Aide wanted ‘quick end’ to Ipperwash occupation
FOREST, ONT.— A key aide to former Ontario premier Mike Harris scowled when she was told by civil servants the premier’s office did not have the power to direct the Ontario Provincial Police, a public inquiry heard yesterday.
Harris adviser Deb Hutton indicated “ a desire to be able to direct the police” at a Sept. 5, 1995, meeting with provincial civil servants, including Ron Fox, then an OPP inspector working out of the solicitor general’s office, Eileen Hipfner testified.
Hipfner, a lawyer with the former solicitor general’s office, told the inquiry into the Sept. 6, 1995, shooting death of native activist Anthony ( Dudley) George that Hutton rolled her eyes and appeared resistant as Fox and others at the meeting told her politicians and their aides couldn’t give direction to the police.
“ Her arms were folded,” Hipfner said. “ There was what I only can describe as a scowl on her face.”
Hipfner added Fox was not intimidated by Hutton as he made it clear the OPP would not take action on occupiers of Ipperwash Provincial Park without a court injunction authorizing them to do so.
“She wanted the occupation ended quickly,” Hipfner testified before Mr. Justice Sidney Linden. “ Her tone generally was very aggressive.” Hutton seemed to grudgingly accept advice by civil servants that the premier’s office couldn’t direct the police, Hipfner testified. “ She described it as a difficulty for her, but she seemed to accept it.”
Hipfner said she left the meeting feeling “ disquieted,” adding, “ We had just become acquainted with our new political masters.”
Acting- Sgt. Kenneth Deane of the OPP’s paramilitary tactics and rescue unit was found guilty in 1997 of criminal negligence causing death for shooting George in a late- night confrontation.
Hipfner said she the news of the death left her “ shattered.”