It was a story that shocked our nation.
In late July of 2008, young Tim McLean was riding a Greyhound Bus from Edmonton home to Manitoba. Seated near the rear of the bus, one row ahead of the toilet, McLean dozed off.
A fellow passenger on that bus, Vince Li, was not a well man.
He later admitted to hearing a voice in his head for the previous four years, one that whispered of alien invasions and demanded Li defend the human race by travelling the country carrying a knife. This man was originally seated near the front of the bus, but moved to sit near McLean.
I do not care to get into the details; they have been widely reported already. The violence that followed was intensely shocking and infinitely sad.
Our justice system includes provisions that allow accused criminals to be found Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) for their actions in cases where the court believes the perpetrator has a mental disorder that renders him or her incapable of appreciating the nature of their crime or to know that it was wrong. Given the nature of McLean’s death, the trial judge chose to find Li Not Criminally Responsible.
In such cases, those found NCR can be released when provincial review boards – not courts – determine it is appropriate.
On May 17, 2013, Li was granted escorted leave in to the community by the Manitoba Criminal Code Review Board. I understand the purpose of including provisions for the Not Criminally Responsible in our justice system. However, I also believe that public safety must be paramount.
That is the reason for our government’s Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act.
This forthcoming legislation will protect the public by ensuring only courts have the power to consider the release of high-risk NCR offenders.
It will ensure victims’ rights and views are considered in cases regarding the NCR. Victims must be notified when the NCR are discharged. In addition, victims will be able to seek orders blocking communication between themselves and the NCR.
I believe we must take steps to protect the public and ensure the rights of victims are secure.
Blake Richards, Wild Rose MP
