An important political matter during the current election, is a subject most British Columbians are well aware of but is not being discussed: the murder of three children by the father Allan Schoenborn.
As most will know, Schoenborn was found not criminally responsible as a result of a perceived mental disorder, and sentenced to time in a mental institution. After a relatively few coffee breaks in the institution, Schoenborn is out and about, and causing family members of the three murdered children great anguish. And every year the family has to go through the tribulation of annual reviews with regard to Schoenborn’s release.
After a lengthy debate in the House of Commons, and with the support of the federal NDP, Bill C 54 “Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act” was passed in 2014 as part of the Conservatives’ get-tough-on-crime agenda. This is the bill the government of B.C. is using before the B.C. Supreme Court to hopefully designate Schoenborn a “high-risk offender”. Among other things, if convicted, he will be incarcerated for a minimum of 36 months. The family is elated with the move, to say the least.
It would seem the passing of this Criminal Code amendment would be a no brainer, but not for Elizabeth May. In spite of the continual protestations by the family of the murdered children to the federal government that Schoenborn presents a clear and present danger to society, May opposed the legislation at every turn, and voted against the bill. And there are other such cases across the country where the murderous perpetrators have used the not criminally responsible provision of the Criminal Code to escape what some would term their rightful punishment for horrendous crimes, particularly those committed against children. It would appear that May has some predilection to defend killers with a soft-on-crime paradigm, rather than provide solace and support to the aggrieved families during their time of tragedy. Then again, she will hide behind the caveat of human rights. What about the human rights of the murdered children and their families I would ask ?
Let’s ensure that Elizabeth May, rather than the soft ride she is currently being given by the local media, starts to account for some of her outlandish decisions in Parliament over the last few years, voting nay against Bill C 54 for starters as well as against every tough-on-crime bill put forth by the Conservatives. And let it be known that my numerous telephone calls to both the local and national Green Party offices regarding Bill C 54 have gone unanswered. Seems if you do not want to discuss global warming, the Greens do not want a conversation.
H.J. Rice
Saanich