Buying Caledonia land will cost Ontario government $12.3M

CBC News: http://www.cbc.ca/news
Last updated Fri, 23 Jun 2006 18:12:29 EDT

[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.]

Ontario taxpayers will shell out at least $12.3 million for land in Caledonia occupied by native protesters, Premier Dalton McGuinty has revealed.

McGuinty disclosed the amount paid to the owner of the Douglas Creek Estates, Henco Industries, in the legislature Thursday.

For several days after the purchase was announced, McGuinty told the legislature that he couldn't reveal the price because the developer wanted to keep it a secret.

In addition to the $12.3 million, the developer will be paid for the loss of future profits. McGuinty said that amount "remains the subject of ongoing negotiations.

Opposition leader John Tory said the government had set a risky precedent by purchasing the land while protesters still occupy it.

Aboriginal protesters, who have occupied Henco's construction site since late February, claim the strip of land is part of a land grant from back in 1784. Provincial and federal governments maintain the land was surrendered in 1841.

McGuinty defended the government's decision, saying the province wanted to "take the land out of the equation" by placing it in trust while the land-claim issue is resolved.

On Thursday, McGuinty urged protesters to end their occupation because of the potential danger it poses to the public.