Commissioner Fantino call for Peace and Order

ORILLIA, ON, April 27 – On Friday April 25, 2008, a 44 year old man was arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for an assault that occurred on Monday April 21 on Slash Road, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. During the course of this arrest and in the following hours other persons confronted police, smashing an OPP vehicle window and assaulting officers of which four sustained injury. This resulted in 4 persons being charged with a variety of criminal offences, including assaulting police.

“Let me reiterate that these events were not related to any land claims or protests related to land claims,” said Commissioner Julian Fantino. Police acted professionally and with restraint during this incident. I am proud of the hard work and dedication of all the officers during these often volatile situations.”

“As a result of this incident other individuals and groups with their own agendas to disrupt the peace have engaged in unlawful activity in other areas of the province,” said Commissioner Fantino. These activities and the spreading of false information do nothing except to inflame passions and incite further unrest.”

“The OPP is committed to open communication and is actively engaged in on-going dialogue which is essential for resolving the unrest,” Commissioner Fantino stated. “Our priority is to preserve the peace and maintain order. I can not stress this enough that our role is to keep the peace, not to resolve land claim issues.”

“I am calling on all persons to act in a respectful manner and to build upon relationships within our communities, Commissioner Fantino stated. “Let there be no mistake however in our resolve to hold those accountable who break the law and jeopardize safety.”

For further information: Inspector Dave Ross, Corporate Communications Bureau, (705) 329-6874