TORONTO - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says he won't call a public inquiry into an aboriginal land dispute in Caledonia, Ont., that's dragged on for nearly three years.
McGuinty says it's a matter of federal jurisdiction, but the province will try to keep the two sides together to help settle the dispute.
The Opposition is tabling a private member's bill today calling for a public inquiry into the occupation, which began Feb. 28, 2006, and its impact on the southern Ontario community.
McGuinty says he fully supports the Ontario Provincial Police, whose actions have come under fire by some local residents.
Conservative Peter Shurman says McGuinty is telling Caledonia homeowners to "take a hike" by dismissing calls for an inquiry.
Residents who complain that police have mishandled the dispute have circulated a petition calling for a public inquiry.
Federal Human Resources Minister Diane Finley, whose riding includes Caledonia, came under fire last month for signing the petition.
The dispute has erupted in several violent clashes between homeowners and the native protesters occupying a 40-hectare tract of land on the outskirts of Caledonia.
