Today Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak issued the following statement on criminal actions witnessed during the G20 protests

“Like most law-abiding Ontario families, I was appalled by the violence, vandalism and reckless disregard for public safety displayed by a group of thugs and hooligans. The senior levels of government should establish a fund to compensate small business owners for property damages and the interruption of business caused by repairing the damages.

“These criminals cannot be allowed to break the windows of hard working small businesses or light police cars on fire. The right to speak must never be confused with the right to vandalize property that tarnishes the reputation of our city and province.

“The McGuinty Government must do everything in its power to ensure that the criminals behind this violence are caught, tried to the fullest extent of the law and held personally financially responsible for the cost of the damage they have caused. In addition, the authorities should co-operate with any resident or business that wishes to pursue a civil action against the individuals and groups responsible for this violence.

“I proudly stand behind the men and women of our police services that were faced with a daunting and difficult task of protecting the public against these professional vandals and hooligans. I call on Dalton McGuinty and other Ontario political leaders to join me in supporting our men and women in uniform.”