C-51 overhaul…

    Nov. 3, 2015

National Newswatch – Canadian Press: Jim Bronskill
Trudeau faces demands to reverse an array of Harper-era security policies 

Besides the focus on the new cabinet, Trudeau is getting some pressure around the ‘problematic elements’ of Bill C-51, the security legislation from the Conservatives.  Without commonly agreed effective supervision of the security services, the bill also allows the security services to act in direct violation of the charter.  The conversation now is to charter proof the C-51 legislation.  But Alex Neve of Amnesty International thinks the bill needs a complete overhaul.  “It is time for a refit of Canada’s national security laws that puts human rights at the centre, no longer a secondary casual consideration after the fact.”  http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2015/11/02/trudeau-faces-demands-to-reverse-an-array-of-harper-era-security-policies/#.VjgeeCt4mDl   Related article: National Newswatch: Steven J. Hoffman and Patrick Fafard   Five quick-wins for Trudeau’s first day in office    http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2015/11/02/five-quick-wins-for-trudeaus-first-day-in-office/#.VjgiGSt4mDl   Related article: National Newswatch: Jim Bronskill, Canadian Press –  Regulate prying eyes in sky, privacy czar tells federal drone panel    http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2015/11/02/regulate-prying-eyes-in-sky-privacy-czar-tells-federal-drone-panel/#.Vjgj8St4mDl

 National Newswatch – Kristy Kirkup
Tone and terms of missing, murdered women inquiry will be critical: Wally Oppal

Oppal is the former attorney general of BC who led the province’s investigation into murdered and missing Aboriginal women.  Given that a national inquiry is part of the Liberal election platform, Oppal is suggesting that how the new government frames the inquiry will be critical.  “I think if they’re going to have one, they should have an inquiry that goes to the various communities and the centres, a commissioner or group of commissioners, to get the voice of the communities.”   http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2015/11/02/tone-and-terms-of-missing-murdered-women-inquiry-will-be-critical-wally-oppal/#.Vjgg4it4mDl    Related article: Toronto Star – Joanna Smith   Families must be consulted before inquiry begins into missing indigenous women http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/10/31/families-must-be-consulted-before-inquiry-begins-into-missing-indigenous-women.html

Globe and Mail – Editorial (Nov. 2, 2015)
Ottawa must bring the tragedy of veterans’ suicides into the light

Yesterday’s communique drew attention to the number of soldiers and vets who had served in Afghanistan and committed suicide.  The editorial calls for the Canadian military to end the secrecy around the number involved and the problems around medical services to these people.  “The government should publicly state that PTSD is a war wound like any other; soldiers who take their lives because of PTSD should be given the same military honours and recognition as soldiers killed in battle or who died of their wounds later.”    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/editorials/ottawa-must-bring-the-tragedy-of-veteran-suicides-into-the-light/article27072536/   Related article: Globe and Mail – Renata D’Aliesio     Canadian Forces ignored advice to set up drug, alcohol treatment  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canadian-forces-ignored-advice-to-set-up-drug-alcohol-treatment/article27060832/  Related article: Globe and Mail – Andre Picard   How a chance encounter turned Jenifer Migneault into an advocate for Canada’s veterans   http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/quebec-womans-battle-for-veterans-spouses-continues-but-still-no-change/article27045468/

The Guardian (UK) – Daniel Poskitt
“I was able to forgive my sister’s murderer only by acknowledging my own anger.”

Here’s a restorative justice article about a young man whose sister was murdered by her boyfriend.  Ten years into the murderer’s fifteen year sentence, Poskitt and his family met with the murderer where Poskitt discovered his own personal anger was a big part of the obstacle to healing the memories.  http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/03/i-was-able-to-forgive-my-sisters-murderer-only-by-acknowledging-my-own-anger

CBC News –
‘Elmira Case’ tells of restorative justice for Russ Kelly’s 1974 drunk rampage – Film will have Canadian premiere on Wednesday at the Grand River Film Festival 

The case eventually had repercussions internationally.  Two drunken teenagers went on a rampage and damaged 22 properties causing thousands of dollars in damages.  The case had a profound influence on how conflict is resolved in over 50 countries.  http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/elmira-case-restorative-justice-russ-kelly-drunken-rampage-1.3300370

Globe Newswire (US) –
John Marshall Law School Teams with Cook County Sheriff, Others to Expunge Juvenile Criminal Records –

The law school and the Restorative Justice Project are hosting a summit to determine how they can effectively expunge the juvenile records in Cook County.  Potential offenders register and then the law school offers pro bono advice and direction on the application to expunge the record.  http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2015/11/02/782538/10154847/en/John-Marshall-Law-School-Teams-with-Cook-County-Sheriff-Others-to-Expunge-Juvenile-Criminal-Records.html#sthash.26cHFM69.dpuf