MCGUINTY CAVES ON NEGOTIATING TERMS FOR OCCUPIERS – RUNCIMAN

(QUEEN’S PARK) –Ontario PC House Leader Bob Runciman today charged that Premier Dalton McGuinty sent out an alarming signal of weakness to natives occupying land in Caledonia when he backed away from conditions he set yesterday for resumption of negotiations to resolve the 106 day stand-off.

“Yesterday, in very explicit terms, McGuinty stated that the government would not re-enter negotiations with the occupiers until the barricades come down and the native leadership co-operated with police to apprehend wanted individuals,” Runciman pointed out.

“Today, he’s (McGuinty) willing to re-enter negotiations when only 2 barricades have been removed and the Six Nations leadership have made it very clear that they won’t co-operate with police, in fact, having hidden those for whom warrants have been issued,” Runciman charged.

Runciman referenced a press release issued by the Six Nations Confederacy indicating they would not turn over the suspects, one of whom is charged with attempted murder, contending that the Crown had no jurisdiction. The position was confirmed today by Chief Alan McNaughton.

“The occupiers are kicking sand in Mr. McGuinty’s face and the Weider brothers aren’t around to put some steel in his spine,” the MPP asserted.

“Mr. McGuinty has once again, sent a very clear signal of weakness and I suspect the only way his government will resolve the situation is by opening the vault and giving away the store,” argued Runciman.