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Well even with Bill C-13 now law, it seems I still can't stop thinking about DNA! Steve Sullivan even called me today and asked if I was having DNA withdrawal! I kind of was but the more I think about Judy Peterson and her fight to create a DNA Missing Persons Index, the more I feel like I need to keep at it. You see prior to the passing of Bill C-13 I connected with Judy Peterson via email and an intro from Steve Sullivan at the CRCVC - http://www.crcvc.ca/ Judy's daughter, Lindsey, has been missing since 1993. Since she's never been found, Judy has no answers, no justice, no closure. Anyhow she's been working hard to convince the government to create a DNA Missing Persons Index. There's currently a public consultation and Judy needs everyone's help. She's made it easy in that all you have to do is visit her web site at: http://www.lindseyslaw.com/latestnews.htmOnce you're at the site, Judy gives you the details and it's simply a matter of sending an email to a group that might help make Judy's vision a reality. June 30 is the deadline so don't wait. Judy's been waiting long enough for answers about her missing daughter Lindsey... Coincidently, today's Ottawa Citizen published a letter by Judy. You can read it at: http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/news/letters/story.html?id=72175477-0973-453c-95ee-08bfb42ae7ecSince Judy lives in BC, she's had lots of support from the West. Now let's show her how the East cares too! This is a picture of Judy holding photos of Lindsey...(my first picture upload while blogging by the way!) 
LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN THE DNA DATA BANK RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT
From the Dept of Justice - I love reading this stuff!:
OTTAWA , May 19, 2005 – Bill C-13, legislation aimed at strengthening Canada’s DNA data bank legislation so that more DNA samples can be collected from more convicted offenders, received Royal Assent today.
“The passage of Bill C-13 will help enhance Canadians’ safety,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler. “The amendments will allow courts to make DNA data bank orders for a much wider range of offences – potentially, for any offence punishable by a sentence of five years or more. Another notable aspect of the Bill is that it will expand the retroactive provisions of the legislation so that all persons convicted before June 30, 2000, of murder, manslaughter or a sexual offence, and who are still under sentence, could be included in the National DNA Data Bank.”
“I would like to thank the members of both the House of Commons and the Senate for their hard work and close cooperation to ensure the passage of this Bill,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Anne McLellan. “These changes will strengthen the National DNA Data Bank as an instrumental crime-fighting tool and will significantly contribute to ensuring public safety in Canada.”
Some of the other amendments to the Criminal Code under Bill C-13 include:
making it mandatory for a court to make a DNA data bank order for those persons convicted of the very worst and most violent offences, for example, murder, manslaughter and aggravated assault; authorizing courts to make DNA orders for persons who have been found to have committed a designated offence, but who have also been found “not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder”; adding Internet luring of a child, child pornography and criminal organization offences to the list of “primary designated offences”; and, providing a mechanism that will result in the review of DNA data bank orders that may have been made without legal authority.
The Bill also makes changes in the procedures governing the collection and analysis of DNA samples to address operational issues that have been identified in the almost five years that the National DNA Data Bank has been in operation.
The expansion of the retroactive provisions in Bill C-13 and some procedural changes come into force on Royal Assent. The other provisions will come into force at a future date, so that training can be provided to police and prosecutors.
This legislative initiative is not intended as a substitute for the parliamentary review of the DNA data bank legislation that should go forward later in 2005.
The National DNA Data Bank, located in Ottawa , has provided crucial investigative leads and helped to solve serious criminal cases across the country and around the world. It has been instrumental in focusing investigations, eliminating suspects and protecting the innocent.
Here's what was in today's Ottawa Sun and I think Steve Sullivan sums it up best: "It (passing this bill) means potentially over 4,000 more violent offenders in the databank, which will undoubtedly help police solve some unsolved crimes, and if any of these offenders reoffend after release, it will help police solve those crimes quicker," he said. "This is a bill that will definitely enhance public safety in Canada." I personally feel so thrilled to have been part of the group effort in making this a reality! Kudos to everyone involved! Read the full article at: http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/News/2005/05/20/1048297-sun.html
Bill C-13 is LAW!
Amazing news! Bill C-13 has passed 3rd reading in the Senate and Royal Assent too! This bill is now the law! And just in the nick of time given the budget vote scheduled for 5:30! What a giant step for public safety! Thanks to everyone who helped! And a big thanks to Steve Sullivan for his guidance! It's so comforting to know that the DNA of Ralph Power, Karla Homolka, David Dobson, the list goes on...are now going to be part of Canada's DNA Databank!
Bill C-13 Scheduled for Royal Assent Thursday
Nothing like cutting it close to the wire but C-13 is just about there. There are no exact times – but the Senate sits tomorrow at 1:30 and they have tentatively scheduled Royal Assent for 3:30pm! What the hell is Royal Assent you ask? Well quite simply, it means the GG signs it and the bill becomes the law! I am so ready to do a victory dance on this one. So are a few others I know!!
Bill C-13 is 90% Law!
YES! The senate meeting was a total success and the bill is 90% law! Tomorrow it will go back for a third and hopefully final reading. Then that should do it! Talk Ottawa on Rogers TV was also great - I must say Catherine Clark is extremely professional and a great host! We had several interesting calls and the hour went by very fast!!
Tell you more about the bill tomorrow! I'm beat right now! cg
For anyone with Rogers Cable TV, you should tune into Talk Ottawa with Catherine Clark tonight from 9 pm-10 pm. She's interviewing Steve Sullivan from the CRCVC ( www.crcvc.ca) and me, Carolyn Gardner. We'll discuss the latest on the DNA Bill C-13 which is in the Senate now. Plus we'll talk about the story of my sister Sheryl Gardner - specifically the impact her 1981 murder by Ralph Power had and continues to have... For more about Talk Ottawa, visit: http://www.rogerstelevision.com/option.asp?lid=16&rid=4&tid=403
Well isn't this forward thinking! In the UK, a mobile forensic lab allowing DNA samples to be analysed at a crime scene is being trialled by five Midlands police forces. Police say the new laboratory could help detectives catch murderers and rapists more quickly. A DNA analysis on the Forensic Response Vehicle (FRV) can be completed in eight hours, three times faster than sending it to a conventional lab. Read the whole story at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4545105.stmNow if Canada could only get Bill C-13 through the senate... Stay tuned for that - senators are meeting tonight!!
If you have a minute...pls visit: http://www.lindseyslaw.com/index.htmIt's about a Missing Person DNA Databank - As you know if you've been following my story, DNA is such an important tool for helping solve crime. In our case with the murder of my sister Sheryl Gardner, we have answers as to what happened. The answers are totally unacceptable and impossible to truly comprehend (Her killer Ralph Power is a psychopathic sexual predator who had a list of 15 women), but at least we have answers. For families that don't - like the family of Lindsey - a DNA Missing Persons Index is critical. Here's the request from Lindsey's Mom, Judy - I hope you will help do your part by responding to Judy's request: Public Consultation -Missing Person DNA DatabankThe government is asking Canadians about this issue – let’s tell them!! Please respond specifically asking that the Missing Person be compared to the Crime Scene Index in order to identify victims and serial offenders. I deserve to know not only if Lindsey’s remains have been found but also if her DNA is sitting unidentified in the Crime Scene Index. There are 15 questions in the consultation paper. Get more - including responses you can copy, then modify or make your own - but please respond!!! Visit: http://www.lindseyslaw.com/latestnews.htm
What a roller coaster this is! Now we are waiting to hear from the senate. A quote from Vic Toews in today's Ottawa Sun is encouraging though. Here's an excerpt: Tory justice critic Vic Toews said he's optimistic the bill will sail through the Senate and become law before the election. "They virtually have no work in the Senate, so it's not that there's a list of priorities that are ahead of this bill," he said. For the full read, go to: http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/News/2005/05/13/1037711-sun.htmlI'm now prepping for something a little different today = a field trip with one of my kids! Should be a nice change from politics!!! Ciao for now, cg
DNA Bill C-13 in the Fate of the Senate
Well, it's a miracle! Bill C-13 did in fact pass the House of Commons this morning despite all the madness going on! Now we're in full communication mode with all the senators. Here's an email I sent out earlier: May 12, 2005 Attention: Hon. Senator *Urgent Action Required By May 19, 2005 Introduction: As you know, Bill C-13 passed the House of Commons this morning. Bill C-13 seeks to make several important improvements to the national DNA Databank. Background: My name is Carolyn Gardner. Twenty-four years ago my sister Sheryl Gardner was murdered by sexual psychopath, Ralph Power. Power stalked a list of 15 women - none of whom he knew. Six days after beating Sheryl to death with a hammer, he attempted to a murder a second woman, Susan Gaudrault. Gaudrault escaped and because Power had such an extensive history of crime, he was quickly arrested. I should add that Power was actually on mandatory supervision when he murdered Sheryl. Power is now eligible to apply for day parole and eligible for full parole next year. Because he was arrested with the murder of "only" 1 person (despite his intent to harm and murder many), his DNA is not in the national DNA databank nor is the DNA of many other violent offenders including Karla Homolka. DNA is such an important tool for solving crime quickly and accurately. Without the DNA of known deviants like Power and Homolka, we're putting society at risk. Given their previous crimes, their DNA could easily be connected to unsolved crime. It's not a leap to think that Power is connected to one or many unsolved murders or sexual assault crimes in this country. Given the ongoing risk associated with offenders like Power and Homolka, having their DNA in our national databank may also act as a deterrent or at least help us solve re-offences quickly. The risk of serial murders would also be reduced. The Senate's urgent approval of Bill C-13 could change all that. You can help. Concerns: The political climate is of extreme concern to me. If there's an election, Bill C-13 will die. I will do everything humanly possible to ensure this bill becomes law and I hope you will too. The Liberals started Canada's DNA Databank in 2000 - it's already solved over 2,700 crimes but there are improvements to be made - improvements you can make happen now by passing Bill C-13 before May 19. My concern is time. There's no time to waste since every day that passes is a day that offenders like Homolka and Power get released without submitting DNA. Without a doubt, this poses a threat to the safety of all Canadians. How You Can Help: The unusual cooperation of all the parties in the House of Commons - especially in this political environment - speaks to the importance of this bill. Without a doubt, voters will hold any party who prevents the speedy passage of this bill accountable. As a Senator, do you want to be responsible for Power or Homolka being released without their DNA in the bank? Are you prepared to justify that decision to Canadians? We are so close and I remind you that as well as being senators, you are also mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. Help protect your family, your friends and your neighbours. Next Steps: The fate of Bill C-13 is now in the hands of the Senate. On behalf of all Canadians - especially my sister Sheryl who was murdered and is therefore without a voice - I call on you to give this bill the priority the House of Commons did. For the best interest of all Canadians, please pass this bill before May 19. A response is important - please reply to my request for action. Please understand that if sufficient progress has not been made by early next week, I will knock on office doors. I will ask for an explanation as to why you, the Senate, believes Ralph Power's DNA should not be in the databank before he is released this year. For me, It's not an option to have the DNA of Power and Homolka lost in politics. I trust the Senate feels the same. Keep in mind that Sheryl Gardner could have been your sister, your daughter, your friend. Read more about Ralph Power and understand the importance of having his DNA...http://www.powernoparole.ca/about.htmlSincerely, Carolyn Gardner
DNA Bill C-13 Moving to Senate
Big News! The DNA Bill C-13 is moving to the senate tomorrow. More to follow!
Today's news confirms all is a go with the passing of Bill C-13 IF the gov't doesn't fall! Here's a peak at today's Ottawa Sun: --------------- Rush on to get DNA bill passed By Kathleen Harris, Parliamentary Bureau Karla Homolka will be compelled to provide federal authorities with a DNA sample -- as long as the Liberal government doesn't fall before a new bill is passed into law. MPs from all political parties agreed yesterday to fast-track Bill C-13 so Homolka and other violent offenders don't slip out of prison without their DNA in the national database. Currently, DNA collection -- even for serious crimes such as murder -- isn't mandatory. Steve Sullivan of the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime said Homolka has become the "poster child" for the urgent need to pass the bill because her release is set for July, although there are many other reasons the government should pull the bill to the top of its legislative agenda, he said. 'VERY IMPORTANT BILL' "It may be a deterrent, it may be an ability for police to solve a crime earlier if they re-offend, it may be a way of solving crimes that haven't been solved yet. So for public safety and for victims' families, this is a very important bill," he said. Tory MP Vic Toews pressed Justice Minister Irwin Cotler to "step up to the plate" and do the right thing, but Grit House Leader Tony Valeri was non-committal in the Commons. "When we co-operate and focus on the interests and priorities of Canadians, Parliament can in fact work," he said. Ottawa resident Carolyn Gardner, whose sister Sheryl was murdered by a psychopath in 1981, wrote to Conservative Leader Stephen Harper yesterday warning of the "serious implications" and asking he postpone toppling the government. "Unless this bill is passed, Homolka's DNA will not be in the national DNA databank. I believe Canadians will question the motives of anyone who does not do whatever they can to prevent that from happening -- especially when we are so very close," she said.
Plea to Gov't House Leader re: Bill C-13
And here's another email I just sent of to the gov't house leader...
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May 10, 2005
The Honourable Tony Valeri
Government House Leader
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6
Dear Minister:
As the sister of Sheryl Gardner who was murdered by Ralph Power in 1981, I have been working very passionately to see Bill C-13 become a reality. Today, the Commons Justice Committee unanimously endorsed several key amendments to Bill C-13, including an amendment to expand the retroactive application of the law to include offenders serving a sentence for one murder, one sexual assault or one manslaughter. This would mean the submission of Ralph Power’s DNA into Canada’s DNA Databank, not to mention other notorious offenders like Karla Homolka. The committee also agreed the entire bill should be passed into law as quickly as possible to ensure authorities can take the DNA of violent offenders awaiting release into the community.
If Bill C-13 does not become law before this July, there will be no second chance to obtain Karla Homolka’s DNA which is important given the National Parole Board’s concerns about her ongoing risk. Furthermore, when and if Ralph Power is released on parole, he will be free to finish what he started when he was convicted of my sister’s murder – be advised that he had a list of 15 women at that time. This terrifies my family and I like you can’t even imagine.
Given the current political climate, we have concerns the bill will not pass before an election is called. I have written to Mr. Harper asking him to delay his efforts to bring the government down until Bill C-13 passes.
I am asking you to place Bill C-13 on the Order Paper immediately and do whatever is necessary to ensure its speedy passage. I believe Canadians will question the motives of anyone who does not do whatever they can to ensure this bill becomes law before the likes of Karla Homolka or Ralph Power are released.
Homolka and Power are just two examples. There are others, including convicted murderers/sexual sadists David Dobson, Henry Gladue, Greg Bromby, etc. All of these men are eligible for parole as we speak. It is not in the best interests of Canadians to see these violent offenders walk out of prison without their being in Canada’s national DNA databank. Many crime victims have no voice so I hope my voice is one you hear on everyone's behalf. I cannot stress strongly enough how important that is for me, my family and all other victims of crime.
As Government House Leader, I urge you to place Bill C-13 on the Order Paper immediately and ensure it is dealt with quickly.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Gardner
CC Mr. Peter MacKay, Mr. Gord Brown, Mr. Gordon O'Connor, Mr. Vic Toews, Mr. Steve Sullivan
Plea to Stephen Harper
Here's a letter I just fired off via email urging Harper to delay tonight's vote. Anyone reading should go ahead and send something similar. Holding off an election is critical now more than ever!
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May 10, 2005
The Honourable Stephen Harper
Leader of the Official Opposition
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6
Dear Mr. Harper:
I am a concerned Canadian. As the sister of Sheryl Gardner who was murdered by Ralph Power in 1981, I have been working very passionately to see Bill C-13 become a reality. Today, the Commons Justice Committee unanimously endorsed several key amendments to Bill C-13, including an amendment to expand the retroactive application of the law to include offenders serving a sentence for one murder, one sexual assault or one manslaughter. The committee also agreed the entire bill should be passed into law as quickly as possible to ensure authorities can take the DNA of violent offenders awaiting release into the community, including the man who murdered my sister…not to mention Karla Homolka. This is such a step in the right direction!
Together with the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, we are currently in contact with the Government House Leader’s office to urge him to place the bill on the order paper immediately. However, even if the government does agree to move quickly, the Government is at risk of falling this evening if your party’s motion passes.
If the government falls before the bill passes, there are serious implications. The most pressing concern relates to the release of Karla Homolka who will be out of prison in July. Unless this bill is passed, Homolka’s DNA will not be in the national DNA Databank. I believe Canadians will question the motives of anyone who does not do whatever they can to prevent that from happening – especially when we are so very close. I know I question it.
We simply cannot afford to wait for an election and a new government to introduce a new bill. Anyone concerned with the public safety of Canadians must recognize that.
It is not in the best interests of Canadians to see known offenders – people convicted of murder, sexual assault and manslaughter - walk out of prison without being in Canada’s national DNA databank. As a victim, I cannot stress strongly enough how important this bill is for me, my family and all victims of crime. Many crime victims have no voice so I hope my voice is one you hear on everyone's behalf.
As the leader of the Official Opposition, it is your responsibility to act in the best interests of Canadians. Therefore, on behalf of all Canadians, I am asking that you delay your non-confidence motion until Bill C-13 passes.
The bottom line is simple. If you let the Liberals do what all agree needs to be done re the fast-tracking of Bill C-13, it's my understanding that we could see revised legislation within a few days. Like the saying goes, if there's a will, there's a way.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Gardner
CC Mr. Peter MacKay, Mr. Gord Brown, Mr. Gordon O'Connor, Mr. Steve Sullivan
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Just back from a morning on the hill...the good news is that all parties unanimously agreed to all of Bill C-13's amendments. Yay the parties can still work together! They also agreed to fast-tracking the amendment. Again this is a huge step forward!
The bad news. The Tories vote of non-confidence scheduled for tonight. This infuriates me! And it should infuriate all Canadians! Finally we have a bill that's ready to be passed. A bill that respects the right to public safety for all Canadians. A bill that will pass if the power struggle doesn't force it to die. Together with the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, we are writing Stephen Harper and many others urging them to hold off tonight's vote.
All we need is a few more days and Bill C-13 will be law.
If an election is called, we're back to zero and it will be at least another year before we see any new progress.
I have to wonder if the Tories are prepared to be the party responsible for this bill dying. It essentially means they will be responsible for no DNA submissions by Karla Homolka, Ralph Power, David Dobson...the list goes on.
Today is a big day for more than just Canada's DNA Databank! My husband and I are also celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary! Yup, it was 8 years ago today that we tied the knot! Time sure does fly!! But that's not why you're reading...check out today's article re the DNA Bill and come back later for an update on my trek to the hill! --------- Tue, May 10, 2005 Feds urged to push DNA bill By KATHLEEN HARRIS, Parliamentary Bureau Victims' advocates, police and political foes are urging the Liberal government to fast-track a DNA bill before sex-killer Karla Homolka is freed from prison. At a meeting this morning, Conservative justice critic Vic Toews will demand Justice Minister Irwin Cotler "hive off" a retroactive section of the bill and rush it through the House of Commons that would allow authorities to collect genetic samples from Homolka before her release date in July. "If we have disagreements on other parts of the bill, it won't impact on the rapid adoption of the retroactivity portion that affects Karla Homolka," Toews said. OTHER OFFENDERS "It's another mechanism to monitor her behaviour and to ensure she will not commit offences because we don't have the option of putting her on parole. It will assist police officers and will serve as a self-regulator on Homolka. If she knows we have the DNA, she can't get involved in another serious crime." Tony Cannavino, president of the Canadian Professional Police Association, is also urging Cotler to act quickly before a potential election, noting Homolka isn't the only violent offender who could walk out without their DNA in the databank. Albert Foulston, who's serving a 20-year sentence for manslaughter for his role in the murder of Edmonton Police Const. Ezio Faraone, is eligible for statutory release soon. Donald Armstrong, who murdered 15-year-old Linda Bright in 1979 in Kingston, is eligible for full parole. Ottawa resident Carolyn Gardner, whose sister Sheryl was killed by Ralph Power in Toronto, called it a "no-brainer." "Every day it's delayed poses a risk," she said. "Every day there are offenders who are released who are not in the DNA databank." Gardner will be at today's meeting to make her case to Cotler. "I don't want politics to get in the way of public safety," Gardner said. kathleen.harris@tor.sunpub.com
Viral Email Results in OBJ Newspaper Story
This post will especially eppeal to your marketing side. It's a story in this week's OBJ (Ottawa Business Journal) and it features the results of an email I sent to friends and colleagues. My email was all about creating awareness to the fact that: 1) Ralph Power is not in the DNA Databank 2) Ralph Power is elegible for parole Here's a link to the full story: http://www.ottawabusinessjournal.com/283261942706105.php
CBC & Global making DNA a National TV Story
Things are really heating up with this DNA Databank and Bill C-13. I had an interview with CBC National (Carolyn Dunn) today and while that was going on someone from Global National TV found www.PowerNoParole.ca and hit "Contact Us" because they wanted to talk about the DNA Databank too!!! Steve Sullivan came to the rescue and gave Global TV the info they needed plus the name of Terri Armour - Terri and I share similar stories in that her sister Darlene was violently murdered by a total psychopath - David Dobson - back in 1982. Darlene was just 16 years old. Anyhow Terri is doing everything possible to keep her sister's killer behind bars and she's all over this DNA Databank too. Good luck Terri! Tomorow I am off to the hill again - this time hoping to ambush Cotler. Did I say ambush? I meant to say meet, ya meet Mr. Cotler. CBC will be there too so tune into Canada Now tomorrow night for the full story. Carolyn Dunn said she's even gone back into the archives to find old TV footage (there was tons at the time). She said they have footage of when Ralph Power was arrested, the trial etc. But get this it's actually frozen footage so hopefully it can thaw in time to be used! Yes, they freeze old footage to help preserve it I guess. Who knew? See you learn something new every day.
Irwin Cotler's Inbox & CBC TV
Just want to say thanks to everyone who has sent an email to the Minister of Justice - Irwin Cotler - my hunch is that his inbox is filling up quickly. This is exactly the kind of pressure that he and all the politicians need in order to fast-track Bill C-13 re the retroactivity amendment to Canada's DNA Databank. CBC is very interested in what's going on - in fact CBC National TV's Carolyn Dunn is interviewing me on Monday. She'll also be coming to the hill on Tuesday for the next Justice Committee meeting. Cotler will be there as will I and Steve Sullivan from the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. ( www.crcvc.ca) So for anyone interested be sure to tune into CBC Tuesday! Hopefully there will be a victory celebration of sorts!!! Ciao for now! cg
URGENT: ACTION NEEDED NOW re BILL C-13
As per my earlier post, the Commons Justice Committee voted yesterday to amend Bill C-13 to expand the retroactivity provisions of the DNA Databank to include those serving sentences for 1 murder and 1 sexual offence and 1 manslaughter conviction. At the meeting, Conservative Justice Critic Vic Toews suggested the retroactivity provisions be separated from Bill C-13 so it can be passed quickly. Mr. Toews’ suggestion had the support of the NDP and the Bloc. It is very important that the retroactive provisions of the bill are passed before an election because there are several offenders who will be released in the near future or who are eligible to seek released. Karla Homolka is probably the most urgent example, but there are others. Ralph Power is currently eligible for day parole. In 1981, he beat my sister, Sheryl Gardner to death with a hammer in Toronto. He was arrested after a failed attack on a second victim and he had a list of 15 women he was intending to sexually assault. David Dobson is also eligible for day parole. In 1982, Dobson murdered 15-year-old Darlene Prioriello. He sexually assaulted her, tortured her and murdered her by dropping a cinder block on her head. Greg Bromby is eligible for full parole this month. In 1994, Bromby murdered 15-year-old Tara Manning. He is currently serving a life sentence for second-degree murder. It was a result of Mike Manning’s efforts that the House of Commons passed the DNA search warrant law in one day. Needless to say, the list goes on… Please email the Minister of Justice at webadmin@justice.gc.ca and Cotler.I@parl.gc.ca to communicate your support for fast-tracking the retroactivity provisions of Bill C-13.
Bill C-13: Retroactivity Amendment Making Progress
The Justice Committee met yesterday for discussions re: Bill C-13 and there was unanimous agreement that the retroactivity amendment makes sense. If passed, this will mean that offenders like Karla Homolka, Ralph Power and David Dobson will be forced to submit their DNA into the Databank. My understanding is that it means we can legally go back and get the DNA of any offender who has been convicted of 1 murder, 1 sexual assault or 1 manslaughter. Currently the law says things like you have to murdered at least 2 people etc. How nuts is that? So anyhow, I feel great about this progress and I'm getting ready to go back to the hill once again! The Minister of Justice will be at the next Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 10th and together with Steve Sullivan from the CRCVC ( www.crcvc.ca), we want to urge the gov't to fast-track this change. I've also written a letter to Vic Toews - the Justice Critic - urging him to help make this happen NOW not later. The clock is ticking. Karla Homolka is out in July!
Thanks to UK_Chris I've finally got a place for people to talk about Canada's Parole System and DNA Databank. Actually make that any country's Parole System and DNA Databank! Why do I care? Well it's very personal since my sister Sheryl Gardner was murdered by Ralph Power back in 1981. Today, 24 years later, Ralph Power is eligible for day parole. Next year, full parole. The key word here is "eligible". By raising the profile of this case - specifically making people aware of the risk Power and offenders like him are to public safety. Power got a life sentence and frankly he should serve it. I might sound like I'm being vindictive but if you read the case and understand the fact, you'll understand where I'm coming from. There's tons of info at www.PowerNoParole.ca. Why should you care? Well, put it this way. We never thought we would need to care about the parole board or DNA...We never thought we would lose a family member to murder. I bet you don't either. But the truth is what happened to Sheryl could have happened to your sister, your daughter or your friend. We can't just sit around complaining about how bad our systems are. We have to speak up. I hope this blog gets some good conversations going!
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