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Former Harper aide says Jaffer should apologize
Tonda MacCharles, The StarOTTAWA – Most of Rahim Jaffer’s Conservative caucus colleagues dashed, squirmed, or told reporters to ask Ontario’s Crown why their former national caucus chair got a “break” – as the judge called it—from prosecution on drunk driving and cocaine possession charges.
But Kory Teneycke, a former spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said Jaffer is the one who owes the public an explanation and an apology.
Jaffer case draws fire from John Howard Society
The head of the John Howard Society says Justice Minister Rob Nicholson should take a long, honest look at the Rahim Jaffer case.
Craig Jones says Nicholson should apply lessons from the case to the Conservative criminal justice agenda.
Jones says the Jaffer case shows how mandatory minimum sentences don't work, because they take away discretion from judges to find proportionality in the justice system.
Jaffer is a former senior Conservative MP in the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He walked out of an Ontario courtroom yesterday after drunk driving and cocaine possession charges were dropped against him. In return, Jaffer pleaded guilty to a careless driving charge.
US-style mega-prisons wrong for Canada
43% increase in prison construction is wrong approach to keep communities safeOTTAWA – The Harper government’s priorities for public safety are misguided, wasteful and ineffective says New Democrat Public Safety Critic Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway).
“The Conservative plan is to spend 43% more on building prisons,” said Davies. “They are pushing a US-style approach that is expensive and totally ineffective at bringing down the crime rate."
The Conservative spending plan tabled this week shows a 43% increase in the budget for prison construction, from $230 million in 09/10 to $329 million in 10/11.
FREE MARC EMERY - STAND UP FOR CANADIAN SOVEREIGNTY - FREE MARC EMERY
Canadian activist and legalization advocate Marc Emery needs your help! He is facing extradition to the United States for sale of cannabis seeds to American customers, although he conducted all of his activities in Canada. Call Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson to tell him not to extradite Marc Emery.What you can do:
Call: Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Ottawa Office: (613) 992-4211
Calgary Office: (403) 253-7990
Call: Justice Minister Rob Nicholson
Ottawa: (613) 995-1547
Local Office:(905) 353-9590, (905) 871-9991
Sample script: "I am a voter and I am outraged at what the government is doing to Marc Emery. I urge you to NOT extradite Marc Emery to the USA. I and many others are deeply moved and angered by Marc Emery's imprisonment. Free Marc Emery!"
