22 September 2010
Miller Forges Ahead with Push to Honour Soldiers
Calls on McGuinty Liberals to properly bury war dead

QUEEN'S PARK—Paul Miller, MPP Hamilton East – Stoney Creek once again implored the McGuinty Liberals to direct $200,000 to the City of Hamilton’s efforts to properly bury and recognise the remains of War of 1812 fallen soldiers.

“In May I asked the Premier to pledge funding for a proper burial and recognition for these fallen soldiers,” said Miller. “The Premier’s response then left us all expecting his government’s full support for this exceptional project, but hope was dashed by the Minister of Culture in his August response to the City of Hamilton’s written request for funding,” lamented Miller.

Miller noted that the Minister of Culture seemed to find the few words in Hamilton’s letter that would be grounds for refusal, rather than finding ways to ensure funding and that proper dignity would be afforded to these fallen soldiers. “In the Legislature this morning, Minister Chan again showed his narrow scope on this funding issue, rather than looking at the whole project and saying, yes, we can provide funding for this portion, he chose to use the words he could to refuse the request,” said a dismayed Miller.

The Battle of Stoney Creek was a critical turning point in the War of 1812, securing this area and the current Niagara Peninsula by British troops and aboriginal warriors, thereby ensuring that this land remained part of what is now Canada. “To lump this significant event with other remembrances of the War of 1812 is to demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of its significance to Ontario’s and Canada’s history,” said Miller. “To further diminish the request for funding to properly bury and pay respect to these fallen soldiers can only be seen as callous disrespect for all fallen soldiers,” said a disgusted Miller.

“This is not about politics, it’s not about which level of government is responsible, it’s about this government stepping up to the plate partnering with the municipality and the federal government and doing the right thing for these fallen soldiers, whose ultimate sacrifice significantly shaped the Cities, the Province and the National governments that we enjoy today,” explained Miller.

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Media Contact: Paul Miller (416) 325-0707

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