Caledonia activist Gary McHale faces assault charge

CALEDONIA, Ont. - Provincial police say activist Gary McHale is facing an assault charge arising from a Feb. 27 demonstration in Caledonia, Ont.

Police say they received two complaints as a result of isolated incidents that occurred during the rally.

The rally was held to mark the fifth anniversary of an aboriginal occupation in Caledonia that has several times erupted in violent clashes between protesters and local residents.

Investigators say a review of video evidence and statements from witnesses led to the charge against the 49-year-old Binbrook, Ont., man.

Police say McHale has been released on conditions and is to appear in court in Cayuga, Ont., on April 5.

McHale calls the assault charge bogus and says the Crown will never get a conviction.

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  Gary McHale walks past the courthouse in Cayuga, Ont. on Wednesday February 3, 2010. McHale says the Crown did not have the right to withdraw the charge against OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino and vows to take the case to Superior Court. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)