Immigration minister in tough election fight amid land dispute, tobacco decline
Published Saturday October 11th, 2008
CALEDONIA, Ont. - The concrete barricade that blocks the road into what might have been a sparkly new subdivision in this southern Ontario town could also spell the end to the political road travelled by one of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's most trusted cabinet colleagues.
Immigration Minister Diane Finley, who spearheaded Harper's child-allowance initiative and an overhaul to the immigration system, is fighting for her seat in a riding where anger toward her is palpable.
How she fares in the Oct. 14 federal vote could also be a key factor in determining Harper's overall electoral success.
"Haldimand-Norfolk is one of those (ridings) that is going to make a difference between a majority or minority government," said David Docherty, a professor of political science at Wilfrid Laurier University.
The main issue is a still festering land-claim dispute that erupted 2 1/2 years ago in southern Ontario's rural heartland. The concerns of desperate tobacco farmers have also landed on Finley's desk.
In February 2006, First Nations protesters occupied a housing development site in Caledonia, the barricades went up, and at times violent confrontations ensued.
The result has been a drop in property values, businesses have closed or decided against moving into town, and a sense of unease is evident among many residents.
"A lot of people are just wrecks," said Sam Stargratt, standing next to a "Has anyone seen Diane Finley?" sign on his lawn.
"It's never going to be the same again."
Finley is bearing much of the brunt of the frustration that permeates this end of the Haldimand-Norfolk riding. A constant refrain is that she's been invisible at a time of crisis.
"People in rural areas expect their MP to go to bat," said Peter Woolstencroft, professor of political science at the University of Waterloo.
"Her public statements have not been strong."
Concerns about Finley's visibility extend to her boss, with complaints Harper, too, has stayed away from the riding during his stint at the country's helm.
On the defensive, Finley pleaded for understanding.
She returns to the riding every weekend and has attended more than 300 official events and meetings with constituents in the past 18 months, she said.
"I have been here frequently and faithfully ever since this whole thing began," she said at a campaign appearance, where Finance Minister Jim Flaherty was on hand to lend support.
Finley pointed out it was the Harper government that appointed a veteran negotiator, brought the various players to the table, and made two "significant" offers to settle the dispute that dates back 150 years.
"This won't be resolved overnight," she said.
She also noted that she has had five surgeries for vision problems and has "awesome" responsibilities as a cabinet minister.
Gary McHale, who is running as an Independent, insists residents have been largely left to fend for themselves in a situation much larger than their community.
Initially from north of Toronto, McHale has led protest marches against the occupation and pushed constantly for police to crack down on "lawlessness" - code for the aboriginal protesters.
His populist, anti-politician campaign has enjoyed some success, at least judging by the supportive signs on display in yards in the south end of Caledonia, the area closest to the occupied site.
Donna Chausse, who lives near the barricades, said McHale has become "the voice" of the people.
"Gary's been here from Day 1. He is the only one that seems to be standing up for us. He has never backed down and I don't think he will."
McHale's declaration that only he can be counted on to ensure residents' concerns are heard brought cheers at this week's all-candidates meeting, where Finley received, at best, only a smattering of polite applause.
"I'm asking you to dare to believe that we can make a difference," McHale told the appreciative crowd.
Both McHale and Finley are facing a strong Liberal run by Eric Hoskins.
A doctor who spent years working in the Third World, Hoskins pledged to put the land-claim dispute to the Federal Land Claims Tribunal for a quick, binding settlement.
"This is having a devastating impact financially and emotionally," Hoskins said.
"It speaks to one of the fundamental issues in this election here in Haldimand-Norfolk - which is local leadership, because the current MP has been virtually absent on this issue. People are disappointed."
While law and order is less of an issue in the other half of the riding, Norfolk County has also been hit hard by the decline in tobacco, adding to the overall economic malaise gripping the rest of the country.
Earlier this year, angry tobacco farmers stormed Finley's office in protest after the federal government refused to commit to an exit strategy for them.
Finley argues that she recently helped deliver a $1-billion aid package to tobacco farmers, but noted the Conservative government will need to be re-elected to deliver.
McHale, who called that a bribe, said people across the riding are fed up with both the Conservatives and Liberals.
Despite the outward signs of support and McHale's own unbridled optimism, Henry Jacek, a professor political science at McMaster University, said the Independent "doesn't stand a chance" of winning the riding.
"He reminds the population of all the problems by constantly keeping them in the forefront," Jacek said.
"(But) people know they need to vote Liberal if they want change."
Also running in the riding are Steve Elgersma for the Christian Heritage Party, who rails against abortion, homosexuality and sodomy; the Green's Stephana Johnston, who says people have to remember aboriginals were on the land first and deserve respect; and New Democrat Ian Nichols, who insists he's an everyday voter who understands people's concerns and needs.
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