Mike Harris took a lot of blame for Ipperwash. There were allegations against the OPP and Harris of intolerance and racism. McGuinty opened a public enquiry days after he was elected. Clearly he wants to distance himself from the conservatives, be less confrontational and try to negotiate with the natives in this situation. As for why the police don't break up the blockade or arrest protesters, clearly it's because they don't want this to escalate. This is not unique to native disputes. Why didn't the police break up hundreds of truckers and their blockade of the 401? There is only so much you can do with a mass protest without using force.
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