CALEDONIA, Ont. - One of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's closest cabinet colleagues is fighting for her political life.

Anger toward Immigration Minister Diane Finley in her southern Ontario riding of Haldimand-Norfolk is palpable, especially in the town of Caledonia.

That's where a sometimes violent land-claim dispute has dragged on for two-and-a-half years.

Many residents, along with Liberal candidate Eric Hoskins and Independent Gary McHale, accuse Finley of going missing in action and doing little to help.

Finley denies abandoning her constituents, saying she is frequently in the riding.

She also says the government has been working hard at the negotiating table trying to resolve a very difficult issue.