Mike Harris, the former premier of Ontario, took the stand on Tuesday at the inquiry into the death of Ojibwe activist Dudley George.
Harris denied using obscene language at a meeting called to discuss the occupation of Ipperwash Provincial Park in September 1995. A witness previously testified that he heard Harris say, "I want the f*** Indians out of the park."
"I absolutely did not say that or words to that effect or use that adjective at any time during those meetings," Harris said yesterday.
Harris also denied ordering the Ontario Park Police to shoot on the Native protesters, killing George. He said Canada's legal system is set up in a way that prevents political officials from directing police operations.
In response to Harris' testimony, the Chiefs of Ontario issued a statement criticizing the former premier of failing to take responsibility for what happened under his watch.
Harris is slated to remain on the stand for three more days.
Get the Story:Harris denies using profanity over native protest (CBC 2/14)
Harris denies using slur during Ipperwash meeting (CTV 2/14)
Harris denies f-bomb order (The Ottawa Sun 2/15)
Harris on the stand (The London Free Press 2/15)
Harris says quick end safest (The London Free Press 2/15)
Harris's statement (The London Free Press 2/15)
Harris denies swaying cops (CP 2/15) Relevant Links:
Ipperwash Inquiry - http://www.ipperwashinquiry.ca
Who Killed Dudley George - http://www.whokilleddudleygeorge.ca
Dudley George and Ipperwash, CBC News - http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/ipperwash
Dudley George information - http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-dudley.htm Related Stories:
Big witness to testify about killing of Native man (2/14)
Inquiry: 'I want the Indians out of the park' (11/29)
Explosive tape aired at inquiry into Native man's death (05/19)
Judge holds back tapes in Native man's death (10/13)
Inquiry opens into police shooting of Native man (07/14)
Racist statements by police prompt criticism (01/22)
Tape catches police making racist comments (1/21)
Ont. calls inquiry into death of Native man (11/14)
Native family settles death suit with police (10/03)
Civil trial over Native man's death delayed (09/19)