Grade 12 student suspended for wearing “Life is wasted without Jesus” REALLY? I mean REALLY???
May 4, 2012 | 
Author A school suspends a kid for 5 days for wearing this T Shirt…
How is that possible in 2012? If he wore a shirt that said “Life is Wasted without God”, would that be ok? What about Life is “Wasted if you are not Muslim”? “Life is Wasted if you’re not Jewish” What about “Life is Wasted if you’re an Athiest”?
WHO CARES??? Isn’t it is HIS right?
I am getting tired of who’s rights we impede these days… It seems every argument these days are rights based. I mean I absolutely agree, we need “rights”… BUT it seems to me that it’s over kill at it’s worst…
The Nova Scotia student suspended from school for five days for wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Life Is Wasted Without Jesus” will be allowed to wear it, the school board has ruled.
The student, William Swinimer, along the pastor of his church and officials with the South Shore Regional School Board met Friday to try and bring an end to a disagreement over whether Swinimer should be allowed to wear the T-shirt to class.
Swinimer called the board’s decision “awesome” and said he will be wearing his T-shirt to school on Monday.
“Some people say you’re not supposed to have religion in school. Well, every other religion is in that school and they constantly put Christianity down,” he said.
School board superintendent Nancy Pinch-Worthylake said it will bring in a facilitator on Monday to speak with students at Forest Heights Community School in Chester Basin, Lunenburg County, about how to express their beliefs in a way that is respectful to all.
The board will hold a similar meeting for any interested parents.
Pinch-Worthylake said the board will use this incident as a learning moment for everyone, adding that it is time to move on.
“We’re going to be working with students around how they can express their religious views and other views appropriately, and how we work together when those views may be interpreted or misinterupted by others,” she said.
“So, the focus is off the T-shirt. Whatever T-shirts come to school on Monday with personal beliefs will not be an issue for us.”
The board suspended Swinimer for five days when he refused to stop wearing the T-shirt. It said some students and teachers found the slogan offensive.
Swinimer, a Grade 12 student, said the slogan is an expression of his Christian faith.
The leader of Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative Party came to Swinimer’s defence Friday. Jamie Baillie said the teen has every right to wear the shirt wherever he wants.
“This is the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. All Canadians, including Mr. Swinimer, are guaranteed certain rights under that charter … He is exercising his right as a Canadian and I think the school board should stand up for that,” Baillie said.
On Thursday, provincial Education Minister Ramona Jennex said she agrees with the school board decision to suspend Swinimer.
He wore the T-shirt every day to class for several weeks, even after the principal told him repeatedly to stop wearing it.
The devout Christian said the T-shirt is an expression of his beliefs, and he never intended to attack anyone else’s beliefs.
“I believe there are things that are bigger than me. And I think that I need to stand up for the rights of people in this country, and religious rights and freedom of speech,” Swinimer told CBC News Thursday.
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TODAY: For Them All ~ Youth Honouring Youth Memorial Walk
Last summer Karen and I were at a concert at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park. The concert was celebrating a Walk For nations across Canada. At the end of the concert, a young girl got up on stage with about 30 people, all carrying posters of people that had been murdered.
The memorial display at Assiniboine Park
All of a sudden, there was a picture of TJ… We were… shocked… to say the least. Karen walked up to the stage and put the TJ poster around her neck and stood with the others. It was VERY emotional. Here this complete stranger is honouring our son among many others that had been murdered or missing. We met this young lady who organized this memorial. We found out that she had walked around the perimeter of Winnipeg, with some stranger carrying our son’s sign.
A young man carrying TJ's sign... wow...
We also saw a sign made for Morgan Trudeau, another young man murdered at only 18. Several months after this Jenny did another memorial walk, but we could not attend. Here a couple of pictures from that event:
Floyd, Jenny Miracle, Karen
Karen holding the TJ Poster
We made friends with Jenny Miracle and her mom Candy Volk that day, and I have spent a lot of time with them in this last year. I helped jenny design a new logo for her walk and had my good friend Greg Dwornick create fantastic T Shirts for the event.
PRESS RELEASE FROM JENNY MIRACLE:
On Saturday, April 28th, Jenny Miracle and a group of people will be having the third walk called: “For Them All ~ Youth Honoring Youth Memorial Walk.”
Are people on airplanes different than they are on the ground?
I am flying to Ottawa while I write this. Just wondering if people become different while flying. I sure hope so.
Now I know I’m a big guy. Lol. I really fill my airplane seat. But… Because I know this I take extra caution when seated beside someone. I fold my arms in so I don’t impede my neighbour. The skinny guy beside me feels he needs more space and constantly elbows me for 2 and a half hours. I mean if I touch someone, I know it. If I did I’d say , “Oh I’m sorry.” and try not to do it again. Not this dude.
Then this woman in front of me, immediately puts her seat back, something I never do because we are all squished. This is a mid day flight so does she really need to sleep? Oh well, it’s her right and WestJet makes the seats so it’s all good.
So, I stretch my legs under the seat in front. My space right??? Lol. Nope, not according to this woman. She puts her feet back and kicks mine. I don’t move. She kicks repeatedly. I think to myself, I wonder how far she’ll go with this. So she kicks me like 15 times. She then turns her head to give me “the look” with her seat back in my face. I move my feet. Seconds later, and I mean seconds, I put my feet back slowly and don’t feel her feet. For the next hour she never once kicked me. Really? I mean she discovered my feet, kicked me repeatedly like a sign of ownership, gives me the ownership stare and once she’s accomplished her ownership, becomes satisfied.
I wonder what it would be like living with these two. Maybe I should introduce the dude and the woman to each other.
Ah yes, people are interesting…
DO NOT BUY RIVAL KITCHEN APPLIANCES!
If I were you, I would not ever purchase a Rival kitchen product ever again. Because if it breaks, chances are you won’t be able to fix it. Just a couple of years ago, we obtained a Rival Ice Cream maker. Somehow the front assembly broke on it and so I went to their website, and the product was still shown as being made. (I just purchased parts for my 1982 QUAD!!!)
I emailed the company, and got an email saying it was no longer available. (their email is below) So I called them, and the first sales rep says to me that they are no longer available… repeating the email response…
This pic if from their current website…
I wasn’t happy with his response so went to his manager, and had quite the discussion about their responsibility to the the consumer. Needless to say…
THAT IS THE LAST RIVAL PRODUCT I’ll BUY!
Dear Floyd,
Thank you for writing Rival, a division of Jarden Consumer Solutions.
I certainly am sorry to hear that there is an issue with your IC500 Rival Ice Cream Maker and I am pleased to have the chance to be able to assist you. Unfortunately, the item and parts to the item you have requested is no longer available and has been discontinued from production. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused, and would like to offer you a 15% discount off the price of a new unit. We encourage you to view our current line of products at our website, www.rivalproducts.com.
If you need assistance locating a comparable product, please feel free to call our customer service team at (800)777-5452. We are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, EST, Monday thru Saturday.
Again, I apologize for any inconvenience, Floyd. We appreciate your business and are happy to help if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Jarden Consumer Solutions
Blender burner can opener coffee maker deep fryer electric griddle electric skillet food chopper food slicer hand mixer hot beverage dispenser rice cooker roaster sandwich maker toasters ice creme maker ice shaver Rival BL-706 Rival DC-TB170 Rival BD250 Rival BD275 Rival SB150 Rival CN753-W CN738-W CN-707 PIL-HC08104 CF154 CF106 CF106-W CZF530-B CZF530 CZF630 GR250 GR225 GR201 GRF405 FPRVMC3000 HM-708 4071-WN RC161 RC101 RCS200 RC61 RO180BR-C RO180 WC800-WT DC-SWM169 FRRVCB40-BL FRRVCB60-BL IC500-BK
“Hi, thanks for the awesome concert, I pledge not to do drugs. TJ’s Gift helped me to stay away from drugs.” Now help us get more kids to think like this. Attend our gala on May 16th, 2012
“Hi, thanks for the awesome concert, I pledge not to do drugs. TJ’s Gift helped me to stay away from drugs.”
“I wish I heard your story before I started doing drugs. However, I’m very glad I stopped because of this. Thank you. Whether you knew it or not…you and TJ changed my life a lot. I remember the nights I would wake up screaming; I didn’t know what was happening to me or my family. I hurt all my friends around me, and my family too. It’s hard to go back to the way things were before…and it still is hard. I’m not proud of everything I’ve done…but if I had a chance to take it all back… I probably would do it over. And do it right.”
These messages are just two of thousands that have been received by the TJ’s Gift Foundation. These responses are from regular kids, just like our son. TJ had plans for his future, but they were lost because of drug involvement, and eventually, his murder.
Changing the attitude towards drug involvement is the basis of everything we do. If we can save one life, all of our work has been 100% successful. The Foundation achieves that goal constantly.
The TJ’s Gift Foundation funds schools throughout Manitoba that are involved in peer-led drug education projects. Kids teaching kids. The Foundation also hosts several other events, such as the “Rockin for Choices Concert” on March 21, 2012, at the MTS Centre, where 3,500 kids attended, the “Battle of the Bands” and the “Soaring Eagles Conference”. You might like to visit our website at TJsGift.com for more details.
You can help us continue to help kids change their attitude towards drug involvement by attending the 6th Annual TJ’s Gift Gala on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. It is an evening of a gourmet 5-course dinner, entertainers Evan Morgan, a magician and the incredible Flying Lion Dance Troupe. It’s a night where all levels of government, business leaders, educators, community members, family and friends come together, to support our work in Manitoba. We have raised over $230,000.00! Our goal is $50,000 this year.
You can do your part by purchasing individual tickets for $100 or a corporate table of 10 for $1300. It would be incredible if you would also like to contribute items to our 3 auctions.
Please contact Karen at 228-2540, Karen@TJsGift.com or Floyd at 229-9633, Floyd@TJsGift.com to purchase tickets to the 6th annual TJ’s Gift Gala Evening on May 16, 2012 at the Canad Inns Polo Park.
Help us change the attitude towards drug involvement…
Sincerely,
TJ’s Gift Foundation
Karen & Floyd Wiebe
TJ’s mom and dad
Total BS: Child incest charges go away after RCMP refused to pay for translation
Child incest charges stayed after RCMP refused to pay for translation
SUNNY DHILLON - VANCOUVER - From Friday’s Globe and Mail
Three years after she arrived in Canada, the high-school student and refugee told police a horrific tale: She alleged she was being physically and sexually abused by her father. The girl accused him, among other things, of forcing her to engage in anal sex, and, when he wasn’t assaulting her himself, of ordering her brother to punch her until she bled.
The father was promptly arrested and, in January, 2008, charged with 13 counts, including incest, sexual assault, assault and uttering threats. But the charges were stayed two years later after the RCMP refused to pay thousands of dollars to have recorded statements translated and transcribed, a decision the force now calls “regrettable.”
The story of justice-system failure came to light Thursday, courtesy of a report by the provincial children’s representative. B.C.’s Justice Minister quickly vowed to implement all three of the report’s recommendations, characterizing the case as an inexcusable tragedy.
“What message does this outcome give to a vulnerable youth who disclosed repeated physical and sexual abuse? Undeniably, it tells her that her allegations had insufficient priority for police and the Crown to act decisively to deliver the documents needed for a timely court trial,” representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond wrote in her report. “It tells her that she didn’t matter enough. And it must leave her confused about her safety in her new homeland.”
The family arrived in Canada in 2005 and settled in the Lower Mainland. They are not identified in the report by name. Their native country is also not stated to protect their identity.
In December, 2006, the girl was taken to hospital with bruises to her knees, upper body and face. The father told police the girl had been attacked by classmates. Early the next year, school staff and social workers expressed concern about the girl’s mental health, but she and her father declined their services.
When the father temporarily returned to his country of origin in 2007, the girl made the abuse allegations, first to a school counsellor, then police. She said her father told her the abuse was her fault and had ordered her to say she was being bullied to cover up his behaviour. The girl’s mother told police she, too, had been abused.
The father was arrested when he returned to Canada. The alleged victims and the accused recorded statements for police in two non-English languages, one of which is rare in this country. The statements had to be translated and transcribed, which in B.C. is the responsibility of police to arrange.
The alleged abuse occurred in an RCMP jurisdiction and the force chose not to spend the money.
“The preliminary cost estimate provided to the investigator by a recognized translation company was about $40,000. The investigator, who did not have the power to authorize such an expenditure, sought approval from senior police managers to proceed. He did not receive approval,” said the report.
The case dragged on and charges were stayed two years after they were laid when a judge ruled the unreasonable delay breached the Charter rights of the accused.
When the charges were stayed, the father was placed on recognizance and ordered not to contact his family. But the recognizance conditions essentially told him where they were, banning him from a five-block radius of the home and a three-block radius from each of the three schools where the children were enrolled. Police grew concerned for their safety and the family was moved elsewhere.
RCMP Superintendent Paul Richards said in an interview Thursday the force isn’t pleased with the decision not to spend the money on the translation and transcription. He said the decision was made by a member of the force who has since retired.
“It’s extremely regrettable,” he said.
When asked if the RCMP failed the girl, he said: “I think that’s a little bit too directed. The fact is we have a criminal justice system, of which the RCMP is a contributor.” The report does criticize Crown for not doing enough to prioritize the case.
Supt. Richards agreed the charges would not have been stayed if the RCMP had paid the money.
Ms. Turpel-Lafond made three recommendations in her report. She called on the Ministry of Justice to develop a policy that requires three senior Crown counsel to review all cases where a child could be adversely affected by procedural or investigatory behaviours. She said the ministry must also ensure a reliable and appropriately funded system of access to translation, and produce an annual report on the outcomes of criminal prosecutions involving children.
Justice Minister Shirley Bond vowed action on all three fronts.
“Looking at translation and transcription is not an option. It is part of operation work that needs to be done – it’s the same as looking at fingerprinting, that kind of thing,” she told reporters in Victoria. “While there is not a discreet budget line required to those types of services in fact, there is an expectation that it is done. The individual who made the decision was incorrect in that. This case should not have ended up in these circumstances.”
The children’s representative said she was pleased with government’s response, though it will be cold comfort to victims who won’t have their day in court.
When asked what the girl said upon hearing the report would be issued, Ms. Turpel-Lafond described it as “heartbreaking.”
“The primary victim’s response was, ‘Can we still have a trial?’ Sadly, you can’t. The opportunity’s done.”
With a report from Justine Hunter in Victoria
Published on Thursday, Mar. 29, 2012 2:51PM EDT
TJ’s killer decides to stay in jail… Interesting… I guess he doesn’t want to see us again…
Dominic Urichen, the middle man that helped murder my son, TJ, decided not to ask for full parole on April 13. Its highly unusual for a person to not want to get out of jail. I can only think that he likes jail or he does not want to face our family again. About a year ago, he was denied parole. If you want to read the Parole Board’s decision on not allowing him out of jail, it’s here (long document): Dominic Urichen Parole2. In fact, at that time, when asked why he should get out of jail, he actually said… “I don’t even know why I am in jail, I know I set up the murder, but I didn’t kill him, so why I am in here?” Yep… you hear it right. What a complete evil person. At that parole hearing, I decided that TJ was should be the one making an impact statement so I wrote one on his behalf. If you want to read it, it’s here: Victim Impact Statement Floyd . In fact, I made legal precedent setting history. Our family demanded to sit at the same table where Urichen was seated. We were told originally that we had to sit 15 feet behind him, so he could not see us. BULL SHIT I said, and demanded we sit at the table where we could see each other. They allowed it. AND I am proud to say, that future victims will now be allowed this option if they so choose. I achieved this as I am the Chair of the Victim Advisory Board to Corrections Service Canada and the Parole Board of Canada.
So what does all this mean? Well on April 1, 2013, a year from now, Dominic Urichen will be released from jail on what is called Statutory Release, in other words, at this time, he will have served 2/3 rds of his 13.5 year sentence. Unless he poses an extreme danger to society, he will be released. The thing I disagree with, is we are not allowed to attend this hearing, so I guess our last opportunity was the last one. In one way, I’m glad I don’t have to listen to his idiotic words. In another way, I am not allowed to once again speak to him with my impact statement. I can mail it in but to me it loses its effect, if in fact it even has any on him.
So Proud of Michael Champagne!
Bell tower ringing in change
North End youths fed up with violence, negative image
By: Rosanna Deerchild
Posted: 03/25/2012 3:16 AM | Comments: 23 (including replies)
Michael Champagne started working in local community groups in 2005, where he developed his passion for helping North End youths. (TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
Michael Champagne and youths gather for a bell tower rally at Selkirk Avenue and Powers Street. (TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
The dare comes every Friday: “Meet me at the bell tower.”
The bell tower is in the notorious North End, and the challenge comes from youths who are sick of the violence that grips the heart of Winnipeg.
“I come here because of my uncle,” said Whitney Fleury, 17. “He was shot a block away from my house on College.”
Her uncle, Ashley Fleury, 32, was walking home in the early morning of April 14, 2008, when he passed by a group of teenage boys. They had a short conversation before he walked away. One of them shot Fleury in the back. No one has been arrested in his death.
“It hurt me. I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
Fleury has been coming to these rallies at the bell tower, located at Selkirk Avenue and Powers Street, since they began last November, joining a small group of people hoping to ring in change in their beleaguered neighbourhood.
“The initial seed was planted in September with the death of Clarky,” said Michael Redhead Champagne, who helped spearhead the rallies.
Clark Stevenson was 15 when he was fatally stabbed in a gang-related attack. Days later, his friends and family organized a walk from the North End corner where he was killed to the Manitoba Legislative Building.
Two weeks after Stevenson was killed, 20-year-old David Vincett was shot dead on Boyd Avenue. Then in November two more youths were shot, one suffering serious injuries. The first rally was held on Nov. 25, as a way for youths affected by the violence to speak out.
“We only wanted to do it once,” Champagne said.
But the bell tower rallies became a weekly call to action. Grassroots groups have used them as a forum. Politicians show up to ring the bell, including Winnipeg Coun. Ross Eadie and NDP MLA Kevin Chief.
“I didn’t expect people to take such ownership of it,” Champagne said.
Tonight, about 20 people huddle around the bell tower. Cars honk as they drive by and people carefully shuffle by along the narrow sidewalk. They’re listening to Champagne, a tall, skinny young man in a bright red tuque and glasses.
“When I look around and I see the little ones that have come to our bell tower and I see the not-so-little ones that have come here to the bell tower, it shows me the family that we are trying to create, the community that we are here to represent, does exist!”
This 24-year-old is not your stereotypical North End kid. Champagne is not a gang member nor has he ever been one. He isn’t a high school dropout, doesn’t drink or do drugs. He loves to read and write spoken poetry. In fact, by all accounts Michael is a good boy.
His mother, Sharron Champagne, says she never had any problems with him. “He’s always been a helper, always. Ever since he was small. If he saw somebody in trouble or an animal or anything, he’d try to help them.”
His favourite teacher, Mary Jo Holmes, called him her “go-to guy” when he was in her Grade 5 class at Margaret Park School.
“I can remember the day he started with us,” said Holmes. “He just had this beautiful smile on his face and he was excited to be there. Right from the get-go, he was just one of those kids that stood out in a crowd.”
So what’s this “good boy” doing leading a bunch of people down Selkirk Avenue with a bullhorn?
Michael says it’s a role he’s been preparing for his entire life.
“I am a walking symbol of what can happen,” he explains.
Originally from Shamattawa Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, he was adopted, grew up in Winnipeg and has seen firsthand how gangs and violence stalk young lives. “I made a conscious decision. That’s not what I wanted.”
But the boy who loved to read was bullied and ashamed of his Cree heritage. He put up with it until it finally became too much. It was in Grade 4 at David Livingston School. Some boys had been relentlessly tripping him from behind.
“I remember it was in the afternoon, at recess and I was so upset, just seething — a ticking time bomb.”
Even though he avoided the bullies, sure enough someone tripped him again.
“I fell and smashed my already bloody and bruised knees. I stood up and turned around and he was laughing because he didn’t expect me to do anything because I never did anything. But I punched him right in the face.”
Champagne balls up his fist as he remembers the day that changed him. “I found out sometimes you have to stand up for yourself.”
He started volunteering and joined different clubs, such as cadets, where he learned to be deliberate about everything he projects, from his speech to the way he dresses. In Grade 12, he was the first co-president of student council because he didn’t like the imbalance of power between the president and the vice-president.
Then in 2005, he started working in local community groups, where his passion for helping North End youths find their voice was really sparked.
“I was a street kid going down the wrong path,” said Jenna Licious, one of many youths affected by the charismatic Champagne. “I was doing drugs, drinking and running around the streets.”
After she graduated, she hit a dead end. “There’s nothing for kids in the North End after they graduate. I had no clue what to do in my life.”
She found a youth drop-in-centre on Selkirk Avenue that gave her job experience and helped her with a resumé. It’s also where she met Champagne. He was working his way though an education degree. He wanted to work with kids, so being a teacher seemed a natural fit.
But Champagne didn’t find his calling in the halls of higher learning, or inside the social agencies that line Salter Street. He dropped out of school and separated from the drop-in-centre. Instead, he found his calling on the streets and anywhere young people gathered.
“He wanted to maintain relationships,” recalls Licious. “(For that) I held him in high regard.”
Together with other North End youth, they formed Aboriginal Youth Opportunities, an anti-gang organization that just celebrated its second birthday. He said giving youths a say in who they are and what they want is the only way to stop the violence.
AYO has been behind initiatives like the new Selkirk Street Banners and the FWD newspaper by, for and about North End youth and run out of area high schools. Most recently, they started a younger-kids’ group called North End Opportunities Network (NEON).
“It’s always too big. Its always too heavy,” says a rarely weary Champagne of the work he does, “but because it is so big and heavy, that’s why it’s so important.”
Another bell tower gathering winds up in the North End. People gather one last time, shake hands, hug and smile as they leave. Michael Champagne stands in the shadow of the bell tower.
He reminds people to come back next Friday.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 25, 2012 A6
Theoren Fleury was NOT allowed to say what he wanted to say to Graham James. Boy do I know what that feels like…
Graham James (wearing a scarf and hood), who has admitted he sexually abused small boys, leaves court in Winnipeg. He is being escorted by Vanessa Gama (left) and lawyer Evan Roitenberg. Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012. Chris Procaylo - QMI Agency - NOTE: ROITENBERG ALSO DEFENDED THE MASTERMIND BEHIND TJ'S MURDER, AND GOT HIM OFF SCOTT FREE. I WONDER HOW HE SLEEPS AT NIGHT?
I just read the Winnipeg Sun’s article by Tom Brodbeck on Theoren Fleury. My comments on his article were posted on The Sun’s site were:
“Thank you so much Tom for telling Canadians how limited a victim’s voice is in a court of law. Theoren Fleury should be able to say WHATEVER he wants to say, and THANK YOU TOM BRODBECK for NOW allowing us to REALLY read what Theoren Fleury wanted us to read. The justice system gets one of your old 8-Ball Awards… When my son TJ Wiebe was murdered 9 years ago, and I gave victim impact statements to three convicted murderers, I wasn’t allowed to say in court that they injected him with Drano, they they strangled him, that they stabbed him, that they left him in a farmer’s field for 5 weeks until Police found him. I was only allowed to say HOW the murder affected me. How could I explain how it affected me if I couldn’t tell them WHAT affected me? My government-employed “victim worker” told me, “Oh, Floyd, they’ve already heard the details, and they don’t really want to again…” It’s insane, inhumane and simply WRONG.”Court rules silence victims: Brodbeck
As a result, Fleury’s victim impact statement — read by Crown attorney Colleen McDuff — was massively censored. Large portions of the statement were taken out, including Fleury’s views that pedophiles like James never change their behaviour.
“This court must know that pedophiles like Graham James do not ever change,” Fleury’s original victim impact statement read. “They are devoid of anything good, and their moral compass does not exist.”
Apparently, victims are not allowed to say that in court.
That’s because our courts don’t take victims’ rights seriously. They are focused almost entirely on the rights of the offender, including making sure criminals are treated well and get the treatment and programming they need.
Victims, meanwhile, are largely ignored. They can’t even read their full impact statements in court. For example, this part of Fleury’s impact statement was not read in court:
“Do not show leniency to Graham James, he certainly never did to me or any of his other prey,” wrote Fleury. “He had many opportunities to stop, to get help, to change, and he never took them.”
Oops, that doesn’t meet the “guidelines” the justice system sets out for victim impact statements. Among other things, victims are not allowed to “comment on the offender’s behaviour or character, except to describe how the crime has affected (the victim).”
And victims are prohibited from saying what type of sentence a judge should impose.
Why? Why can’t victims have a say in court regarding sentencing? It’s not like the judge has to abide by it or even consider it.
By contrast, the defence can say all kinds of things about the character of victims.
For example, James’ lawyer Evan Roitenberg suggested in court that the victims in this case exaggerated the extent to which they were sexually assaulted. He was able to say that in court unchallenged. How fair is that?
It isn’t. And that’s because our justice system is lopsided in favour of criminals at the expense of victims.
There is no demonstrable harm in allowing victims to express their views in court regarding the character or behaviour of the offender, nor with commenting on sentencing. Yet they are arbitrarily denied that right.
It’s just one more aspect of our justice system that needs an overhaul.
I’ll put Fleury’s entire victim impact statement on my blog in case you missed it.
RULES FOR VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENTS IN COURT
In your statement, you must not:
- Comment on the offender’s behaviour or character, except to describe how the crime has affected you
- Say what sentence the judge should impose
- Complain about how the police, Crown attorney, defence lawyer or judge has handled the case
- Describe how the crime has affected other people, except to say how the crime has changed your relationships with others
- Include photographs or medical reports (these should be given to the Crown attorney)
Here is what Theoren Fleury really wanted to say:
At a young and very impressionable age, I was stalked, preyed upon and sexually assaulted over 150 times by an adult my family and I trusted completely.I was a boy with a big dream and the talent to match. I played hockey in the early morning hours, after school, on the weekends and holidays, I even dreamed of hockey. Everyone in my life knew of my passion and my talent, including convicted pedophile Graham James.Mr. James was a well-known minor hockey coach, and he zeroed in on my family and me. He skillfully manipulated us all, and eventually my parents entrusted my care and well being to him in order to allow me to move to other towns and cities to advance my hockey dream. He was a larger than life figure with the hockey credentials and education as a teacher, to match, and it was drilled into me that he held the keys to making my dream become a reality.
I was just a kid. A child. I was completely under Graham James’s control. And I was scared. I did not have the emotional skills, the knowledge, or the ability to stop the rapes or change my circumstances. I felt lost, alone, and helpless. And those feelings did not stop after I was able to get away from Mr. James; I continued to feel that way for 20+ years afterwards. I descended into years of drug addiction, alcoholism, and addictions to sex, gambling, rage. My loved ones, including my beloved children, spiraled down with me. The pain was all encompassing. And no matter how many NHL games I won, or money I made, or fame I gained could dull the pain of having been sexually abused by Graham James. His sickness changed my life, changed the lives of everyone who was close to me, and caused more pain than can be measured.
Finally, after a night in the New Mexico desert with a gun in my mouth and finger on the trigger, I found the courage to get help and start a long process of healing. I am now reconciled with my children and family, I have been sober for 6 years and I have put the course of my professional life on an amazing path. I am fortunate to speak to victims, survivors, victors and advocates all over North America. From little boys to men as old as 82 tell me they too have been victimized. I am honoured each and every time they share with me. They shed tears, they tell me secrets they have never dared to tell anyone else, and they look for some sort of peace in the midst of their hell.
This court must know that pedophiles like Graham James do not ever change. They are devoid of anything good, and their moral compass does not exist. The statistics show 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. A good majority of these children will grow into angry adults who are completely stunted in their emotional growth, and are unable to contribute to healthy and loving relationships. Some will find healing, but many will not, and the after effects of sexual abuse will affect everyone close to them. They will be unable to find decent employment, they will be unable to fully commit to loving relationships, they will be unable to trust, they will be unable to parent their children, they will be unable to really contribute to society. All because a monster like Graham James preyed upon them, took advantage of their trust and their age, to commit heinous crimes on their bodies, souls and spirits. This is an epidemic and it has to stop.
Do not show leniency to Graham James, he certainly never did to me or any of his other prey. He had many opportunities to stop, to get help, to change, and he never took them. In fact, he kept going. He created situations wherein he could abuse me, he lied time and again, and he found how his authority over me could allow him to do whatever he wanted. He instilled not only physical pain, but also deep emotional pain and left scars so deep and so wide it took decades for me to sleep one night in peace. He was purposeful, he planned his assaults, he took the time and the energy to sexually abuse me every chance he got. And believe me, he will do it again and again and again if ever given the chance. He has no remorse. A monster who will sexually assault children should never be let loose in society ~ never.
When you consider punishment for Graham James I ask this court to think not only about the law, but also about that scared little boy who had nowhere to turn, nowhere to run and nowhere to hide each and every time Graham James raped me. Think about that little boy, his tears and his anger and his helplessness. Think long and hard about YEARS OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS, not just one or two incidents, YEARS OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS, perpetrated by Graham James on me and other children. Think about the journey to hell he sent them and me on. Think about the tears shed that could fill the oceans, rivers and streams by his victims. Think about the ruined relationships, the lost opportunities, the anguish, the fear that follows every waking moment and invades every dream. Only then should you consider punishment. And the punishment should be a lifetime removed from society in a prison where the keys are thrown away, never to be found again.
I urge this court to set an example, not only for other offenders, but to those who have been victimized ~ that this court and this country takes sexual abuse and assault seriously, and that you’ll protect the innocent, harshly punish the guilty and encourage healing for everyone who has ever been even remotely affected by monsters like Graham James.
My name is Theoren Fleury and I am a victor over sexual abuse.
6th Annual TJ’s Gift Gala Evening – May 16, 2012 – http://tjsgift.com
6th Annual TJ’s Gift Gala Evening
May 16, 2012
Hosted by the
Canad Inns Polo Park
What’s Been Happening at the Foundation?
Click this for our 5th Anniversary brochure.
• High school garage bands across the city and beyond are excited about our 3rd Annual “Battle of the Bands” on March 18th at the Garrick Centre.
• Thousands of kids have been registered through their schools for our 2nd “Rockin for Choices Concert” that we are hosting at the MTS Centre on March 21st. (This would have been TJ’s 30th Birthday)
• The most popular page on our website with kids, is the “Watch Drug Free Videos” page. Every week hundreds of kids visit our site looking for information.
• Click HERE to read just a few of the many messages we receive from the kids, and how they have been affected by their involvement with the TJ’s Gift Foundation.
Help us raise awareness by:
Tickets are $100 each
Tables of 10 are $1300
OR
FOR MORE INFORMATION
OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS NOT ONLINE:
KAREN WIEBE – EMAIL: KAREN@TJsGIFT.com
CALL: 204-228-2540
FLOYD WIEBE – EMAIL: FLOYD@TJSGIFT.COM
CALL: 204-229-9633
See you there!
Please visit our website:
Ontario bringing in tighter controls for OxyContin replacement drug
Manitoba needs to follow Ontario!
From the Canadian Press
TORONTO – OxyContin and the drug replacing it are being removed from the list of drugs that Ontario normally funds.
The maker of OxyContin, which is up to twice as strong as morphine, will stop manufacturing the drug in Canada at the end of the month.
As of March 1, Purdue Pharma Canada will replace OxyContin with a new formulation called OxyNEO.
In a notice released today, the Ontario Health Ministry said it’s removing OxyContin from the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary as of Feb. 29.
Its replacement OxyNeo will be funded through the province’s Exceptional Access Program — a change which means the prescription of the drug will fall under tighter controls.
The ministry says it’s taking that step in light of recent studies that suggest increased rates of opioid prescribing — oxycodone in particular — is contributing “significantly to opioid-related harms and death.”
It notes that Ontario has the highest rate of narcotics use in Canada.
OxyContin, taken orally in pill form, is a long-acting form of the highly addictive opioid oxycodone. But when the pill is chewed or crushed, then injected or inhaled, it produces a “heroin-like euphoria,” Health Canada says.
OxyNEO will also be made with oxycodone, but it’s formulated to make abuse more difficult: the tablet is hard to crush and when added to liquid, it forms a thick gel that stops oxycodone from being extracted for injection.
Ontario patients prescribed OxyContin will continue to receive it for one month, but all coverage of OxyContin will end on April 2.
After that date, those patients will receive OxyNEO for a year. If the drug is required after that time the patient will need approval through the Exceptional Access Program.
Remember my Queen story on FaceBook? I asked about spending $7.5M on her Birthday?
My original FaceBook message:
So I hear the Queen celebrated her 60th year on the throne… Canada spends 7.5 M dollars on this. Are you kidding when hundreds of people in Manitoba alone don’t even have running water? Priorities? Who gives a crap about that old bag? She’s the richest woman in the world! Let her throw her own party!
Well it started a flurry of comments and someone suggested I do a poll… So today I discovered the Free Press did a poll and here it is:
Anthony Pulsifer goes back to Maximum Security
Anthony Pulsifer, the guy that did most of the horrific things to TJ was transferred back to a Maximum Security prison, namely Edmonton Institution. He was being held at Grande Cache Institution in Grande Cache, AB, a Medium Security prison since November 9, 2009.
Previous to Grande Cache he was in Edmonton Max… SO. it seems that Anthony Pulsifer just doesn’t get it, he somehow made it out of MAX to MEDIUM, and back to MAX. I am sure that he won’t be out of there for quite some time.
We are not allowed to know why he was transferred to the max jail…
The pictures show where they all are now. Chad Handsor has it pretty good it seems, looks better than most resorts…
If you want to read more, click HERE.
Anthony Pulsifer - Edmonton Institution - Maximum Security Prison
Chad Handsor - William Head Minimum Security - CLUB FED or CLUB MED?
Domenic Urichen - Saskatchewan Penitentiary - Medium Security
CTV NEWS – Interview with Floyd Wiebe
CTV NEWS – Interview with Floyd Wiebe at the Gang Action Interagency Network’s Strategy meeting.
Gang Action Interagency Network hosts Gang Strategy Meeting
Winnipeg group aims to gang up on gangs
GAIN groups agencies into three cogwheels – prevention, suppression, and intervention – that work together
Floyd Wiebe of Gang Awareness for Parents speaks to media at the kickoff for GAIN yesterday. Sean Ledwich/Metro Winnipeg
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Nine years ago Floyd Wiebe’s son T.J. was brutally beaten, injected with Drano, choked, stabbed, and left naked to die in a frozen ditch outside Winnipeg.
“I became a victim advocate at that point and an educator of drug awareness,” said Wiebe, a former GAIN co-chair and the executive director of Gang Awareness for Parents.
At the kickoff for GAIN Wednesday, Wiebe said spending money to expand jails is not a solution to gang crime.
“We need to spend our tax dollars on prevention and suppression…it totally makes sense.”
A gang prevention workshop meets during GAIN's kickoff at the Aboriginal Centre yesterday. - Sean Ledwich/Metro Winnipeg
About 125 people spent Wednesday in workshops related to each of the anti-gang cogwheel groups.
The three agency groupings will meet separately each month, and as a whole every three months. Representatives from all three levels of government and the Winnipeg Police Service also attended the workshops.
“Who should be at those tables, who should be developing those projects, which groups are best to take the lead?” Mahmood asked. “Those things are being flushed out today.”
Police will not comment on how many gangs are in Winnipeg or how many youth are involved, but in an email Const. Jason Michalyshen wrote gangs are a “serious concern…gangs are all about making money and unfortunately at the expense of others.”
Anyone wanting to help GAIN achieve its anti-gang goals can volunteer with an affiliated agency, Mahmood said, which are linked at gainmb.wordpress.com
More about Gangs:
Winnipeg is in trouble, gang expert says:“You guys are in a heap of trouble,” said Pearce. “It’s one thing to have these various little groups that are fledgling organized-crime groups, but it’s another thing to have professional gangs who are very well organized and very sophisticated in their tactics.”
Even though the Hells Angels are down in numbers in Winnipeg, it does not mean the Rock Machine will rule the city’s gang scene.
As Pearce explained, “I would never say the Hells Angels are gone. They will come back.”
Is Winnipeg a gangster’s paradise?“The boys have done a good job,” said Isnor. “Across this country, the Hells Angels have not had a monopoly like they used to, and it’s causing a lot of other little groups to pop up.”
Earlier this week, Winnipeg police reluctantly confirmed the city is experiencing a crime wave related to escalating gang tensions. It’s believed to be a turf war between Quebec’s Rock Machine, a gang that has only recently moved into Winnipeg, and the Hells Angels-affiliated gang Redlined.
While the Winnipeg Police Service politely turned down requests for interviews, Isnor said having fewer Angels on the streets means new rules.
“Nobody was able to start a club, because if they started a club, the Hells Angels would be right there (saying), ‘Who said you could start a club? We never sanctioned you. We never sponsored you. If you’re going to have a club, you’re working for us.’”
Sources, including a former gang member, have told Metro that members of both the Rock Machine and Redlined have approached drug dealers in the city and been asking about their loyalty.
The former gang member asked not to be identified for fear of retribution.
Calgary police Det. Doug Greaves said the fight for control over the drug trade can get violent.
“Is that (violence) going to escalate to murder? We can’t predict that,” said Greaves.
He added that he’s seeing a similar pattern in Edmonton.
“There have been incidents of violence in the last year between (the Hells Angels and the Rock Machine), and I would imagine that as long as those two groups are there, there will be more violence.”
GANG PROFILES
The Hells Angels
The Hells Angels expanded into Manitoba in 2000 after incorporating local biker gang Los Bravos.
It took three major police investigations/raids, called Project Defence, Project Drill and Project Divide, to execute warrants against most of the Manitoba chapter of the Hells Angels, ending in 2009.
The Rock Machine
Originally formed in 1986 in Quebec, the gang would become involved in the Quebec Biker War lasting from 1994 to 2002. Innocent bystanders were among the 160 who were killed during that period. Absorbed into the Banditos biker gang, the Rock Machine broke away in 2007 to
re-form as an independent group.
Associated with the drug trade, the gang has moved into Manitoba and now Winnipeg in an attempt to take over the void left by the Hells Angels. metro
Redlined
Commonly referred to as the Redlined Support Crew, this is a puppet gang of the Hells Angels.
Redlined formed recently, only within the past year.
It has clashed with Rock Machine members in the past in Winnipeg, including one incident where a member of the Rock Machine was lured into a St. Mary’s Road store late last year and beaten by Hells Angels members with a stool.
Alleged gang member out on bail
Trouble started surfacing last week with a number of shootings and firebombings involving the Hells Angels, their Redlined Support Crew and the Rock Machine.
In one case, a 14-year-old boy who was an innocent bystander was wounded when bullets were fired into a residence.
A war between the same two gangs in Quebec in the 1990s led to the deaths of more than 100 people.
Gang situation ‘very serious’It is also one police, in court documents, have been quietly warning could spill over onto Winnipeg streets for about two years now.
The 14-year-old victim of Monday’s shooting — which saw more than 20 shots slam into the front of a townhouse in the early morning — remains in hospital in stable condition.
A bullet from a large-calibre gun struck the teen in the lower body, but police said he wasn’t targeted and was “caught in the crossfire.”
Investigators are also continuing to investigate two other house-shooting incidents from last week that are linked to the same gang feud, said Const. Jason Michalyshen.
Michalyshen added the seriousness of the situation has prompted the force to take swift action to try and ensure cooler heads prevail.
“We’re closely monitoring these situations … these incidents are happening in quiet communities…. The impact this is having on families, young people, is something that all members of the public need to be aware of,” he said.
“From our perspective, it’s escalated enough.”
He declined to state what measures police are taking to try and suppress the violence, saying it would be “bad advertising” to discuss operational tactics.
“It’s very serious. It’s important that members of the public trust in us that we are out there.”
Michalyshen asked the public to report all suspicious activity. “In light of what’s taken place, we will be dispatching … numerous resources,” he said.
The worst day of my life…
9 years ago today, February 8th, 2003, the Winnipeg Police came to our door and announced to my family that they had arrested 2 people for murdering TJ. They still had not found his body. The next morning, Feb. 9th, they found him, under 18″ of snow in a farmer’s field.
That was the worst day of my life…
No wonder I can’t sleep…
http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/press/2003/feb03/20030210.stm
http://www.tjsgift.com/TJs_Gift_Foundation/What_happened….html
Labossière guilty of murdering parents, brother Co-accused Michael Hince acquitted
Original story: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Labossiere-guilty-of-triple-murder-Hince-acquitted-138536229.html
WINNIPEG — A jury has convicted Jérôme Labossière of the first-degree murders of his parents and brother.
The jury acquitted Michael Hince of the same charges.
Jerome Labossiere has been found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder. (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES)
The jury, which began deliberating at about noon, returned its verdict at about 9 p.m., in the murders of Fernand Labossière, his wife, Rita, and son Rémi.
The three were shot and then burned beyond recognition in a house fire on Nov. 26, 2005. During the trial, the court was told Jérôme Labossière paid Hince, now acquitted, and Jeremie Toupin, the Crown’s key witness, to kill his parents, Fernand and Rita, and his brother Rémi.
Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Brenda Keyser told the jury it is up to her, not them, to sentence Labossière.
During a two-hour charge to the jury earlier today, Keyser said they would have to determine if they believed Toupin, who has already pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the slayings. Court was told earlier Toupin did this after the Crown agreed to recommend he be allowed to apply for parole 10 years into his sentence instead of the maximum 25.
During the trial, relatives said Jérôme was mad at his brother for getting the farm instead of him and, in his mind, not managing it properly while frittering away his money on gambling. The family farm, worth $1.3 million, was $500,000 in debt at the time.
A will left by Rémi gave the entire estate to his seven nieces and nephews.
Relatives testified a year later, Jérôme began telling them he had found a second will, which left everything to Jérôme’s son. After that second will was withdrawn from the estate legal process, Jérôme began offering the nieces and nephews $25,000 each to give up their share. He ultimately raised it to $40,000 but all declined.
New home of murderer Chad Handsor…
Ironic… On the 9th Anniversary of TJ’s murder, look where one of the murderers, CHAD HANDSOR was transferred to… Now I ask you, does that look like jail? It looks like a resort to me… Ocean View, without bars… Nice home… It’s the William Head Inst. in Victoria BC…
9 years ago my son TJ was murdered… 9 years…
It’s January 5th… 2012…
9 years ago, in 2003, on this day, my 20-year-old son TJ was murdered. On that day however, I didn’t know that. In fact, I didn’t “legally” know until 5 weeks later, as his body was only found Feb. 10th, under 3 feet of snow in a farmers field outside of Winnipeg.
9 years…
Yesterday, I drove from my cottage to “TJ’s Way”, a snowmobile trail that the Nopiming Snomads named after TJ. In fact if you want to “ride the trail”, watch the YouTube below. It was so peaceful. I stopped my sled, took off my helmet, and just sat there listening to the still air. I smiled. He was right there with me. I felt his presence.
TJ’s story has changed my life 180 degrees several times. But what I smiled about was that TJ’s story has also changed a lot of other lives. So many kids are in touch with me, through FaceBook or Twitter or texting me, years after they heard the story, still having the pledge card that they signed, and still clean and sober from drugs. Others have slipped, but then they text me and tell me they have slipped up and that they will try again. I am so proud of them!
9 Years…
To those of you reading this and don’t know the whole story, click HERE. Then click the “What Happened” tab…
Remember that old man that “died” in my arms? You REALLY need to read this…
Here is my original story: http://floydwiebe.ca/?p=757
Today’s Free Press:
‘Dead man’ finally walking in boots fit for his sole
Posted: 12/20/2011 1:00 AM |
Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press
Karen Ashley truly cares about the customers who frequent her Wannabees Diner.
It was about 10:30 last Friday morning when a thread-thin, dishevelled man — who had died three months ago on the floor of Wannabees Diner — walked back into the same place.
Dragging his coat.
Later, John Shantz, a witness to what was about to become an even more remarkable event than the man’s resurrection, wrote in an email: “It was hard not to notice him because his wrinkled pair of dress trousers fell off as he reached up to hang his coat.”
It was the coat with the broken zipper that Wannabees owner Karen Ashley usually helps him on and off with at the diner because his hands can’t work the hooks that keep it closed to the winds of winter.
But this isn’t a story about a coat.
It’s a story about a boot without a sole, and what it tells us about our own souls.
Karen isn’t only the owner of the Broadway at Langside eatery, she’s its only cook and server, too.
And every Monday and Friday for years, Karen has served and watched over the thread-thin man. Although during the last year, Karen has noticed to her dismay that the man — Martin is his name — and other men she sees from the same group home where Martin lives, aren’t being cared for the way they used to be. And then last September, something happened at Wannabees. Martin choked on food and, despite attempts by a patron and a physician to dislodge the piece, Martin finally slumped to the floor. His heart had stopped.
Karen would later recall that Martin was clinically dead nine minutes before paramedics were able to pump and jolt his heart, and him, back to life.
But now, on this mid-December morning, Martin looked at her, pointed at his boots and implored: “Karen, Karen, Karen.”
At first what he was trying to tell her didn’t register. Then one of the customers told her.
“He has no sole in that boot.”
Karen’s first response was anger.
Anger at a situation where Martin had to walk the streets of Winnipeg with a bottomless boot. And anger at the people at the group home who were supposed to look after him.
“I don’t care who you are, or what you’re being paid,” Karen told me Monday as we sat at the diner’s counter. “How could you possibly send a man out with no sole on his shoe?”
But Karen also was angry at her customers’ first response that morning.
“Everyone’s eyes — 20 sets of eyes — were on me.”
Karen, who has spent 20 years quietly helping neighbourhood people who walk through the door, snapped as she addressed the full house: ” ‘OK, everyone. Look at yourself. What are you going to do?’ ”
As it turned out, there was at least one customer who looked at himself — and then looked at his breakfast — and spoke up.
“He said, ‘I can’t sit here and eat my breakfast knowing this man has these boots.’ ”
The man’s name is Steve, and he works for the city.
Karen promptly made him an offer.
If he’d go out and buy Martin a pair of new boots, she’d pay half.
Then she asked Martin what size his feet are.
“Ten or 11,” Martin said.
Karen decided she better make sure. She grabbed a newspaper and traced his foot. Martin needed a size 13.
“And when he brought back the boots,” Karen said, “Martin had the biggest smile.”
They were a perfect fit.
While Steve the city worker was buying the boots, some customers chipped in to share the cost.
But Steve wouldn’t take money.
Not even from Karen.
– — –
John Shantz, the man who was so moved by what he’d witnessed that he wanted others to share the feeling, had this to say in summary.
“Karen is a no-nonsense woman, one ‘tough broad’ if that’s what the occasion demands, but every day at her business she demonstrates true compassion and community involvement in its purest, non-political sense.”
Then John added something that brought tears to Karen’s eyes when I read it to her.
“This Friday, in her care for a friendless and forgotten individual, she gave each of us observing, a Christmas present which won’t be matched by anything that comes from under the tree.”
And isn’t that the way it should always be?
UN-BELIEVE-ABLE! Watch the spectacular projection technology at the Nokia Lumia 800 kick off. – IMPRESSIVE
On Monday 28th November Nokia Lumia 800 with Windows phonehttp://nokia.ly/uBVXxw brought deadmau5 and the world’s most advanced 4D technology together and created an amazing free light show at Millbank Tower, London.
Millbank was plunged into darkness with the iconic tower acting as the canvas for a never-before-seen spectacular. Each of the 120 metre high building’s 800 windows were covered with vinyl as 16 powerful projectors, stationed 300 metres away on the other side of the river, beamed 3D images onto the structure. Huge butterflies flew across the London skyline and the tower was twisted, pulsated and even fell down. Billed as the “future of live events” the spectacular show was accompanied by music from super producer deadmau5, who created exclusive remixes for the performance — adding the 4th dimension.
17 yo girl gets 2 years in jail for killing a complete stranger… She just stabbed a complete stranger for no reason at all…
NOW, I know that jail isn’t the answer to everything, and police can’t arrest our problems away. I know that this teen was dysfunctional, drug and alcohol addicted etc. I believe that something needs to be done to prevent this from happening, but at the same time, when this girl gets out of jail after 2 years, what are the plans in place for her? Believe me nothing. Why not create a system to help this girl so she doesn’t kill again? I know how the jail system works, there is no way in hell that in 2 years society can recreate the 17 years prior. Its screwed up.
WINNIPEG – A 17-year-old Winnipeg girl has admitted to killing a stranger on a North End street following an argument that began with a flicked cigarette.
The teen pleaded guilty to manslaughter this week and was given the maximum youth sentence of two years custody and one year of community supervision. Manitoba justice officials agreed not to seek an adult penalty in exchange for her admission of responsibility.
Sheila Fontaine, 42, died last April of a single stab wound to the chest. She had been standing near the Merchants Hotel on Selkirk Avenue around 8:30 p.m. when a group of teens surrounded her and threw a lit cigarette in her direction.
Fontaine confronted the group, demanding an apology. That’s when the teen pulled out a knife and attacked.
“I know you must think I’m a terrible person but I’m not,” the young killer said in court Tuesday. “I’m a nice, caring person when I’m not under the influence of drugs and alcohol.”
The teen admits to being an associate of the Indian Posse street gang and she suffers from a variety of mental-health and anger management problems, court was told. She was raised in a dysfunctional home environment and has been addicted to drugs since the age of 10.
“There is not a lot that has gone right in her life,” defence lawyer Stacey Soldier told court.
Fontaine was remembered by her grieving family as a doting mother and grandmother, a woman who made a 300-kilometre commute every week to be with her daughter, Taydi Bruyere, in Winnipeg’s North End.
She spent weekends with her husband, Gabriel Bruyere, a health and wellness counsellor at Sagkeeng First Nation, before making the trek back to Winnipeg. Fontaine’s daughter was with her at the time of her killing.
A 18-year-old co-accused remains before the courts and is presumed innocent.
www.mikeoncrime.com
