August 31, 2006.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier
Legislative Building, Queen's Park,
Toronto, Ontario,
M7A 1A1.

RE:  Caledonia, I’m completely spent.

Dear Mr. McGuinty;

It is with the greatest regret that I inform you of my (and my family’s) intention to sell our home in Caledonia.  My reasons for this are too numerous to list, but I will make my last stand by informing you of the most significant points that have brought me to this decision.

When my husband and I decided to build our home in Caledonia, the decision was based on the many great things that this community had to offer our future family and us.  (Both my husband and I had lived in Caledonia in our childhoods.)  The town offered rich history, people who were extremely friendly and kind, and the atmosphere was one of contentment.  We’ve now lived here since December of 1998, and this is the only home our children have known.  We always called Caledonia “Shangri-la”.

With the events that have unfolded in this town since February 28, 2006, every single one of these wonderful elements have become blurred to the point where it is virtually impossible to remember if they ever existed at all. 

As you have not visited Caledonia, I find it impossible to believe you when you inform the world that “everything is fine and things are going well”.  And so you will not be misled any longer by false impressions, I will now tell you why this monumental decision is becoming the only option left for my family.

Safety is completely in question.  There are no guarantees that our persons or property will be protected.  Harassment and intimidation are the “new normal”, and there is very little that the O.P.P. officers are allowed to do in response to all that has happened in Caledonia.  Some officers think they are in “Caledon”.  (God forbid, but should there ever be a ‘next time’ like “Caledonia”, I’d like to suggest that officers who are assigned to  “keeping the peace” be supplied with a map that has a big red ‘dot’ on it that says, “You Are Here”.)

Law is ‘optional’ in Caledonia.  It is merely a “suggestion” for if in the opinion of any individual the court is without merit, there is no “law”.  And, therefore, any order that the court hands down can be ignored or overturned at will.

Order:  This word used to mean a very secure way of life in Caledonia.  It now means 1^st class citizen, and 2^nd class citizen in a small town where there were never differences, insecurities or questions before April 20, 2006.

Freedom:  Utilizing ”freedom of speech” will result in harassing phone calls to your home from “an active warrior on the protest site” that you’ve never met.  It will also provide you with the unbearable experience of a Mohawk Warrior driving slowly by your home with his face covered and wearing sunglasses lower on his nose so he can look at you - while you safely buckle your children in your car while in your own driveway at your own home.

    “Freedom to protest” means anything goes!  Except if you are a Caledonia resident at Queen’s Park with your peers.  Should you find the courage to stand up for your rights and question your elected officials - to demand better or more from their efforts, a Mohawk Warrior will take your picture without asking your permission right in front of the very building that represents the heart of Ontario’s Democracy.  

    Evidently, we are not all equally free. My freedom ends where a native protestor’s freedom begins.

Democracy:  This covenant is supposed to (and should) represent the majority of the electorate at all levels.  It is supposed to represent safety, law, order and freedom and the essence of each of those words and their definitions.  Democracy is supposed to be respected, because it entrusts the voices and beliefs ‘of the people’ to their elected representatives.  Democracy should never be a vacuum.  Democracy should never waiver.  It should never question its basis for existence, and it should never forget why it exists and the price that has been paid for its existence.  This very fundamental has been established and paid for in this country.  Paid with the lives of men and women who have fought to defend humanity with the tearing down of barricades – not putting them up.

Mr. McGuinty, I liken Caledonia today, figuratively, to Chernobyl and Long Island of yesteryear, and can clearly draw the parallels to Ipperwash and Oka of yesterday – toxic – completely toxic.

Every day that this occupation continues, the protestors ramp up their efforts to ensure that ‘less becomes more’.  And insomuch, it becomes increasingly clear that I should ask the questions to look for a viable solution for my family.  It is not “too late” to remove our children from these tensions that would pit neighbour against neighbour.  More importantly, it is not to late to ensure that my children will not be separated from the tenants that represent and define democracy. 

If my family stays in Caledonia, what will be the cost?  If we leave, (provided that we will find a real estate agent who is determined enough to try to sell our home) what will be the price?  We are not a family that is monetarily wealthy.  We will likely sustain a massive hit to our savings and property value – my best guess…$40,000 to $60,000 right now.  Next week?  Next month?  Likely, it will be much, much more.  If my family waits much longer to decide – the damage will be done because we will be unable to afford ‘monetarily’ to leave.  And if we stay, there will be no amount of money that will cover the loss that will be endured through “our next generation”. 

How high is the price you would pay, Mr. McGuinty, to remove your family and yourself from an uncontrollable situation?  What would be the real cost if you decided to stay in such a situation?  Would you continue about your merry way?  Or would you try to make a difference with the knowledge, that, unwarranted repercussions will likely result from your efforts?

Mr. McGuinty, nothing would please me more than to have you speak personally to the residents of Caledonia.  We know that this town represents a threat to your personal safety.  It is a threat to our safety as well – every single day.  That must be why you do not come to see us.  It does not explain, however, why you do not issue a statement to the individual people and families who live here. 

As you have yet to return any of my phone calls or letters, I will expect that you will ignore this one as well.  You will find yourself in good company Mr. Premier, as there have only been two (2) individuals copied below who have ever taken a moment to reply to me; Mr. John Tory, and Mr. Toby Barrett.  There has been only one (1) person listed below who has ever taken the time to actually speak to me and address my concerns - Marie Trainer, Mayor of Haldimand County.

Much to my chagrin, I have learned one magnificent thing living in Caledonia – resolve can move mountains.

Sincerely,

c.c. Hon. Stephan Harper, Prime Minister of Canada;
Hon. Diane Finley, MP Haldimand Norfolk;
Hon. Jim Prentice, Indian and Northern Affairs;
Mr. John Tory, Leader of the Opposition;
Mr. Toby Barrett, MPP;
Hon. Monty Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services;
Hon. David Ramsey, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs;
Her Worship Mayor Trainer, Haldimand County;
Mr. Norm Miller, Critic for Aboriginal Affairs.