
Six Nations day of protest
The Six Nations band council has planned to distribute information on land claims at the Brantford casino on June 29.A convoy of vehicles will roll into the Brantford casino at 10 a.m. For two hours, people will conduct “a peaceful, respectful and educational event,” said Six Nations band council Chief Dave General. “But we need to share with our neighbours what our issues are.”
Six months ago, First Nations chiefs voted in favour of protests on June 29 to draw attention to First Nations land and human rights issues, poverty and racism.General said the day will involve a whole spectrum of direct action from those who will erect blockades to those who want to press their point with education.
Haldimand County OPP Inspector Dave McLean said “Let the day come and go,” “There are so many good people in both communities. Everyone is waiting for resolution so they can get back to their lives.” (EDIT: Read between the lines and that statement is “Just let yourselves be terrorized because the OPP won’t do anything to help you “)
Read the full story here
Six months ago, First Nations chiefs voted in favour of protests on June 29 to draw attention to First Nations land and human rights issues, poverty and racism.General said the day will involve a whole spectrum of direct action from those who will erect blockades to those who want to press their point with education.
Haldimand County OPP Inspector Dave McLean said “Let the day come and go,” “There are so many good people in both communities. Everyone is waiting for resolution so they can get back to their lives.” (EDIT: Read between the lines and that statement is “Just let yourselves be terrorized because the OPP won’t do anything to help you “)
Read the full story here
Monday, June 25, 2007
Ontario’s ombud deserves support
Andre Marin, the provincial ombud, has raised a tough question that Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal government should answer.
He has accused the government of ignoring his office, setting up outsiders to investigate problems that really should be on the ombud’s agenda.
Marin, who did fine work earlier this year in exposing problems in the Ontario lottery organization was specifically concerned about Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter’s decision to hire an outside lawyer to look into whether Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino breached the Police Services Act. Fantino wrote an e-mail note to politicians in Caledonia that suggested they were encouraging divisive rallies against the policing of the community, which has been divided by an aboriginal land dispute.
The ombud has suggested the government prefers to use outsiders because by doing so it can maintain better control of the investigation.
Read the full story here
He has accused the government of ignoring his office, setting up outsiders to investigate problems that really should be on the ombud’s agenda.
Marin, who did fine work earlier this year in exposing problems in the Ontario lottery organization was specifically concerned about Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter’s decision to hire an outside lawyer to look into whether Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino breached the Police Services Act. Fantino wrote an e-mail note to politicians in Caledonia that suggested they were encouraging divisive rallies against the policing of the community, which has been divided by an aboriginal land dispute.
The ombud has suggested the government prefers to use outsiders because by doing so it can maintain better control of the investigation.
Read the full story here
Fantino’s testimonial
Imagine if the head of the Ontario Provincial Police announced on the eve of a probe touching on a major Canadian figure that the figure is an honourable man who has been given a bum rap.
Oops.
It just happened. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino went publicly to bat this week for former RCMP commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli, a key figure in lawyer David Brown’s report on a pension-fund scandal inside the national police force. Yet the OPP is soon to begin a review of how that scandal was investigated by the Ottawa Police Service.
Mr. Fantino did not merely make an off-the-cuff comment about his old professional friend. He was effusive about him. He said he was surprised that Mr. Zaccardelli has been “so vilified” over the pension fund. “I would like to think there is goodness and commitment and dedication and honourable duty in every person. To the extent I have known commissioner Zaccardelli, that’s how I’ve known him,” he told reporters. “We are all part of humanity. We have to come to grips with the fact humans are humans.”
Kindness or exoneration, the outburst is premature. The effect is to make the OPP look as if it has reached conclusions before it begins its review, though whether those who actually conduct the review will be influenced is impossible to know. Auditor-General Sheila Fraser has already said the Ottawa police investigation lacked the appearance of independence, because the lead investigator reported directly to an assistant RCMP commissioner. The highest standards of independence and propriety are needed for the investigation of a major Canadian institution and its leadership. Mr. Fantino’s comments suggest an old boys’ network is in charge.
Read the full story here
Oops.
It just happened. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino went publicly to bat this week for former RCMP commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli, a key figure in lawyer David Brown’s report on a pension-fund scandal inside the national police force. Yet the OPP is soon to begin a review of how that scandal was investigated by the Ottawa Police Service.
Mr. Fantino did not merely make an off-the-cuff comment about his old professional friend. He was effusive about him. He said he was surprised that Mr. Zaccardelli has been “so vilified” over the pension fund. “I would like to think there is goodness and commitment and dedication and honourable duty in every person. To the extent I have known commissioner Zaccardelli, that’s how I’ve known him,” he told reporters. “We are all part of humanity. We have to come to grips with the fact humans are humans.”
Kindness or exoneration, the outburst is premature. The effect is to make the OPP look as if it has reached conclusions before it begins its review, though whether those who actually conduct the review will be influenced is impossible to know. Auditor-General Sheila Fraser has already said the Ottawa police investigation lacked the appearance of independence, because the lead investigator reported directly to an assistant RCMP commissioner. The highest standards of independence and propriety are needed for the investigation of a major Canadian institution and its leadership. Mr. Fantino’s comments suggest an old boys’ network is in charge.
Read the full story here
Debate over OPP
For the third time, Haldimand County council delayed a decision on how, if at all, municipal policing will be reviewed.Earlier in the year, Coun. Craig Grice, who represents Caledonia, launched a process to investigate options to replace the county’s Ontario Provincial Police contract which will expire on Sept. 30, 2008. He, Coun. Buck Sloat and Mayor Marie Trainer incorporated a review into policing options in their campaigns.
At Monday’s meeting, council took Coun. Tony Dalimonte’s advice and deferred a decision to examine contracting with another police service or establishing a county police department. He advised his colleagues to reflect on the staff report for a few days and come back on June 25 with written comments. An objective review is essential to prevent an appeal of the decision to the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services, he said.“If you want to go ahead, write what you hope to achieve with this process,” he said. “You better know what you’re doing.”
All but Grice (who was threatened by Fantino) voted to continue the debate on June 25.
Read the full story here
At Monday’s meeting, council took Coun. Tony Dalimonte’s advice and deferred a decision to examine contracting with another police service or establishing a county police department. He advised his colleagues to reflect on the staff report for a few days and come back on June 25 with written comments. An objective review is essential to prevent an appeal of the decision to the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services, he said.“If you want to go ahead, write what you hope to achieve with this process,” he said. “You better know what you’re doing.”
All but Grice (who was threatened by Fantino) voted to continue the debate on June 25.
Read the full story here
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