Brantford: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released a new petition calling on all levels of government to stop Ontario's standoff in Caledonia. CTF Ontario Director, Kevin Gaudet said, "The people of Caledonia are definitely in distress given that for 21 months now they have suffered through this standoff. That is why we are issuing an S.O.S. distress signal today in an effort to spur governments to resolve the matter."

The CTF issued the petition today while visiting groups in Brantford and Caledonia. Gaudet is meeting with a group of seniors in Brantford, a group of citizens in Caledonia and the mayor of Halimand County.

The petition states:

To Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Michael Bryant and Federal Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl:

Six Nations protesters have been occupying the disputed Douglas Creek Estates land development project since February 2006. Police tried and failed once to remove the protesters. Since then, no further effort has been made to remove the occupiers and taxpayers have been billed for tens of millions in related costs. Businesses have suffered. Property values have plummeted. Citizens and police have been injured. Public confidence in the Ontario Provincial Police and elected officials has been eroded. Yet, a resolution is not in sight.

We the undersigned taxpayers, call on all levels of government:

• To enforce the rule of law equally in Ontario;
• Not to undertake negotiations when there are illegal occupations and blockades;
• To make every effort to recover from occupiers, blockaders and bands all unusual costs incurred due to standoffs; and,
• To work diligently and quickly to resolve outstanding land claims.

For more information please contact: Kevin Gaudet at 416-203-0030 office or mobile 416-725-0501