Letters, Nov. 5

Law should not mirror public anger

Re: Mandatory minimum child pornography sentences unconstitutional, Supreme Court rules (Oct. 31)

The Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision striking down mandatory minimum sentences for possession of child pornography has generated strong reactions. It’s important to understand what the Court did — and did not — say. (I write as president of the Legal Aid Lawyers Association.)

The court did not minimize the seriousness of this offence. Rather, it reaffirmed a foundational principle of Canadian justice: that punishment must fit both the crime and the individual circumstances of the offender.

Confidence in the administration of justice is undermined when mandatory minimums proliferate without clear evidence they deter crime. Historically, such minimums have been used for offences with statistically high rates — such as impaired driving — where a uniform response was considered necessary. There is no comparable data suggesting that mandatory minimums for child pornography offences would achieve that goal.

Our courts exist to apply the law fairly and analytically, not to mirror public anger or political sentiment. Their independence is what safeguards justice for everyone.

Gary Robinson

Winnipeg

Kinew’s comments go too far

Re: ‘They should bury you under the prison’ (Nov. 4)

I was shocked to read the words of Premier Wab Kinew regarding his position on managing pedophiles within our prison systems. I fully agree with Kinew about the horror that is pedophilia and child pornography. Children need to be allowed to be children, for however long they are able to. Adults that steal innocence from children are not unlike murderers. They kill something that is precious and which can never be revived. It is surely one of the most grotesque and unacceptable things that an adult human can do.

But his suggestion that they should be subjected to conditions in which they would most likely be killed or maimed by other inmates is over the top. This is not who we are. We have already collectively agreed that capital punishment is not something Canadians want from their government, and Kinew should respect that no matter how enraged he is with this issue.

The easiest thing to do regarding pedophilia is to go berserk and begin advocating for violence against the perpetrators. What is not so easy, and what Kinew should be focused on, is preventing it from ever occurring in the first place. I, like many of the other premiers and I believe most Canadians, disagree with this ruling and yearn to see mandatory sentencing for these crimes. In my opinion, one year is wholly inadequate. People of this inclination need to be removed from society and not permitted to return until the threat of their continued behavior is fully eliminated.

The most effective thing we can do is to teach our children how to protect themselves, with conversations in our homes, our schools and our community organizations. And let us always remember that our decency is defined by how we manage the worst that are among us.

Steve Oetting

Winnipeg

Premier Wab Kinew’s rhetoric around sex offenders is repugnant, plain and simple. The tough-on-crime rhetoric he is adopting does not make our streets safer.

What are measures that would actually lower how many children are victimized? One would be lowering the temperature on the conversation so that pedophiles who know their urges are wrong can seek therapy and other supports before they offend; such a measure would also put potential sex offenders in the circle of mandatory reporters.

While not all pedophiles are the victims of abuse, increasing access to mental health supports for victims can help end cycles of abuse. Finally, Manitoba has programs to rehabilitate sex offenders, programs that are proven to reduce reoffense. Our premier should be talking to such organizations, rather than implicitly belittling the hard work they put into making society safer without resorting to murder.

Finally, Kinew has faced attacks on his character based on his past offences. Why does the premier believe he is capable of growth, worthy of forgiveness, but others are not capable or worthy? And is it not hypocritical for a lawmaker to condone, and in fact laud, lawlessness?

Kelsey Enns

Winnipeg

I have more than once been moved by Premier Wab Kinew’s insistence that the province treat human beings with compassion and respect, but I am disturbed by his recent comments about crime and punishment.

Even if we could sure than only the guilty were ever charged — and Manitobans have seen many proofs that we cannot — a society that confuses revenge with justice demeans itself. By calling for — even celebrating — jailhouse acts that amount to torture and murder, Kinew demeans the office of premier.

Duncan Thornton

Winnipeg

Time for action on violence in health care

Re: Doctor assaulted at HSC on first weekend with around-the-clock police presence (Nov. 3)

Based on media reports, it seems, regrettably, that Winnipeg may be the Canadian epicentre for violence against health-care workers.

Violence in the emergency department is often underreported and a major threat to the integrity of Canada’s increasingly fragile emergency care system. Daily verbal abuse and physical acts of violence lead to burn out and moral injury, work absences and prematurely shortened careers. We can’t afford to let this continue.

In 2018, the federal standing committee on health examined the issue and being shocked by what they heard, committed our nation to addressing the issue. They released a report with nine solid and credible recommendations. Since then nothing has been done.

Manitoba’s Dan Mazier, who is now the vice-chair of that committee, needs to provide leadership on this issue. Revisit the report and enact its recommendations.

Alan Drummond

Perth, Ont.

Set your limit

Re: “Reasonable limits” (Letters, Nov. 4)

After reading the letter by Terry Dann, I have a suggestion for her to keep below her speed below 30 kilometres per hour in a school zone.

Set your cruise control when you see the pre-emptive road sign. This allows you to give your full attention to be on the lookout for the kiddos around the school.

Sandy Reimer

Gimli

Thankful for protectors

Re: Respect the protectors: Bloodvein’s duty to the land (Think Tank, Oct. 31)

Thank you for this well-written and thoughtful argument. My old senior’s heart is always pleased to hear when younger people are watching over our land. Although this article is focused on hunting moose, it would be easy to change names and dates and apply the arguments to our use of other natural resources — gifts — which we have been generously given.

As a member of the PWP (Privileged White Person) tribe, it’s very important that I am once again made aware of the ancient relationship and reciprocity that exists between Mother Earth, humans, and other animals.

It’s easy for me to fall back and return to less mindful behaviours. Thank you for the reminder.

Barbara Coombs

Winnipeg