Public Safety Blog: Understanding Canada's DNA Databank & Parole Processes

This blog has moved

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:48:00 +0000

This blog is now located at http://noparoleforpower.blogspot.com/.
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Music to my ears - parole review is waived again

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:01:00 +0000

What a relief! Just received notification that Ralph Power - the man who murdered my sister Sheryl Gardner back in 1981 - has waived his right to the full parole review that was scheduled for April 2010. A further review for full parole has been scheduled for March 2012, but at least until then, we can all breathe a little easier. We're all safer as long as Ralph Power stays behind bars. It's that simple.

Victim support group might close if funding isn't secured

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:43:00 +0000

Further to the loss of funding for the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (www.crcvc.ca), I wrote an opinion-editorial letter. While it didn't get published as a letter, I did get a call and this story was published:

Victim support group might close if funding isn't secured

An Ottawa woman whose sister was murdered wants the federal government to equalize funding for groups that support victims and criminals.

Carolyn Gardner said it’s unfair that groups serving offenders receive the bulk of a $1.8 million Public Safety Canada program, which offers grants to criminal justice organizations.

“Where’s the balance? I’m not seeing it,” said Gardner, whose sister, Sheryl, was beaten to death in her Toronto apartment in 1981.

Gardner made the comments Friday as an Ottawa-based victims group warned it will not
survive unless it gets a new injection of financing

The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, which works primarily on behalf of the families of murder victims, has announced it will have to close unless it secures a financial lifeline.“For me and my family, the resource centre has been incredible at helping us understand the parole process,” said Gardner, who is fighting to keep her sister’s murderer, Ralph Power, in prison.

Power, impersonating a telephone repairman, entered 20-year-old Sheryl Gardner’s apartment and killed her with a hammer. Born in Gananoque, Gardner had moved to Toronto to pursue a modeling career.

The resource centre, Carolyn Gardner said, has helped her understand that she can play an active role in the parole system: “They’re just an amazing organization and I don’t know what I’m going to do if they don’t get funding; I don’t know where else I’m supposed to go for help.”

The financial crisis at the resource centre was precipitated by the Canadian Police Association’s decision to suspend its $92,000 annual contribution to the group because of its own cash crunch. The police association has had to lay off staff this year and cut costs to deal with a drop in its revenues, said president Charles Momy.

The association launched the crime victims’ resource centre in 1993 and has remained its primary sponsor.

Momy said the association still supports the centre’s work, but can’t afford it anymore. “The resource centre is about assisting the victims of crime through the justice process right through to parole hearings,” he said. “We want to see it continue.”

Heidi Illingworth, director of the crime victims’ resource centre, said it has enough money to operate until the end of the year.

The association has recently sent emergency appeals to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan. In those letters, the centre notes that its annual operating budget — just over $100,000 — is roughly the cost of incarcerating a maximum security offender for one year.

The resource centre now receives $19,000 from the Public Safety Canada’s sustaining funding program, which sends more than $1 million to groups that assist criminal offenders. “We feel there is an imbalance,” said Illingworth. “The services we provide victims of violent crime should be deemed just as important as the services provided offenders coming back in to society".

“We know they’re doing good work, important work, but the voice we provide victims of crime is equally important.”

The centre offers assistance to about 200 crime victims a year.

The Right to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Had a good interview with Rob Tripp of the Kingston Whig Standard yesterday. He was interested in my take on the amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. Here's the article:

The Right to Know

The sister of a murdered Gananoque woman is encouraged by parole and prison changes announced yesterday by the federal government.

Ottawa will give victims and families of victims greater access to information about imprisoned criminals.

"I think it's a real step in the right direction," said Carolyn Gardner. "This is information that I think any family wants to know."

Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan laid out plans to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.

Victims would get:
* Advance notice of the transfer of convicts to minimum-security prisons.
* Explanation for transfers and temporary absences from prison.
* Information about the participation of convicts in prison programs.
* Information about prison infractions.

Gardner wants to know more about Ralph Ernest Power, the man who murdered her sister. In 1981, Power beat Sheryl Gardner to death with a hammer in her Toronto apartment. He schemed his way in by masquerading as a telephone repairman.

More inside:Reforms to benefit victims of crime.Page 10 The vivacious 20-year-old woman had moved to Toronto from Gananoque to pursue a promising career as a model.

Power was convicted in 1982 of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, with no chance of parole for 25 years. He has been in prison since his conviction.

Gardner was notified within the past year that Power was transferred to medium-security Warkworth Institution in Campbellford.

"I don't know why he got moved," she noted, a situation that would be remedied under the changes announced yesterday.

Gardner has dedicated herself to keeping Power locked up and to changing what she believes are Canada's lax parole laws.

"In our case, Ralph Power has been transferred numerous times across the country and we never understand why," she said. "You want to know the status of these people, you want to to keep tabs on them."

The family was offended once, when they learned, after the fact, that Power has been shipped to medium-security Bath Institution.

"That was just so close to Gananoque where Sheryl is buried and I just felt it was really insensitive and I wondered why there -- 'Why have you moved him there?' -- there's places all across the country," she recalled.

Gardner said getting more information will help families provide more meaningful impact statements at parole hearings.

"I don't know what he's been up to for the last 28 years, I don't have a clue," she said.
"At least if I knew, I (wouldn't) stand there with my victim-impact statement and say things that might not be true."

She thinks it's in the best interest of offenders that families know more.

"It may help people feel better, that this person is actually taking some proactive programs that might help him or her become a better citizen," she said.

The Tories also plan to stiffen prison discipline and provide police with power to arrest released offenders, without warrants, if they are in breach of conditions.

"This government is taking a new approach to corrections by putting a greater focus on public safety," Van Loan said in a release.

"We are also putting the rights of victims first, by proposing changes to help keep them better informed."

Van Loan was not available for an interview.

The changes were panned by Craig Jones, executive director of the John Howard Society of Canada, a national organization that works with offenders and lobbies government.
He said the changes are designed to mollify hard-core former Reform party members of the Conservative party.

"In order to go back to the electorate and say, 'Look, we've paid off our promises' ... they've got to go through and make what I think are changes largely for the sake of appearance but I don't think they're substantive in nature," Jones said.

The measures seem to tilt toward what is known as the penal harm movement, the notion that prisoners should be punished, in addition to being locked up, he said.

"By and large, I think Canada has held off the worst elements of it, but I think this is a nod in that direction," Jones said.

The government also pledged to create a national advisory committee on victims issues. It will give victims the opportunity to provide input into policies and procedures that impact them.

Copyright © 2009 The Whig Standard

CCRA amendments show improved support for victims of crime

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Very happy to hear about the government's announcement to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. It was just announced today and it involves amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA). The proposed legislation includes the following key reforms in four main areas: enhancing sharing of information with victims, enhancing offender responsibility and accountability; strengthening the management of offenders and their reintegration; and, modernizing disciplinary actions. What it all boils down to is better support for victims of crime...and these changes are a big step in the right direction.

Background: Although the CCRA clearly recognizes the interests of victims of crime and the role they play in the correctional and conditional release process, victims and victims’ advocates have voiced dissatisfaction with the current provisions and have called for enhancements. Therefore, a victim’s right to attend and make statements at National Parole Board hearings will be enshrined in law.

Additionally, the CCRA will be amended to expand the information that may be disclosed to victims by CSC and the National Parole Board (NPB). This includes:

providing information on the reason(s) for offender transfers with, whenever possible, advance notice of transfers to minimum security institutions;
disclosing information on offender program participation and any convictions for serious disciplinary offences;
sharing the reasons for a temporary absence from a correctional facility; and,
providing guardians/caregivers of dependents of victims who are deceased, ill or
otherwise incapacitated with the same information that victims themselves can receive.

Another big change relates to when offenders withdraw their participation in a parole hearing 14 days or less before the scheduled date. Now, with the new amendments, the Board may proceed with a review and decisions of their case. This ensures that victims will no longer travel long distances to attend a parole hearing which is then cancelled at the last minute. Victims will also be able to request information on the reasons for a waiver of a parole hearing. I know from experience that this information we all want. Power has waived two hearings and we can only speculate why. To be accurately informed will be huge.

In addition to the proposed reforms to maximize the knowledge and access to services offered to victims of crime, a National Advisory Committee on Victims Issues co-chaired by the Departments of Justice and Public Safety will be created. This committee will give victims the opportunity to provide input into policies and procedures that impact victims and victims’ services.

There's more info at http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2009/nr20090616-1-eng.aspx

Reporters are on this already - spoke with Rob Tripp at the Kingston Whig and have a 4:30 interview with CTV News.

Convicted Killer Brian MacLeod Seeking Full Parole

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:14:00 +0000

The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of crime (www.crcvc.ca) is an outstanding organization. In addition to their ongoing support in my family's fight to keep Ralph Power locked up for life, they've also introduced me to some wonderful people. One such person is Leila Koral. Leila lost her sister Eva Koral because of a violent murderer by the name of Brian MacLeod. But this killer didn't get a life sentence because he wasn't charged with 1st degree murder. Instead he was convicted of 2nd degree murder and as of this Thursday, he could be released on full parole. But Parole Board of Canada, please say that won't happen...

Parole Board of Canada, please listen to what Leila is saying. Just because this was a case of extreme domestic violence doesn't excuse Brian MacLeod or his actions. And just because it was domestic violence making a 1st degree murder charge almost unheard of, there is no justice if he is a free man after only 14 years behind bars.

Just to get a sense of why I'm so outraged and saddened all at once, here's an excerpt of what Brian MacLeod did to Eva Koral - copied from a recent Toronto Sun column by Mark Bonokoski. Read it and ask yourself if this is the kind of person you want roaming the streets of your neighbourhood. Leila also voiced her concerns re the potential full release of MacLeod in a recent TV interview on CityNews....

"MacLeod -- a massive man at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds -- had returned to an Etobicoke bar on the West Mall called Papa Bear's where Eva Koral had remained following an argument.

He slammed her head into the bar, grabbed her by the hair, punched her four times in the head, hauled her out to his awaiting tow truck, smashed her head into the driver's side, and then tossed her inside -- with no one in the tavern raising a finger to stop the assault, and no one even having the guts to make a simple 911 call.

For Brian MacLeod, it was nothing more than being true to form, his history of violent behaviour toward women making up a good chunk of his criminal record.

Eva Koral, a pretty Bell Canada switchboard operator, was found the next day. A clump of her hair had been ripped from her scalp as she was dragged across the roadway, her left thumb had been severed, and her skull had been fragmented from blunt-force trauma.

She had been beaten to death with a J-hook and tow-truck chains."

Leila, I'll be thinking of you and your family as you face your sister's killer this Thursday. My heart goes out to you all...and I pray that the parole board thinks long and hard on this case.

National Victims of Crime Awareness Week 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:01:00 +0000

National Victims of Crime Awareness Week 2009 is happening in Ottawa from April 26-May 2. This year's theme is "Supporting, Connecting, Evolving". I just registered for the federal Symposium April 27, 2009 which is taking place at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ottawa. This one-day federal symposium on current and upcoming issues for victims of crime will be the official launch of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.

Registration for the federal Symposium is free and includes access to all plenary sessions and workshops. You'll even get a complimentary continental breakfast, coffee breaks and lunch! They're saying space is limited so you need to register as soon as possible. For more information on the federal Symposium and to register, go to http://www.victimsweek.gc.ca/. The deadline for registration is April 17, 2009.

Help spread the word on this important event by passing this info along to friends and colleagues. If you're going to go, let me know and perhaps we can meet?

Where does the time go?

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:29:00 +0000

It's been forever since I've posted on this blog and it's not for lack of thinking about it. Rather, it's been life pulling me in a million directions. Hence my statement re life being busy! Up until recently my blogging efforts were with my past employer at Sitebrand. On this blog (view it here), I wrote about e-commerce and all things online. I wrote posts about how to increase online sales and that type of thing. I enjoyed writing those posts, but I'm really glad to be back on my own as an ind. consultant because now I've got the liberty to blog about something that's much more personal to me here on the PowerNoParole.ca blog which is dedicated to the memory of my sister Sheryl Gardner. It's also dedicated to helping make sense of Canada's criminal justice system.

Just wanted to say I'm back! And I'll be posting again soon!

Finally an Arrest re Nancy Cooper's Murder

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:13:00 +0000

Even though I haven't been posting about the status of the Nancy Murder - particularly the lack of official "persons of interest", I am so relieved there has finally been an arrest.

And reading that it's an arrest of Brad Cooper comes as no surprise. He had guilty written all over his face and he has since the day Nancy's body was discovered.

Since it's taken so long to make the arrest, I feel confident the police have some certain evidence that can't be denied.

I am also very relieved that their two little girls have been in the care of Nancy's family. And that this care will continue as Brad must face justice. I've read that Brad and Nancy's marriage was under major stress and that a separation was in the works. How tragic that Brad couldn't let that happen. And that instead he had to murder Nancy. It's like "if I can't have you, no one will". And to think he thought he could get away with it in this day and age! What an idiot.

And to think of those sweet, innocent little girls. How horrible to think that one day they will learn their father killed their mother. It's all so very wrong.

The Murder of Nancy Cooper in NC

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:58:00 +0000

I should make www.wral.com my home page because I can't stop going there for updates on the murder of Nancy Cooper. That's her in the picture to your left...along with her two daughters and her husband. They are originally from Edmonton, but they moved to Cary, NC in 2000 when Brad got a transfer with Cisco.

My oldest sister and her family live in Cary, NC well. I know she is feeling the same as me - wanting answers as we struggle to understand why this senseless murder happened...even though the answers won't make it understandable. Murders are so senseless. Neither me or my sister knew Nancy, but we both know what it's like to suffer through such tragic loss.

In this case, the police are not concerned that it was a random act. But they still haven't announced a person of interest. Brad, Nancy's husband, is "co-operating" but he's keeping a very low profile. Without doubt, he is the unofficial person of interest in this case. He didn't even go to the memorial on Saturday or the private vigil on Friday.

Nancy's friends have started a blog and it's worth checking out as well. There's a nice post about the memorial there now...

I think it's just a matter of time before they make an arrest...

Another year without Sheryl...

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:12:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that another year without Sheryl has passed. I went to the cemetary with my parents and my two daughters the other day, and I still find it so difficult. It's just so wrong that she is there.

And on this 27th anniversary of Sheryl's murder, my family was also faced with the sad loss of Aunt Joan - my father's sister. As we sat at Aunt Joan's funeral, a wild range of emotions filled the room. But above all, everyone knew Joan had lived a full life. She gave her heart and soul to her four children and she lived to be 78. She had a good, long life.

After the funeral was over and as we drove home, it was hard not to think about how different Sheryl's funeral had been. Thanks to the selfish cruelty of Ralph Power, Sheryl's life was cut way too short. Sheryl never got the chance to marry or have children she could love and influence.

It's so sad that the murder of one person can impact the lives of so many...even the unborn as was punctuated yesterday...

Rest in peace Sheryl... you did a lot but you deserved more. And be assured that we're here to fight your fight for justice...

Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, fully supports need to change parole laws

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:25:00 +0000

Finally an update re last Wednesday's meeting with Stockwell Day...
The bottom line is simple. Stockwell Day has given us his full support behind the need to change current parole laws for convicted killers like Ralph Power. Instead of automatic reviews every two years, Day agrees they should be moved to every five years.

We are now urging Day to make this a stand-alone issue versus part of a bundle.

Earl McRae - a columnist at the Ottawa Sun - wrote a good piece yesterday. You can read it at:

http://www.ottawasun.com/News/Columnists/McRae_Earl/2008/04/19/5334771-sun.html

Meeting with Stockwell Day re: Parole Review Petition

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:03:00 +0000

Well, tomorrow is a big day for all of us involved with the petition to change the automatic 2-year scheduling of parole reviews. Stockwell Day has agreed to meet and we've got the support of MP Gord Brown who will table the petition in the House - during question period I guess?

Nothing will happen quickly, but the wheels are in motion. Terri Priorello and I are pumped to make some noise once again. Last time it was re Bill C-13 - the DNA Databank changes.

To everyone - and that's almost 5,000 of you - who signed the petition - THANK YOU!

For some media - check out these stories:

http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=986146&auth=Rob+Tripp

http://www.thestar.com/article/413846

Wish us luck!

Parole Review Petition Nears 5,000 Signatures & Prepares for Parliament Review

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:17:00 +0000

First, I want to thank everyone who has signed the petition related to changing the automatic 2-year scheduling of parole review legislation.

Since it's a paper-based petition versus an online petition, the process has been lengthy. But we've now got close to 5,000 signatures! That must be the equivalent to 5,000,000 electronic signatures!

On top of that, and thanks to the lead by Heidi Illingworth at the Canadian Resource Centre for Victms of Crime, we've also got much needed political support thanks to Mr. Gord Brown, an MP in Leeds Grenville.

Mr. Brown will submit the petition to the House of Commons during National Victims of Crime Awareness, April 13-19, 2008. We are also calling on Mr. Brown to champion this cause even further by arranging meetings with Party Leaders and Ministers during Victims Week.

I'll keep you posted!

PS - not sure what petition I'm talking about? Essentially this petition is asking that current legislation be amended to permit hearings only every five years. If you wish to show your support by circulating or signing the petition, please go ahead and download the petition now. Remember you need to print it because only original signatures are required, electronic signatures are not valid.

Ralph Power Transferred to Warkworth Institution...

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:38:00 +0000

Just got word that Ralph Power has been transferred out of Bath Institution and into Warkworth Institution.

Warkworth is still a medium institution, but it's the largest Federal Correctional Institution in Canada with a population of approximately 580 inmates who are housed in five units. It is a male-only facility and generally one-third of the inmates are imprisoned for a sexually related offence. Birds of a feather flock together, as they say...Power will be in his element.

Anyhow, because of privacy rights, we have no idea what sparked the transfer? We don't know whether it was voluntary or involuntary? All we know is that he has been moved.

Frankly, I'm glad he is a little further away from the town of Gananoque - where Sheryl was born and buried. Bath Institution was just a little too close to home.

If I find out more, I'll be sure to post...

Ralph Power Waives Second Chance at Parole Review

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:20:00 +0000

Just got word that Ralph Power has declined his right for a parole review...again. He was to have had a review this coming May. His first scheduled parole review was to have happened in June of 2006...but he waived that opportunity too.

What an incredible relief for me and my family. The thought of sitting in the same room as him sickens me. Entertaining the idea of him being paroled sickens me even more.

Who knows - as I've said before - it's entirely possible that prison is home-sweet-home for Power. After all, he has spent the majority of his life being institutionalized.

And just because he's a psychopathic sociopath doesn't mean he's stupid. Not at all. So maybe he knows he is still a threat?

Whatever the case - I'm just thrilled to post this news!!

Happy Birthday Sheryl...

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:32:00 +0000

Actually Sheryl's birthday was yesterday (September 16), but I was at home and I couldn't remember my username and password for blogger...so here I post today...

Sheryl would be 47 now and it's hard not to wonder what she'd be doing. Because of Ralph Power, we'll never know. Now as we all go about living our lives, we are continually reminded about what Sheryl's not doing. She's not getting married or having children. She's not coming to our place for Christmas. She's not celebrating our parents 50th anniversary. And so on...How wrong is this?

All we can do now is stay strong in the fight to keep Power behind bars for the life sentence he was served. In many respects, this is our life sentence too.

The waiting game...

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:02:00 +0000

I wonder when we'll hear the date of Ralph Power's next parole review? I know the automatic 2-year scheduling date will be sometime in May 2008 which means I'll probably get a letter from the National Parole Board sometime this fall...

Not knowing the next move has kept me quiet this summer. This plus the fact that I am super busy with life in general - work, family, the whole package!

But trust me - as soon as I hear any news about Ralph Power and his opportunity for anything less than a life sentence, I will be back making lots of noise.

Until then...I'll enjoy all that life has to offer!

Media Coverage of Dobson Parole Hearing

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:34:00 +0000

A few people have asked about coverage of Tuesday's parole review for David Dobson. Here are two stories worth reading:

Globe & Mail - Kirk Makin -
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070418.PAROLE18/TPStory/?query=makin

Toronto Sun - Mike Strobel -
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Strobel_Mike/2007/04/18/4055843.html

The Whig Standard did a good story too, but I couldn't find it online?

That's all for now! Time for some pilattes...it's my morning thing!!!

My Parole Hearing Experience - David Dobson

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:23:00 +0000

It's been a while since I've made a post. It's not lack of interest in this blog, but rather a ton of interest on my business side of life. For the last many months, we've been making tracks for an acquisition with sitebrand.com and that finally came to a close on March 19th! It's all good and I'm finally back.

I have to tell you about today! I've posted about David Dobson before - he raped, tortured and murdered 16 year old Darlene Prioriello back in 1982. Well today, Dobson had his first parole review. Unlike Ralph Power, he went for it but to everyone's delight, the board denied him the right to parole. Not even day parole at this point in time. What an experience it was. I am so drained. And I can only imagine how Darlene's family feels. Remember Terri from Bill C-13? Well Terri and I finally got to meet in person. She is the sister of Darlene who they call Dolly. Terri, as well as her daughter and mother made victim impact statements today. They were so strong, so meaningful.

Dobson was totally polished and prepared. He poured it on with sobs and he begged the family to forgive him. He is, after all, a new spiritual man. Aren't they all!?

I have to say that I was quite impressed with the overall parole review process - namely the 3 board members who ran the show so to speak. Wow they were good. They came prepared - i.e. they read through Dobson's thick file and they asked him very pointed questions.

Needless to say, he caught himself in many lies - ok inconsistencies.

It was a very long review - longer than the norm I guess. We were there as of 8 am and we didn't leave till almost 3 pm.

Why did I attend (and my parents)? We wanted to show our support. We live this nightmare too. We also wanted to better understand the process since we don't know how long Power will waive his right to a parole review. Remember he waived his first review last June/06. His next review will be scheduled for May/08 = next spring.

Karen Thompson - a comms person with the National Parole Board - was there today too. She is a good person. She does what she can given the constraints of the system.

The overall feeling at the conclusion of today's review was RELIEF. At least for now. Dobson will surely go for this review every two year....unlike Power who remains a mystery in this regard.

There were lots of media today - Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun, Kingston Whig Standard, CTV, Global...maybe even more. The room was packed and in fact, they had to turn interested observers away. How's that for nuts? I think they should simply find a bigger room!

Anyhow, I'm wiped, and ready to sign off.
Promise to be back soon! cg

parole petition is a buzzing!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:45:00 +0000

Well, the activist in me is at it again! I'm not doing it alone = it's the usual suspects as in Steve Sullivan from the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, Terri Armour (who will face her sister's killer - David Dobson - at parole review this April) etc...

For regular visitors to this blog, you know this time it's re: a petition regarding the automatic scheduling of parole reviews. Currently it's every two years. We're saying that's too often, make it five years. Frankly I think convicted killers should have to make a business case as to why they even deserve a parole review but given our Charter of Rights, that might not fly. The 5 year request should at least spark some debate.

Anyhow, after a radio interview with Steve Madely on CFRA this past Monday, Earl McRae (a provocative columnist who likes to heat things up) contacted me and we had an interview yesterday. Today it's the cover story and pretty hard for anyone to miss. I've already had several emails from people saying they want to sign! But there can't be enough signatures so I am hoping everyone can get involved!

Here are a few links of interest:

1. Link to download the petition (cannot do an electronic petition since the govt won't take that seriously, so please download and print the petition. Then sign and circulate. And of course, mail it to the address in the footer of the petition when you're ready. Don't feel you have to get a full page of signatures but if you can, that's great! International support is totally welcome so please know that signatures from anywhere help the cause.
http://crcvc.ca/docs/petition.jan2007.pdf

2. Here's a link to today's Ottawa Sun article. In addition to being the cover story, the story fills all of page 5. http://www.ottawasun.com/News/National/2007/02/22/3653653-sun.html

3. Here's a link to hear the interview with CFRA's Steve Madely.
http://www.cfra.com/chum_audio/Carolyn_Gardner_Feb19.mp3

4. The Gananoque Reporter has done some great reporting too. Check out a couple of stories at:
http://www.gananoquereporter.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=416301&catname=Local+News&classif=News+Live

http://www.gananoquereporter.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=416300&catname=Local+News&classif=News+Live

PS - as a reminder, tune into CBC at 9:30 pm this coming Monday, Feb 26. The show 72 Hours: True Crime will feature our case. It will detail what happened and it will present our current concern with Power's potential release. It is a docu-drama show. There are interviews with the two homocide detectives who worked on the case (Boothby and Oldham) as well as myself. And there will be re-enactments with actors. It is CBC so it will be as tasteful as possible. It's hard to sugar-coat what Power did to Sheryl. And people need to be reminded of how dangerous he was and still is.

In the Toronto area, tune into CFRB at 4:30 tomorrow, Feb 23, when John Moore interviews me on the petition, the CBC show etc.

Petition re: Automatic Parole Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 22:40:00 +0000

Please help the government of Canada take note of the need to debate and ultimately change the automatic 2 year scheduling of parole reviews.

Print, sign and circulate the petition by downloading it at:
http://crcvc.ca/docs/petition.jan2007.pdf

CFRA Interview with Steve Madely - MP3 Audio

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:52:00 +0000

I had an interview with Steve Madely on 580 CFRA this morning. The interview can be heard on the web now at http://www.cfra.com/chum_audio/Carolyn_Gardner_Feb19.mp3.

And you can print the parole petition at http://crcvc.ca/docs/petition.jan2007.pdf

Back soon!

David Dobson Parole Hearing Date Change

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:57:00 +0000

Just got word that the parole hearing for David Dobson has been moved to April 17, 2007. All we know is that this date change came at the request of Dobson.

The Prioriello Family is ok with the date change, but I hope it doesn't drag on. I have seen this happen before and it's so unfair.

Anyhow, the petition to change 2-yr automatic parole reviews is still underway and we really need your help! We need 10,000 signatures! And we're only at just over 100. There's a long way to go and you can help. Download and print the petition at:
http://www.crcvc.ca/docs/petition.jan2007.pdf

The petition asks that the legislation be amended to permit hearings only every five years. If you wish to show your support by circulating or signing the petition, please download and print it off. Please note that original signatures are required, electronic signatures are not valid.

Parole Hearing for David Dobson - Petition Circulating

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn Gardner) — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:59:00 +0000

The thought of Ralph Power being parolled is frightening. And right up with Power is David Dobson. I want to share some information about this case because you can make a stand and let the government know that you believe David Dobson is a threat to public safety. Dobson is scheduled for a parole review March 15, 2007.

If you're not familiar with the David Dobson case and how he brutally raped and murdered a young, innocent girl by the name of Darlene "Dolly" Prioriello, you can read his confession. I warn you...it's an absolutely horrifying confession. And once you read it, you'll agree you need to make your voice count.

All you need to do is sign a petition. To obtain a copy of this petition send an email to Terri at sisterofdolly@nofreedomdobson.com

This petition that you will get via email from Terri is different than the one you will find online at www.nofreedomdobson.com.

For the government to take notice, you must request the petition from Terri.

Thanks for reading!