Would Applying The Law In A Fair And Equitable Manner Solve The Problem?

Tory MP hopes for quick end to native bridge blockade

Posted by Jack On June - 9 - 2009 2 COMMENTS

A Conservative MP is calling for authorities to bring a quick end to a bridge blockade in eastern Ontario that was set up Sunday by native protesters.

The blockade was in response to the weeklong standoff between the federal government and Akwesasne Mohawks that has resulted in the shutdown of a Canada-U.S. border crossing.

A group of Mohawks from Tyendinaga, a native community about 185 kilometres east of Toronto, occupied the bridge around 7 p.m. local time Sunday, vowing to stay there until they felt the government has engaged “in meaningful dialogue” with the leadership of the Mohawks in Akwesasne.

The Canada Border Services Agency shut down the Port of Cornwall border post on the Akwesasne reserve, which sits about 100 kilometres west of Montreal, on May 31, after the community said it would not allow the arming of border guards planned for June 1.

Prince Edward-Hastings Conservative MP Daryl Kramp said the blockade by Tyendinaga Mohawks of the Skyway Bridge, which spans the Bay of Quinte in eastern Ontario, is “illegal” and needs to be dealt with. Kramp said his constituency office has received calls from residents who believe a “double standard set of laws” was allowing the bridge blockade to continue.

“There is a difference between having a border-control issue at Akwesasne, versus a bridge in our county which has nothing to do with this. I am, quite frankly, disappointed that it’s still continuing,” said Kramp. “In this case, I really think the law should be respected and upheld.

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