STOPWATCH - 1996, Volume I

Looking at SafetyNet 1995

CAVEAT hosted its second national conference on justice reform, November 19-21, 1995

 

Public Forum Launches SafetyNet 1995

SafetyNet 1995, the second national conference on justice reform sponsored by CAVEAT, was launched on Sunday, November 19, with a public forum at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

The forum began with a dramatic presentation of the effect that violence has on the lives of youth. The Chedoke CAVEAT Players, a group of students from Chedoke Middle School in Hamilton, illustrated problems such as date rape and bullying that our children must often confront.

Jessie Smith and Jan Lukas of CAVEAT's education committee followed with the presentation of the Annual CAVEAT Youth Awards to a number of students who have demonstrated a dedication to the prevention of violence in their community or school. This year, twenty-four youths received recognition for their efforts.

With the theme of SafetyNet 1995 being the protection of Canada's children, several high-profile speakers then conveyed to the audience their own experiences with the justice system and how it and society must change to ensure our children's safety.

In her opening remarks, CAVEAT president Priscilla de Villiers spoke of the horrific impact the Bernardo trial and the subsequent media coverage has had on our children. Mrs. de Villiers stressed the importance of protecting them not only from crime, but also from the psychological trauma that can result from the reporting of graphic details.

Scott Newark, a former Crown prosecutor who is now president of The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, addressed the weaknesses of the parole system. He emphasized that the safety of the public is paramount and that rehabilitation must be of secondary concern in the case of career criminals. Mr. Newark also suggested that legislation must be changed to increase the severity of the consequences for parolees who reoffend.

Doug Walsh, the Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington, stated that criminals must be held accountable for their crimes. Mr. Walsh, who played a significant role in the "Three Strikes and You're In" campaign, said that it must be made perfectly clear that society and the justice system will not tolerate repeat offenses. Many Americans obviously agree with him because in a referendum held in his state, 75% of the voters cast their ballot in favor of the three-strike law that mandates life imprisonment with no chance of parole for offenders convicted of three violent offenses.

The victim was the focus of remarks made by the Honourable Penny Priddy, British Columbia's Minister for the Equality of Women. "Victims have carried the burden alone for too long," said the Minister.

British Columbia has recently introduced a Victims of Crime Act which offers information on victim support groups and ensures that victims are fully informed on the status of cases at all stages of the judicial process.

The forum ended with a remarkably emotional moment as Jude Johnson, named female artist of 1993 by the Hamilton Status of Women Committee, sang "Show Me the Power", an inspirational song she wrote for CAVEAT. As Ms. Johnson's voice soared through the hall, speakers, students, delegates and those in the audience, rose from their chairs and, joining hands, formed a circle, united in their commitment to building safer communities for our children.

 



Over 150 Experts Converge on Hamilton, Ontario for Two Days of Intense Work

For the second year in a row, over 150 experts on justice reform and public safety assembled at the Hamilton Sheraton for two days of intense brain-storming sessions ­ SafetyNet 1995.

The first SafetyNet Conference in 1994 produced 146 recommendations for justice reform which were distributed to all governments. In November 1995, two days prior to SafetyNet 1995, CAVEAT released a report card grading governments on their responses so far to the 146 recommendations.

SafetyNet 1995 produced a number of recommendations expanding on those of SafetyNet 1994 with the emphasis being on improving children's safety. The preliminary recommendations were released to the press at the conclusion of the conference. The 1995 SafetyNet Final Report will be released in early 1996.

 



The SafetyNet Report Card

Governments graded on responses to 1994 SafetyNet recommendations


At a press conference held at Queen's Park in Toronto on November 17, 1995, CAVEAT released a unique report card evaluating federal, provincial, and territorial government responses to the 146 SafetyNet 1994 recommendations for justice reform.

To a certain extent the report card was a self evaluation on the part of the governments, as our assessment was based on their responses to our questionnaires. We were restricted in some cases due to either a complete lack of or very limited response. We can only see this as a refusal by the authorities to respond to the public's request for information regarding issues that are of concern to all Canadians.

Community Standards, Crime Prevention, Firearms, High Risk Offenders, Parole, Victims Rights, and the Young Offenders Act were the seven areas on which each government was graded. In addition, the Government of Canada was graded on Border Controls. From the grades earned in these areas, each government's overall grade was calculated.

The report card revealed overall grades ranging from a dismal D- (Alberta) to an encouraging B (British Columbia).

While the Government of Canada was praised for its progress in the areas of gun control, DNA testing, and violence in the media, it was faulted for not addressing the issues of victims rights and high risk offenders.

British Columbia and Nova Scotia, the provinces that received the highest grades, were praised for their initiatives in the areas of victims rights and crime prevention. Both provinces have developed innovative approaches to primary prevention through social development. On the other hand, Alberta and Ontario were found to have jeopardized primary efforts through their cuts to social spending. The report points out that cuts to programs that aid the vulnerable will have a negative effect on the next generation.

The report was extremely critical of provincial and territorial opposition to the registration provisions of the federal gun control legislation ­ Bill C-68. While polls show that the majority of Canadians support gun control, Prince Edward Island was the only province that spoke out in defense of the bill before the Senate.

CAVEAT acknowledges that progress has been made in many areas. However, many recommendations have not been addressed. Although most jurisdictions claim a philosophical commitment to many of the recommendations of SafetyNet 94, this commitment has not been coupled with action. This Report Card is a timely reminder that the public must continue to apply pressure on all levels of government to respond to the concerns of Canadians.

 



Overall Grades:

Government of Canada C+
Newfoundland and Labrador (no response) ABSENT
New Brunswick C
Nova Scotia B-
Prince Edward Island INCOMPLETE
Quebec INCOMPLETE
Ontario D+
Manitoba D
Saskatchewan C-
Alberta D-
British Columbia B
Yukon C-
Northwest Territories (no response) ABSENT

(The SafetyNet Report Card is an 18-page document giving complete details on all governments' grades and may be purchased from the CAVEAT office for a nominal fee of $5.)



Why a Report Card?

The idea for a report card to grade the responses of various governmental departments and agencies on issues of importance to CAVEAT began early in our history. The first report card was initiated in response to recommendations from the inquest into the death of Jonathan Yeo.

During the inquest, information regarding violent rampages of a man with a long history of sexual assaults and the murders of Nina de Villiers and Karen Marquis were brought to light. We were understandably distressed as facts in the case were revealed, many suggesting serious shortcomings in the justice system.

The inquest resulted in 137 recommendations, containing many practical suggestions which would improve the safety of the citizens of Canada, particularly Ontarians. We wondered how we could be certain that the recommendations would be implemented.

Ten months after the inquest began, CAVEAT sent registered letters to agencies and departments targeted by the recommendations, asking for updates on their progress. We requested that each department evaluate its own performance based on a questionnaire which we provided. We received a variety of replies, some extensive and others limited, and we awarded grades based on these responses to our questions.

On April 13, 1993, at a press conference at Queen's Park in Toronto, CAVEAT presented a "report card" on the implementation of the recommendations of the Yeo Inquest.

In September 1994, CAVEAT hosted its first SafetyNet conference where leading justice reform and community activists, victims advocacy groups and victims met to draft legislation and public policy which would improve the safety of every Canadian. The national conference resulted in 146 recommendations for crime prevention, public safety and justice reform. Once again, we were faced with concerns about the status of the recommendations. We likewise believed that the best indicator of successful implementation would be the actual responses of the parties involved. We decided that a similar report card should be created. Again we asked all related government departments and agencies to respond to a questionnaire telling us what action had been taken regarding the recommendations. A committee comprised of some of the participants of SafetyNet 1994 voluntarily served on a sub-committee which analysed the data.

The suggested grading scheme rated the responses as follows:

A - actively support the main aspects of the recommendations; completed actions needed to achieve them.
B - supports most aspects of the recommendations; demonstrable progress.
C - supports most of the aspects of the recommendations; some progress.
D - supports recommendations; no substantial progress.
F - opposes key elements of the recommendations.
Incomplete - insufficient information received for evaluation.
Absent - no information provided.

 



Victims Groups Unite to Demand "Life Means Life"

Under the auspices of CAVEAT, victims and victims groups held eight simultaneous press conferences across Canada on November 30, 1995 to demand that the Federal Government take the next step in repealing Section 745 of the Criminal Code. Christine Wong reports on the Ottawa press conference for the STOPWATCH.

OTTAWA - "My name is Sharon Rosenfeldt and I am the mother of one of 11 children abducted and murdered in 1981 by Clifford Olson."

With those heartbreaking words, Sharon Rosenfeldt did something on this day that she has done time after time for the last 14 years: she spoke out for victims' rights.

Rosenfeldt founded Victims of Violence with her husband Gary after Olson murdered their son Daryn. Almost 15 years later on a cold November day, Rosenfeldt stepped up to the microphone to support Bill C-226.

C-226 is a private member's bill introduced by Liberal MP John Nunziata. It calls for the repeal of one of the worst loopholes in the Canadian justice system: Section 745 of the Criminal Code.

When capital punishment was abolished in Canada in 1976, section 745 was passed. It allows anyone serving a "life" sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years to apply for early release after serving only 15 years. Murderers convicted of the worst crimes in this country are sentenced to 25 years, but they can possibly get out after only 15 years because of Section 745.

C-226 would strike down this outrageous section of the Criminal Code, forcing all murderers sentenced to life with no chance of parole for 25 years to serve the full 25 years, no matter what.

But private member's bills are tough to get through Parliament, and that is why Bill C-226 may die. Although the bill has passed second reading in the House of Commons, it must be studied by the Commons Justice Committee before it can be voted on by the House of Commons in third reading. Moreover, unless it goes before the Justice Committee for hearings before the end of the current Parliamentary session, Bill C-226 is dead.

If the bill dies, so do Sharon Rosenfeldt's dreams of a fairer justice system.

That's why she spoke out on Parliament Hill, urging the Liberal government to delay proroguing Parliament until the Justice Committee hears witnesses on Bill C-226.

"Where is the deterrence for despicable acts of violence when, after only 15 years, the offender is allowed a chance to get on with his life?" Rosenfeldt asked at the press conference. "There must be an end put to this second chance for murderers. The (full-term) penalties of the courts must be carried out."

Also urging support for the bill were Steve Sullivan of the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, and Art Hanger, a Reform MP who is also a member of the Commons Justice Committee.

Sullivan pointed out that Bill C-226 passed second reading in the Commons a year ago on December 13, 1994. That day, in a free vote, 137 MPs, including many Liberal backbenchers and one Minister, voted to send the bill to the Committee stage, where a year later, the bill is stalled. Come the next election, Canadians will remember that the Liberal government let this legislation die, Sullivan warned.

"Next summer when Clifford Olson is eligible to apply for his review, count on the fact that Canadians will know that their government fully supports him," Sullivan said.

Hanger reminded everyone that Justice Minister Allan Rock and former Justice Committee Chair Warren Allmand both voted against Bill C-226.

"It should be noted that Minister (Rock) voted against this particular bill, so where is the commitment of the Ministry to making safety the No. 1 priority?" Hanger added.

If Bill C-226 doesn't make it through the Justice Committee in time, a new bill would have to be introduced in the House and the whole process would have to start all over again. John Nunziata may take this route by introducing the bill again next year.

Under s. 745, more than 600 first-degree murderers will be eligible for reviews in the next 15 years. So far, Section 745 has overwhelmingly benefitted the offenders: As of August, 1995, 46 of 59 cases resulted in reduced parole ineligibility and ultimately, release on parole.

As shocking as it is to believe, mass child-murderer Clifford Olson can apply for early release in August, 1996. Sharon Rosenfeldt is again bracing herself for the ordeal of reliving Daryn's death if Olson's case is reviewed this coming summer.

"I'm going to be quite devastated," she explains. "What it means is bringing everything up again. I was prepared to put everything to rest basically for 25 years, not 15 years. "It makes me really, really angry that he even has the right to apply after 15 years. The judge sentenced him to life with no parole for 25 years. That, to me, is the way it should be. I just wish the justice system would stop playing games with people's lives."

In the fight to get Bill C-226 passed, CAVEAT has urged Canadians everywhere to call and mail post cards to their MPs in support of the bill. If the legislation dies, CAVEAT supporters and many other Canadians will wonder when justice will finally be served.

"I look on it (Bill C-226) as justice," Rosenfeldt says. "There's a difference between law and justice. I know that justice will never ever bring Daryn back. But I really do feel that it is the closest thing to what is right."

 



CAVEAT Alberta Reports

National Campus Safety Conference a Success


The National Campus Safety Conference held at the University of Alberta, November 4 and 5 was the perfect setting for discussing safety issues of all kinds. Student delegates from across Canada, from Vancouver to Newfoundland, participated and exchanged ideas on how to better their student based safety initiatives.
Guest speakers and topics included:

 

  • Priscilla de Villiers (CAVEAT) ­ "Fund-raising" and "Learning Without Fear";
  • Steve Sullivan (Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime) ­ "Community Based Initiatives" and "Lobbying"; and
  • Colette Mandin-Kossowan (CAVEAT Alberta) ­ "Community Based Initiatives".


Albertans Attend SafetyNet 1995


Representatives to the recent SafetyNet Conference in November were:
Colette Mandin-Kossowan (Chair) and Terry Ferguson (Co-Chair) of CAVEAT Alberta; Cst. Gord Reekie of the Edmonton Police Service; Gwene Ozem, Alberta Justice, Prosecutor's Office; and Monica Rainey of Citizens Against Child Exploitation, Calgary .


CAVEAT Alberta promotes French/Mahaffy Legal Fund


CAVEAT Alberta did radio and television spots with Bob Wercheloz, Chairman of the French/Mahaffy Legal Assistance Fund in December, promoting our mutual endeavours.


Section 745 Press Conferences

Press conferences to raise public awareness and encourage government action on Bill C-226 were held simultaneously across Canada in November (see "Victims Groups Unite..."this page). Alberta's segment was held at the Edmonton police headquarters with the help of the Media Relations Department of the Edmonton Police Service. Participating were Dep. Chief Al Burger and Colette Mandin-Kossowan of CAVEAT Alberta. Inclement weather prohibited the participation of Darlene Boyd, a victim on whom Section 745 impacts.

In all, eight press conferences were co-ordinated by CAVEAT in Vancouver (CAVEAT BC), Edmonton (CAVEAT Alberta), Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, and Sidney.

 



CAVEAT's National Membership Drive

Please help us increase our membership numbers. We need your support to help make our voice louder. Governments need to know how many Canadians support what we are saying and doing.

 

  • Join CAVEAT if you haven't already
  • Tell your family and friends
  • Tell your neighbours and co-workers
  • Tell them to check out our new Internet site: http://www.caveat.org/
  • Student, senior, individual, or family memberships available
  • Family memberships: all family members are counted in our numbers!



SafetyNet 1995: "The Protection of Our Children"

1995 SafetyNet Preliminary Report


SafetyNet 1995 assembled over 150 experts in the areas of child protection, public safety, and justice reform, to develop concrete action plans for improving the safety of Canada's children.

The SafetyNet 1995 mission statement:

"Children are the most vulnerable segment of our society. They can be easily influenced, intimidated, and exploited, and are unable to protect themselves. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Canada, maintains that the state must protect children from all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Recommendations from SafetyNet showed the need to examine and improve the protection of children at all levels of government. We must ensure that children have safe homes, schools and communities. They are our future."

Conference work began early Monday, November 20, 1995. Delegates participated in plenary sessions before dividing into 10 working groups. By Tuesday afternoon, each group had produced a number of recommendations, expanding on those of SafetyNet 1994 with emphasis on the protection of children. The results were released at a press conference Tuesday, November 21. Summaries of the recommendations are shown on this page. Watch for the release of the 1995 SafetyNet Final Report soon at press conferences across the country. As with the 1994 SafetyNet Final Report, the 1995 report will be distributed to several government departments and will be followed up by CAVEAT to ensure that the recommendations are given serious attention.

 



What follows are summaries of the key recommendations from each working panel. All recommendations are those of the SafetyNet working panels which represent a large cross-section of Canada's justice experts and justice reform advocacy groups. The recommendations are not those of CAVEAT alone. By the same argument, all recommendations do not necessarily represent the views and position of CAVEAT.

(Web Page Note: The Final SafetyNet 1995 Report is now available from CAVEAT for a fee of $10)


Vulnerabilities of Youth in Society Today

Facilitator: Chief Julian Fantino, London Police Service, Ontario, and CAVEAT Director

Key Recommendations:

 

  • Persons in positions of trust with young people be subject to comprehensive screening and criminal record check
  • Convicted sex offenders be listed on CPIC
  • National standards for the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases
  • Exchange of information between agencies to ensure an effective and appropriate response to child abuse
  • Child friendly courtrooms and child witness preparation programs
  • Timely access to counselling and treatment for children in need

The committee asserted that victimization and exploitation of children are preventable and we all, individually and collectively, have a vital role to play in protecting our young. Governments were urged to give the welfare of children priority and consideration in all decisions. It was stressed that young victims must be treated with sensitivity to preserve their dignity and to prevent any re-victimization. The panel members deplored the massive exposure of children to violence and sexually explicit material. The effects of this exposure, it was believed, are devastating and long lasting.

 



Early Intervention & Support Systems for Youth in the Community

Facilitator: Supt. Bruce Elwood, Investigative Services Division, Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police, Ontario

Key Recommendations:

 

  • Support services for parents in at-risk families
  • Appointment of a body to promote the value of primary crime prevention
  • Better integration of services for children, youth and families through the Ministries of Education, Health and Social Services
  • Stricter guidelines on the content of television programming
  • Computers be sold with software enabling the restriction of offensive material over the Internet

Parenting was deemed to be a critical element of healthy child development and crime prevention. The panel called for a national public commitment to primary and secondary crime prevention. The media were called upon to share this commitment by accepting a responsibility in the promotion of the development of children. The CRTC was urged to assume a leadership role and become a model for other emerging media.

 



Youth in the Justice System

Facilitator: Steve Sullivan, Executive Director, Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, Ottawa, Ontario

Key Recommendations:

 

  • Rehabilitation of non-violent young offenders through alternative measures
  • Increased parental responsibility in relation to bail orders
  • Mandatory parenting courses where necessary
  • Sentencing for repeat offenders should incorporate discipline, life skills, work ethic, drug treatment, anger management, and nutrition/fitness
  • Public defenders replace current legal aid system

One of the panel's guiding focuses was the balance between ensuring youths are held responsible for their actions while at the same time encouraging rehabilitation. It was stressed that the Youth Justice System must be able to adapt to the differing challenges it faces. It must be able to respond effectively to the one time minor offender as well as the serious repeat offender. The committee, while acknowledging the importance of the Young Offenders Act as a tool in diverting youths away from future crime, maintained that the protection of the public must be paramount.

 



Mental Health and the High Risk Offender

Facilitator: Glenn Roche, Law Teacher and Victim, Ontario

Key Recommendations:

 

  • Amend the Mental Health Act to allow involuntary treatment under well-defined and limited circumstances
  • Coroner to report annually to the legislature on responses and implementation of inquest recommendations
  • Establishment of a national DNA databank
  • Implementation of electronic monitoring program
  • Victims be given the right to appeal parole board decisions
  • Unrestricted access to legal aid be reviewed
  • Early intervention by Mental Health System

The committee members questioned the adequacy of the Mental Health System in the treatment of forensic mental patients. Lack of communication and accountability were found to be major problems. The panel stressed that the protection of the public from high risk offenders must be paramount. Offenders' rights and freedoms must not supersede those of the public.

 



Accountability in the Justice System

Facilitator: Priscilla de Villiers, President, CAVEAT

Key Recommendations:

 

  • All levels of government must accept that their primary duty is to protect the safety of law abiding citizens
  • All Canadians must have access to the resources of the criminal justice system
  • Areas of public concern within the justice system be addressed by a multi-disciplinary team
  • An open selection process in the appointment of Supreme Court judge
  • All-party committee be struck to ensure that inquest recommendations be addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.

The erosion of public confidence in the criminal justice system was addressed by this panel, and was found to have been caused by the failure of the system to address its responsibility to public safety. Furthermore, it was found that the onus was on the victim to hold the system publicly accountable, and that any examination of the system was fragmented in nature and usually triggered by a tragic occurrence. The panel called for a thorough review of the justice system by a multi- disciplinary team with the authority to address issues of public concern.

 



Courts - Examining the Process

Facilitator: Scott Kenney, L.L.B., Victim, CAVEAT, and Sociology Dept., McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario

Key Recommendations:

 

  • A pamphlet be designed to outline the rights of victims and the services available to them
  • The right of victims to present victim impact statements be absolute and not left to the discretion of the judge
  • Justice officials be trained to develop a sensitivity to victims' needs and a greater awareness of their rights
  • Strict federal sentencing guidelines resulting in more uniformity
  • Abolition of the preliminary hearing

This committee's recommendations reflect the recognition of the increasingly important role that victims of crime must play at all stages in the justice system. The recommendations would see the victim involved in the court process from bail hearings where they would be granted intervenor status, to sentencing hearings where they would have absolute right to present victim impact statements. Other key recommendations called for a review of the plea bargaining, a process which causes great distress to the victims and other members of the public, and greater victim involvement. The preliminary hearing also was criticized for being an expensive, unnecessary, and to the victims, emotionally damaging experience.

 



Corrections/Parole - Examining the Process

Facilitator: Dorothy Leonard, Executive Director, CAVEAT

Key Recommendations:

 

  • A single adult registry be established
  • Full documentation be available to parole boards
  • 1-800 number be available for victims to access offender information
  • Victims be informed of their right of access to offender information
  • Victim impact statements be entered in the agreed statements of facts in all court proceedings
  • Parole board members be appointed by an impartial body

The parole system was scrutinized by panel members and found wanting in many areas. It was recommended that correctional services (both provincial and federal) cooperate more effectively in the sharing of information to ensure that parole board members have full and comprehensive information in making effective release decisions.
It was stressed that victims must be kept fully informed about the status of the offender (i.e. all forms of conditional release) until warrant expiry and that discretionary powers of the corrections institutional administration to restrict any such information be removed from the federal and provincial corrections acts.

 



Legislation

Facilitator: Deputy Chief Ken Robertson, Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police, Ontario

Key Recommendations:

 

  • Obtaining and seizing DNA samples for the identification of criminals
  • Specialized training for judges in criminal justice matters
  • Specialized training for those dealing with high risk offenders (HROs)
  • Universal standards to identify high risk potential
  • Single transferrable HRO file
  • Mandatory sentence of indeterminant detention for dangerous offenders, with first parole revision at 7 years, and further reviews every 5 years thereafter

The panel members addressed the issue of high risk offenders and the legislative changes needed to ensure the proper investigation, prosecution, and management of those offenders. The recommendations focused on the importance of early and consistent identification of high risk potential, the need for preservation and sharing of information between all jurisdictions, and the necessity of post-sentence intervention in some cases. This intervention addresses the inadequacies of the current sentencing provisions which do not allow for any supervision of a high risk offender once the sentence has been served. The Criminal Code would have to be amended to allow the imposition, by the court, of restrictions deemed necessary (eg. no unsupervised contact with children).

 



Supervision in the Community - Examining the Process

Facilitator: Insp. Ian Russell, Toronto Police - retired, Ontario Board of Parole, Community Member

Key Recommendations:

 

  • andate that full and complete information on the offender be available as a pre-condition of any conditional release hearing
  • Police be authorized to detain parole violators
  • Community support programs be re-assessed
  • More co-operation and co-ordination between the provincial and federal authorities in release and supervision procedures
  • Victims be given the right to receive information at all stages of the release process
  • Information on the Criminal Justice System be made more accessible to the Canadian public

The conditional release (parole) program was examined by this panel who found that better mechanisms were required for the protection of the public and the safe re-integration of the offender into the community.Victims must be kept informed of applications and release decisions. Supervision would be improved through greater intergovernment co-operation and could benefit from a re-assessment of the resources available in the community.

 



Mobilizing the Community


Facilitator: Beth Phinney, MP for Hamilton Mountain, ON
Key Recommendations:

 

  • Courses in parenting skills be offered in the school and community
  • Public awareness of and access to community resources be promoted
  • Community, schools and governments work together to strengthen public safety education
  • Private initiatives be recognized through awards

It was recommended that the community be more proactive in the area of public safety. The community must increase the public's awareness of its responsibility as citizens to stop violence and to support those who have been affected by crime. The community should encourage private initiatives in crime prevention undertaken by individuals, groups and corporations by acknowledging their contributions by awards and public recognition. As it is the moral responsibility of every individual to report crimes in their community, it is necessary that tools to do so be provided and easily accessed.

 



CAVEAT Youth Award Recipients

As part of the opening ceremonies of the SafetyNet Conference on November 19, 1995 , the third annual CAVEAT Youth Awards were presented to 24 outstanding young people. Winners were chosen because of their significant contribution to the prevention of violence in their schools and communities.

Selection was made by adjudicators from the Hamilton Public Health Teen Health Program under the direction of Daina Mueller.

The winners include:

  • Graduates of Rolling Meadows Public School in Burlington, including Anne Marie Moffatt, Kate Chandler, Brook Kavanagh, Ron Batke and Dana Law. These members of Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.) wrote and performed in a play which demonstrates to other students what to do if they are bullied or victimised.
  • Students of The Ancaster Ontario Youth Activity Council, including Melissa Crawford, Kathryn Knapp, Nicole Guagliano, Doug Anthony, Kyle Shaughnessy, Sara Dardo, Brad Miller and Kevin Barlow. This group established, raised funds for, and set up an activity centre for the youth of the town of Ancaster. They also assisted with program co-ordination, hiring staff and programming at the centre.
  • Waterdown District High School OAC graduates of 1995 Jennifer Buckle and Laura Foxcroft who were instrumental in organising, raising funds for and successfully presenting an Anti-Violence Awareness Week program which they called "Break the Silence". Community members, police and social groups were invited to provide information about the problems of violence in our society and offer possible solutions to these problems.
  • Students of the Bishop Ryan Against Violence Everywhere (B.R.A.V.E.) committee, including Marzena Dodolak, Amy Kszyston, Gina Giammarco, Kelli Cote, Audrey Beaulne, Josie Troli and Heather MacKenzie. These young people organised two very successful anti-violence days at their school, Bishop Ryan Secondary. To promote continued awareness, this group of dedicated award winners also designed a BRAVE logo for tee-shirts and buttons, and created a drama depicting different types of violence.
  • Jason Reynar, a former grade eight student from Chedoke Middle School who is dedicated to violence prevention, worked diligently for six months to present a workshop entitled "The Chedoke Middle School R.O.C.K. (Response of CAVEAT Kids) to his peers. Believing that everyone could benefit from his CAVEAT Youth Challenge experience, Jason chaired regular meetings of teachers, students, parents and CAVEAT representative Jessie Smith to help him realise this vision.
  • Sandy Allison McLeod, a very energetic community activist from Edmonton organised "Nightwalk" in memory of victims of violent crime in Alberta and the first Edmonton Justice Day Rally. She is presently involved with the University of Alberta's "Safewalk" program as a dispatcher and a patroller, and is CAVEAT Alberta's volunteer co ordinator and newsletter editor.


It is through such dedication that we will begin to accomplish our mission of a safer, more just and peaceful society. Thank you to each and every recipient for your dedication to violence prevention from the members of CAVEAT, and congratulations on your success.

 



Ann Marie Bloskie's Murder Focus of CAVEAT BC's Billboard

"Don't impose a sentence that is good for society, but that is good for the offender." ­ Martha Coady, Ottawa Defense Attorney. Coady's statement was made at the sentencing of her client, the young man who is the subject of CAVEAT BC's billboard.


The board was unveiled at the corner of Richards and Davie in Vancouver on November 3, 1995, just days after the release of Ann Marie Bloskie's killer. Bloskie, a 16-year-old high school student from the village of Barry's Bay, Ontario, was murdered after leaving work on the night of June 26, 1991. Her killer beat her skull in with a rock and left her in a field to die. He returned the next morning and raped her corpse before burying the body in a shallow grave.

The accused (as a young offender he cannot be identified) was a young man just six weeks short of his eighteenth birthday. He and Bloskie attended the same high school and worked together at a local grocery store. Townspeople say that she thought of him as a friend. He killed her after she refused to have sex with him.

The Crown made three separate attempts to have the trial raised to adult court. Each was turned down. The accused was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to three years in a juvenile facility, the maximum sentence for a young offender. Throughout the trial evidence was given that he would need years, if not life-long counselling. However, since his release he has been under no legal obligation to continue with any kind of treatment program.

Coady's statement, like her client's sentence, is a mockery of justice. The truth behind the breakdown of our justice system is found in her words. Our lawmakers, in their quest to create a bill of rights that would ensure the protection of the offender, overlooked society's basic right to be protected.

In the name of justice our Charter of Rights and Freedoms has become the violent offenders' ticket out of prison. Random acts of violence are becoming increasingly commonplace. And, all too often, our morning paper carries the news that yet another violent offender, who is considered a threat to society, will be released into the community.

While the billboard uses the Bloskie case as an example, those behind it are quick to point out that the young man is only one of the many dangerous offenders who walk among us, protected by the system.

"Don't impose a sentence that is good for society, but that is good for the offender." Society has had enough of this brand of justice. We need a justice system which recognizes that the single most important objective in the sentencing of violent offenders must be the protection of society.

(Photo of CAVEAT BC Billboard. Billboard contains the text, "Our justice system is giving a second chance to someone who killed a woman with a rock, then went back the next day to rape the corpse. Help change the system. Call CAVEAT 1-604-530-5829.")

 



NEWSWATCH

Clinton Gayle guilty of first degree murder in killing of Police Officer Todd Baylis


On January 11, 1996, Clinton Gayle was found guilty of first degree murder in the killing of police officer, Constable Todd Baylis. He was also convicted of the attempted murder of Constable Mike Leone, Baylis' friend and partner.

Gayle received an automatic sentence of life in prison with no parole for 25 years, and will be sentenced for the second conviction on February 1, 1996. Both sentences will be served concurrently, meaning Gayle's parole eligibility will still be 25 years.

However, under Section 745 of the Criminal Code, the faint hope clause, Gayle will be eligible to apply for a judicial review of his parole eligibility date after he has served fifteen years. The time clock to his judicial review is already ticking.

Clinton Gayle, a known drug dealer, who having faced a final deportation order by immigration authorities yet still resided in Canada, used a stolen firearm to attack Baylis and Leone.

CAVEAT believes that Section 745 undermines the original sentence for first degree murderers as handed down by the courts. Unfortunately the Federal Government thinks otherwise. If you agree with us, please write to your MP and support the repeal of Section 745. (See article -Victims Groups Unite to Demand Life Means Life)


Priscilla de Villiers Honoured by Maclean's Magazine


Priscilla de Villiers has once again been honoured for the tremendous energy she devotes to CAVEAT and its mission. Maclean's Magazine invited her to join their 10th Annual Honour Roll where she was honoured as one of a select group of 12 Canadians who have made a difference. Other achievers for 1995 included: Anne Tanenbaum, Shania Twain, Isabel Hoffman, Sandra Oh, Clement Virgo, Elvis Stojko, Peter Gzowski, Ranjit Chandra, Thomas Hoppe, Andrée Gauvin and Jacques Villeneuve. Each "Honour Roll member received a bronze medal depicting Pegasus, the conquering winged horse, designed by Toronto artist Dora de Pédery-Hunt - an appropriate token for today's mythic achievers", states article author Michael Benedict.
(Maclean's Magazine, 18 Dec. 95)


Monica's Story Featured in Flare Magazine


CAVEAT volunteer Dawna Speers tells many audiences her daughter's story to show people what can happen when a relationship goes wrong, and to give the subtle warning signals of a recipe for disaster. In her daughter's case, the disaster was her murder. While Monica's story involves one man's attempt to control his girlfriend, abusive relationships, she reminds listeners, may exist between parents and children or between boys, especially where bullying may be the cause of fear. Monica's story will be featured in an article written for Flare magazine's March, 1996 edition by Liza Finlay.



What's New

CAVEAT is on the INTERNET!


Why not pay us a visit at our new web site on the Internet:

http://www.caveat.org/

 

  • Keep up to date on the latest in CAVEAT news, events, and press releases.
  • Browse through an archive of our past newsletters.
  • See and hear clips from our public service announcements.
  • Take a tour of the CAVEAT photo gallery, containing 25 photographs of CAVEAT in action.
  • E-mail us with news of what's happening in your area (info@caveat.org)

Help spread the word. Tell your family, friends, and co-workers about CAVEAT's new Internet site.

 



Upcoming Events

February 3, 1996, Burlington, Ontario


This year's Annual Ontario Table Hockey Championships, in support of CAVEAT, will be held February 3, at the Holiday Inn in Burlington. There is an entry fee of $20, and all entries must be received by January 25. If you are interested in participating in this popular event for a worthy cause, please mail your entry fee, along with your name, address, and telephone number, to: Ontario Table Hockey Tournament, c/o Mike Pope, #57 - 72 Stonechurch Rd. W., Hamilton, ON, L9B 2H8. For more information, contact Mr. Pope at (905) 387-0795.


April 13, 1996, Burlington, Ontario


The 4th Annual Chris Pridham Invitational Tennis in support of CAVEAT will be held on Saturday April 13, 1996 at Cedar Springs Athletic Club in Burlington. This year's event will feature tennis great Ken Rosewall, holder of 18 Grand Slam titles, Chris Pridham and other tennis celebrities. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for youth before March 15, and $40 and $20 respectively thereafter, and are available through the CAVEAT office in Burlington (905) 632-1733. Activities will include the popular live and silent auctions, a cash bar and lots of doubles entertainment throughout the evening. Buy your tickets early and save!


Don't miss the 4th Annual Chris Pridham Invitational Tennis in support of CAVEAT.


It's back. The crowd-pleasing CPI Tennis event in support of CAVEAT will be held on April 13 (see upcoming events, above, for details). The event is organized by former Canadian tennis champion and CAVEAT volunteer, Chris Pridham. Over the past years it has been host to such tennis greats as John Lloyd, Dick Stockton, Roy Emerson, and the late Vitas Gerulaitis.
As well as being spectator to an entertaining evening of tennis, guests may participate in live and silent auctions. Last year's auction featured priceless sports memorabilia and a Juno Award donated by the rock group Glass Tiger.

 



Thank You for Supporting CAVEAT...

CAVEAT and Rotarians Hold Auction With Style

Five out of five guests surveyed agreed ­ Dream Auction ­ a great success! Yes, once again a fun time was had by all who attended the annual auction in support of CAVEAT, November 10, 1995. This year, CAVEAT was very fortunate to be able to team up with the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore and their successful annual auction, to create a most memorable evening. Pictured on the left are a few of our core volunteers enjoying an evening out together, away from the serious work they face daily in the office.


First Annual CPA Golf Tournament Takes a Swing at Crime


The weather may have been nippy, but that didn't prevent a crowd of hearty golf enthusiasts from participating in the Canadian Police Association's (CPA) first annual golf tournament in Ottawa, September, 1995. Police associations within the CPA helped raise funds for CAVEAT by each sponsoring a hole. Organisers were so pleased with the event that work is already under way on a 1996 tournament. Pictured on the right is Priscilla de Villiers accepting a $10,000 cheque from CPA President Neal Jessop.

CAVEAT wishes to thank both the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore and the Canadian Police Association for their very generous contributions in 1995.



CAVEAT's New Gift Catalogue

We are about to embark on a new fund-raising project that will benefit both CAVEAT and the many Canadian artists, craftsmen and home business people who believe in CAVEAT's goals.

We are hoping to have available by Fall '96, a top-notch gift catalogue to be mailed right across Canada. Incredibly, just by word of mouth, the response from potential suppliers has been tremendous.

Our gift catalogue will have limited edition prints, fleece clothing, jewellery, personalized shirts, photographic reprints, hand-painted stationery, mini-prints, jewelled boxes, scarves, appliqued shawls ... and lots more.

Talented people from across Canada will have the opportunity to sell their products through our catalogue and all of us will be winners!

We are looking to include items which will be interesting, unique, reasonably priced and easy to ship. Perhaps you or someone you know would be more than thrilled to be part of this project. Let us know right away. Call, fax or write to Maddy at CAVEAT, Burlington, Ontario. Include as many details as possible. We will follow up on your leads. And next year, we will be saying, "Thank you for shopping at CAVEAT!"

 


 



[Back]
[Home]

Web Hosting by