Sometimes tragedy can be a means for positive change.
In January 2015, Shawn Rehn shot and killed RCMP Const. David Wynn outside a St. Albert Casino.
As I understand it, Rehn had 43 outstanding warrants and was out on bail at the time of the incident.
As you read last week, Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen was among those members of Parliament pushing for a change in the wording of existing legislation that would allow for the history of a known or career criminal to be disclosed in court.
Viersen, St. Albert MP Michael Cooper and a slew of others wanted the word ‘may’ in the sentence that reads ‘you may disclose the history of the accused’ to ‘shall’.
I tend to agree with them and I am pleased to report that Wynn’s Law passed its second reading, albeit by a narrow margin, and now awaits its third and final reading in the House of Commons.
We live in an age where a man can get on a bus, murder, decapitate and cannibalize another man, change his name and then go free.
Such is the case with 40-year-old Vincent Weiguang Li, who now goes by the name of Will Baker.
We live in a society that allows repeat offenders, some of whom have violent histories, to commit crimes again and again, with nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
I’m not saying people should be automatically condemned or presumed guilty, but come on.
A couple of weeks ago, a man with a long history of criminal activity in the area was arrested following a tension-filled morning, one in which at least one shot was fired and tactical officers, a helicopter and other resources were called in.
People in this area routinely accused and convicted of mail-related theft are arrested, released, and arrested again.
Same with those who repeatedly steal vehicles, break into houses and commit other crimes.
It is an ongoing issue.
To me, a reporter who regularly covers court proceedings, it is turning the justice system into a gong show.
In my opinion there should be real consequences for people who repeatedly break the law.
I feel for the taxpayers, because let’s face it, we have to shoulder the cost of housing and feeding these people, but if you are going to blatantly ignore the rules of society, you ought to pay the price.
You don’t have to agree with me, but I know I’m not alone in thinking Wynn’s Law is a step in the right direction.
