July 12 2009, after 4 arrests & almost 3 years, the OPP finally agreed to get out of the way and let Caledonia residents and CANACE hang a Canadian flag on a hydro pole on Argyle Street adjecent to the DCE.

In December of 2006, a Caledonia resident was arrested for trying to hang a flag on a hydo pole as was his right according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Later that month, Gary McHale & Mark Vandermaas would also be jailed for trying to hang a flag. This began a series of rallies that lasted 2 1/2 years in which residents and CANACE tried to hang a flag while the OPP brought in hundreds of officers, the London riot squad, and a helicopter on at least 2 occasions to ensure that our rights were denied.

As this flag was raised by resident Doug Flemming, I could not help but think back on the many events over the years that had finally culminated in such a simple & peaceful event. This video takes a trip down memory lane, and is a tribute to those who stood together against the race based policing policies of the OPP.

Exclusive footage from Jeff Parkinson & the Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality

http://www.jeffparkinson.ca/
http://www.canace.ca/