Minister defends police in Caledonia standoff, despite claims of inaction

Canadian Press
Macleans
June 14, 2006 - 11:25

[SISIS note: The following mainstream news article is provided for reference only, as an example of how mainstream media treats indigenous resistance to genocide. Mainstream media often presents biased and distorted information, lacking pertinent facts and/or context. Inclusion of this article on our site should not be considered an endorsement by SISIS.]

TORONTO (CP) - Ontario Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter says he's "very happy" with the way the Ontario Provincial Police has handled the Caledonia standoff.

Police have come under fire from local residents for not enforcing the law and ending a months-long aboriginal occupation of a housing project.

The OPP were accused of standing by and watching last Friday as protesters attacked two television cameramen while others swarmed an elderly couple's car.

Kwinter says there's nothing wrong with having the OPP investigate their response to those incidents, insisting he has total confidence in the job they've been doing.

He says there's no need for a larger investigation into their actions in Caledonia.

The Opposition Conservatives say the Liberal government either implicitly or explicitly told police not to enforce the law in the Caledonia area.

The Tories also say the province should not agree to resume negotiations with Six Nations representatives Thursday until seven protesters wanted by police are arrested.