Mayor of Haldimand And Minister of Aboriginal Affairs call McHale's rallies dangerous and counter-productive

OPP arrest Caledonia protest organizer McHale

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Updated Sat. Dec. 16 2006 11:34 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Gary McHale, the Richmond Hill man who has organized demonstrations at the site of an ongoing aboriginal occupation in southwestern Ontario was arrested Saturday as he made his way to the disputed property.
McHale was arrested along with Mark Vandermaas of London, by the Ontario Provincial Police as they approached the property waving Canadian flags. Police had warned McHale against attempting such a move.
CTV's Joel Bowey said the men intended to post the Canadian flag across the street from where aboriginal flags are currently flying.
"The OPP set up a line just about a hundred yards away from that site and several people were able to cross that line. They got through a farmer's field on far left side of where I'm standing here," Bowey told CTV Newsnet.
"We're hearing that Mr. McHale got in the middle of the street and put a flag down there, and that's when he and the other man from London, Ont. were arrested. So far all we know is that those two men have been arrested and there are no other arrests at this point."
Vandermaas was reportedly forced to the ground by police, and the flag was ripped out of his hands when he crossed the police line.
The OPP said the men were arrested on charges of breaking the peace, which they noted is not a criminal offence, The Canadian Press reports.
Bowey said the site was relatively peaceful, beyond some yelling and shoving that took place. About 100 people who had gathered for the rally dispersed after the men were arrested.
The natives have occupied the housing development for 10 months, and have been negotiating with the province to end the dispute. They have vowed to remain on the land until it is returned to them.
The demonstration was condemned by many who said it had the potential to reignite tensions between the native protesters, non-native community residents and police.
"I've now said that Mr. McHale's plans were counterproductive and potentially dangerous to what we've been trying to do there, and that is to reach a peaceful settlement,'' said David Ramsay, Ontario's minister responsible for aboriginal affairs.
"I've twice now offered Mr. McHale the opportunity to protest at Queen's Park. In fact, I said I would sponsor his rally and set up a platform and a microphone, a PA system for him.''
McHale held an earlier rally in October that turned into a two-hour standoff after protesters tried to storm the disputed property.
He appeared on CTV Newsnet Saturday morning before the planned Saturday demonstration.
He alleged that police are discriminating by turning a blind eye to aboriginals who break the law at the site.
"When a native commits a serious crime or any crime, they stand by and watch the crime take place and will not do anything to stop the crime. When a resident does the simplest thing, even putting up a Canadian flag or drinking a coffee in a lawn chair across some magic line, they will send in scores of officers to arrest the person," he said.
"We have to take a stand and say to police forces that there is one set of laws for all citizens."
McHale said he intends to continue drawing attention to the perceived inequity, and needs to demonstrate at the site of the occupation, not at Queen's Park, in order to garner media attention.
McHale, who lives more than 100 kilometres from Caledonia, said he has involved himself in the Caledonia dispute because people in the area are living in fear of intimidation and are not in a position to speak out.
However, many in the area, including the mayor of Caledonia, have said his actions are counter-productive.