The inquiry into the death of a Native activist at the hands of police heard explosive testimony on Monday about the involvement of top political officials.
Charles Harnick, who was attorney general of Ontario under then-premier Mike Harris, testified that he heard Harris make an angry remark about the Native activists who were occupying Ipperwash Provincial Park in 1995. "I want the f------ Indians out of the park," Harris said during a meeting about the situation, according to Harnick.
Harris will deny making such a remark when he testifies in January. Harnick said he still has "nothing but admiration for the premier. I've agonized over this," according to news reports.
Dudley George, 38, was killed by heavily armed Ontario Provincial Police who stormed the park on September 6, 1995. A police officer was later found guilty of criminal negligence causing death.
Get the Story:Angry Harris wanted protesters out of Ipperwash: former official (CBC 11/28)
Harris uttered slur, Ipperwash inquiry told (The Daily Globe and Mail 11/29)
'I have agonized over this, but I heard it' (The London Free Press 11/29)
Ipperwash inquiry hears Ont. premier Harris wanted 'Indians out of the park' (CP 11/29)
Minister `stunned' by Harris profanity (The Toronto Star 11/29) Relevant Links:
Ipperwash Inquiry - http://www.ipperwashinquiry.ca
Who Killed Dudley George - http://www.whokilleddudleygeorge.ca
Dudley George and Ipperwash, CBC News - http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/ipperwash
Dudley George information - http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-dudley.htm Related Stories:
Explosive tape aired at inquiry into Native man's death (05/19)
Judge holds back tapes in Native man's death (10/13)
Inquiry opens into police shooting of Native man (07/14)
Racist statements by police prompt criticism (01/22)
Tape catches police making racist comments (1/21)
Ont. calls inquiry into death of Native man (11/14)
Native family settles death suit with police (10/03)
Civil trial over Native man's death delayed (09/19)