Senator's comments on capital punishment sparks controversy

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Wed. Feb. 1 2012 11:12 PM ET

A senator known for advocating on behalf of the victims of crime backed off slightly on comments that suggested serial murderers should be given a rope to hang themselves in prison.

Sen. Pierre Hugues-Boisvenu made the remarks ahead of the Conservative caucus meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday.

"Basically, every murderer should have the right to a rope in his cell," Boisvenu said in French, suggesting the prisoner could then decide whether to take his own life.

After an outcry from the opposition, Boisvenu withdrew the remarks, saying it was inappropriate.

However, even later in the day, he said his original statement should only apply to only "three or four guys."

Boisvenu founded the Murdered or Missing Persons' Families' Association after his daughter Julie was kidnapped, raped and murdered in June 2002.

The Conservative senator said that while he is not generally in favour of the death penalty, it should be considered in cases where there is no hope of rehabilitating the convicted.

Opting for capital punishment over incarceration, he said, referring to an estimated $10-million bill for imprisoning the three recently convicted in the Shafia family murder trial, could save taxpayers a lot of money.

"Not capital punishment, but I think sending them back to their country would be a worse sentence than keeping them in our prisons, where the comfort is much better than over there," Boisvenu said.

During question period Wednesday, NDP interim leader Nycole Turmel suggested the comments reflect the Conservatives' desire to reopen the death penalty debate.

"What Senator Boisvenu (said) is against the law. You can't call on people to kill themselves. The death penalty debate has been closed for decades, why are the Conservatives reopening old debates," Turmel charged, banging her hand on her desk for emphasis.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper responded that the NDP should be more focused on helping the government's justice legislation.

"The senator has clearly withdrawn those words. I think we all understand Senator Boisvenu and his family have suffered horribly in the past. This government is focused on making sure we protect victims in the future," Harper said.

Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae said Boisvenu -- who often speaks on justice issues for the Conservatives -- should no longer be considered an official spokesperson for the government's tough-on-crime agenda.

"I don't see how anybody can be a spokesman for the Conservative party in the Senate on justice issues when you've made a statement like that. It's just completely out of line," Rae said.

Boisvenu was appointed to the Senate by Harper in January 2010.

After a career in the Quebec civil service, Boisvenu rose to public prominence as an advocate for victims of crime. He is also the co-founder of the Le Nid centre for abused women in Val d'Or, and of a school camp for underprivileged youth in Quebec's Eastern Townships.

Harper said last year that despite his personal belief the death penalty sometimes fits the crime, he had no intention of bringing it back into force.

Comments are now closed for this story

Donna
said

It is indeed wonderful to hear someone in the public eye have the guts to speak his opinion. This topic is often discussed and this opinion supported but somehow it never seems to get recognized as "public opinion".

Wendy
said

I hope he gets the help he needs for the anger he feels inside.

Stephen Ingram
said

Yet Again the people (people, Ha) have missed the point and have turned one persons comments into an agenda. this is not about capital punishment or human rights, it's about suicide. Which should be everyones right. to chose to live or die for themselves. We want our public servants to be honest but when they are and speak their peace we pounce like jackals at them. The only issue here should be should a person be allowed to to take his or her own life, in this instance a prisoner. and try doing it without involving religion.

Big Bob in Ottawa
said

Well the real question is then do we punish them more keeping them in a cage or killing them? Since the debate has turned into one of degrees of revenge rather than justice. Fundamental question that has vexed humanity for eons. As an individual I am not interested in revisiting it. I am comfortable knowing they are caged. Stop them from harassing victims from inside prison, but killing them...that makes us less civiilzed in my opinion and besides who's to say it's not a better revenge doing 25 yrs? Six of one half a dozen of the other except that mistakes are made and the six executed don't get to prove their innocence after their sentence is completed and the others can at least appeal even if they are guilty.

J from T-Bay
said

Anybody whose daughter wasn't kidnapped raped and murdered should refrain from judgment on the Senator's comments. I would like to think that if it was my daughter that it happened to the guy wouldn't be sitting in prison with a rope option; he would be dead already.

BC wayne
said

My mother was murdered the week before Christmas.Two fine examples of todays youth beat her to death for cigarettes.She was 80 years old.Real tough guys.I am not so angry that they killed my mom but more so that they killed a nearly helpless person for such a petty reason.Do they deserve to live?If they had them before a firing squad I would gladly be behind the rifle.

Jasper M.
said

If the Shafias were sent back to Afghanistan, they'd just be let go to get on with their lives - perhaps even hailed as heroes by those who share their demented views on honour.

Bill in Ontario
said

I fully agree with the Senator Boisvenu. He is hurt and expressed his opinion. People have been saying that in the United States the crime rate is still high in the states that still perform executions, and I say that it is true, due to the fact that they have many opportunities to appeal the sentence. So other criminals know that if they do get the death penalty, they will live a long and easy life. I do wish that we had capital punishment in Canada again. With all of the advances in science to ensure that the person is guilty by a court of his / her peers, they should only have one appeal. And the ruling should be carried out within one year of the final judgement.

rickran
said

While I am not an outright advocate of capital punishment, I believe certain crimes should be punished with death. First degree murderers, serial killers, child molesters, those ruled as hardened repeat offenders should not be a burden on society.

JP near MJ
said

You need to cut this guy some slack...did you read what happened to his daughter?

Hilton Shand
said

A person his age that does not realize that revenge does not satisfy anger or grief... sad. Revenge aggravates anger and grief. The instinct for revenge is a test of faith. Those who succumb to the desire for revenge fail in faith.

peter in mb
said

This senator should be given the order of Canada! Why? Because he is not afraid to be Un- political correct and say tings that we are all think about but are to cowardly to say... It�s time to put the law abiding citizen rights before the rights of the criminals / Outlaws! (The people who chose not to obey the laws) it high time we put these murdering bully�s were put in their place. And have a example made out of them! Why should the Law protect people who choose to ignore the law? I am sick and tired of shop lifters, Car thief�s and Murderers! Who think that they can get away with it... It is time to take back our streets and say to these low life�s That we are not going to take it anymore!!!

bikerborz
said

Wow!!! Incredible!!! After reading most of these comments, I realized that George Orwell's predictions have come true! Everything is so politicized that nobody's allowed to venture an opinion!!! And we complain about Big Brother and privacy issues?? Face reality, people, and get a grip!!!

Libertarian
said

No coincidence on the senator's remarks and timing of No - skills Steve's crime bill. Divide and conquer in place of rational debate. Stevies the master.

Mytwo Sense
said

Sounds like a good idea, I'm all for it!!!

Libertarian
said

@canuck123. Respectfully, yes I can. My numbers are per capita.

Joan in Real World
said

Sorry to disappoint a lot of you, but we have a little ol' document here, called the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees the right to life for ALL individuals (making no exception for capital punishment). Translation... the death penalty ain't coming back anytime soon, whatever the more regressive backward elements of Canadian society might want. Thank God.

DC
said

It would be nice if we could reallocate the taxpayer's money to social services that we waste on those who have little or no chance of rehabilitation.

Ken
said

Typical conservative ideology. No regard for human life.

The Proud Albertan
said

"...that convicted murderers be given a rope to hang themselves rather than languish in jail at taxpayers' expense". What's wrong with that? Plus, the rope would be recyclable - convicts could use it over and over again!!

Big Bob in Ottawa
said

Well I'm no psychic but I guess Chretien was right. The debate about the death penalty is on. This is how it starts. People should realize that's what this is and more importantly it is also a debate about assisted suicide and abortion. Whoa Chretien is psychic, or he knows his adversaries.

peter in BC
said

I see nothing wrong here. If DNA evidence can be presented and without any doubt, you are guilty of such a crime, then by all means, hang the buggers. Either that, or build a jail up in the NWT and keep everything to a minimum. Food, hot water, television, exercise time and most of all, heat. Make it unbearable like some of those prisons in Russia and let murderers be treated like they deserve. Oh, and screw the free health care coverage. You chose to murder someone, your life isn't worth spit to us. Time for you to drown in unhappiness and solitude.

hugh
said

I agree with the senator. As for the people who say capital punishment is not a deterrent, how many people who have been hanged do it again?And for those of you who say what if we convict the wrong person. W e should have capital punishment only where there is a DNA match or a proven serial killer( Bernardo, Williams, Olsen). For those where there may not be DNA, life, and I do mean life.The senator also did not say bring back capital punishment, he said let the prisoner decide their own fate. Unfortunately for guys like Olsen , he was having too much fun torturing the victim's families and taking our money.

Joe
said

These open minded Liberals. Only open minded to thought they agree with. Everyone else is a mindless moron. This senator is right. Either a bullet or a rope. Choose the way you go because you didn't give your victim a choice.

Danny Dinosaur
said

@Choose a Side, aren't we allowed to be supportive of human rights? I didn't think that required us to pick a side. In fact, it should discourage us from picking a side.

Tim Connell
said

Hell, I'll pay for the rope!

Ben
said

Rick, you're assuming the police are always right.Ron, many criminals were born in Canada.I myself am hesitant to agree with capital punishment, though I admit I am probably more on the fence than some. This senator however was simply speaking as a human being. Certainly politicians need to be more careful about their statements, but to always expect to like what they say would be foolish of us.

sr sumner
said

I will provide all the ropes but lets bring back to death penalty starting with the shafias

Canuck123
said

@Libertarian, you cannot compare any city or province in Canada to the United States. The population difference alone is staggering. L.A. County alone basically has the population of the whole of Canada. With that higher population comes increased crime of all types.

Peter I. Katzenstein
said

Capital punishment.In the USA or anywhere else in the world, Capital punishment does not help prevent crimes. Criminals are not concerned about capital punishment. We have seen this many times over and over. Sure, its expensive to keep them in prison. With some luck, inmates take care of hard-core murderers.

Dixie from Alberta
said

If the murders would stay behind for life this point would be mute. But since most will be walking among us again...I can see his point. Life should mean life...not 25 years or 20 years or 15 years. Lock them up, don't give them a platform to further torture their victims families like Olsen and never again put a microphone in their face so spew their views.

Spare the Rope Use Your Shoe Laces!
said

He only said what most people think.

marc_
said

What if they use the rope to hurt another prisoner? WE taxpayers would have to pay the court judgments!

B.J.
said

He's saying what many of us think. Wat too much time is spent on criminals. They get free education, good food, exercise and other perks something they wouldnt have had on the outside unless they committed a crime for it. I will help buy a rope. The LIberals and NDP are all the same, but they are all thinking the same thing about this issue, but because they are so hypocritical they cant see it.

S J
said

Who really cares what political belief we all have.When it comes down to reality if there is no reasonable doubt a murderer is guilty....I go back to the eye for an eye theory. Let the punishment fit the crime.

don B
said

finally. we have a lawmaker who has the balls to speak for the silent majority. way to go.

Sue123
said

Why is this Senator being attacked for something he said that the majority of Canadians believe in? Doesn't the majority of Canadians support the death penalty? At least the Senator is giving the convicted a choice, I wouldn't.

Roxy
said

I extend my sympathies to the Senator and his family for the loss of his daughter on account of another's criminal behaviour. However, all criminals have parents too - and families - and people who love them too - and everyone should be reminded that these parents, families and friends have feelings and are hurt by casual and insensitive remarks as well.

Scooter
said

Senator, you need not apologize because non of us understand what you have experienced, not in the slightest. It is we who should apologize to you for allowing these criminals who raped and murdered your daughter for being allowed to walk amongst the law abiding citizens of this country, it is we who voted in a government who allowed this.

Voice of Reason
said

I see all the left wing, wing nuts are out in droves on this one sharing their opinions as if it gospel and yet these are the very people who are fighting for abortions (killing of unborn babies) and assisted suicide. I wonder if any of them have ever had to forgive someone who has killed one of their siblings or children or spouse? I wonder if their opinions would change then? I agree with the Senator on this one, murderers should have the right to a rope, this would fall right in line with the left wing agenda of assisted suicide or the right to die at ones own hand. Left wingers, such enormous hypocrites!

dkjd
said

Let the victim's family decide on the punishment.

Yvan
said

I'm sorry about this man's daughter but two wrongs don't make a right. These issues are obviously too emotionally charged for him. Why is he on the semate committee examining the government crime bill? We should have sane, reasonable heads examining this act. Not people who are too close to the issue, like this man.

Charlie from Oakville
said

There was a time not that long ago when the death sentence was carried out within 48 hours of the sentence being pronounced. I am not advocating that we return to that system, however I do believe that the death sentence needs to be reinstated. It's not right that a victim's family members should live out their days in loss and sorrow while the murderer responsible for their pain sits in a cell wondering if it's going to be vanilla ice cream or chocolate on that day's dinner menu. And we are footing the bill.

Gambitt
said

I will Donate all the ropes they need!

Jeff
said

His party gets my vote........maybe we can throw censorship as a capitol crime too......then Harper can hang himself too......tell ya what ill pay for rope outta my own pocket for every correctly convicted violent offender in this country......

Len
said

Execution just lets the criminals off the hook, while rotting in a jail cell for life will prolong the suffering these animals should endure.

edCP
said

Great idea - now just do it!

W.
said

Is this the conservatives taking advantage of the outrage over the Shaffia trial? Feels like it to me. Guess they will use/abuse any tragedy for their "tough on crime" stance.

Elizabeth
said

Filmcue and others like you...apparently you didn't read the entire article. I think if your daughter had been kidnapped, raped and murdered you may feel the same way as this Senator does. Or is he supposed to invite the murderer to dinner and sing kumbaya? It is people like you who should be ashamed for not standing up to protect the victims in our society. And contrary to your beliefs the murderer is NOT the victim!

xcon
said

I'm not a conservative anymore but do agree with his idea as long as there is no exception for the high rank murderers. ie: We make lot of noise and call for capital punishment for shafias while we keep 100 percent privacy for colonel williams.

Vanc Guy
said

Honestly, is it humane to keep anyone in a cell for the rest of their life? A compassionate people would offer the rope to any lifer. Good call Senator!

James Barth
said

I will pay for the rope

SteveinToronto
said

I totally agree with the senator. In cases where DNA was used to convict the suspect I have no problem culling those who would risk our way of life.

6 feet of rope is much cheaper than 25 years of room and board.

Bumcrack USA
said

In Canada, the crime rate has been declining for 30 years, which means that our current laws and methods are actually working. Sure there is crime, but certainly less (per capita) than in other countries like the States, and declining every year. Since the REFORMERS took power, its all we hear about. And now we shoulf be what... reinstating the death penalty? The Crime issue in this country is a made-up issue by the REFORMERS to advance their right-wing ideological agenda. Nothing more.

Kit from Nova Scotia
said

I think the senator has the right to voice his opinion, regardless if it offends the NDP or LIberal supporters. i would like to ask them would it take two members of someones family to be murdered or the whole family to be able to voice an opinion to the public.

Ray
said

I can't believe the ridiculous ravings of so many of the commenters. I had thought our education system was better than that of our southern neighbours; however this clearly doesn't seem to be the case. It frankly embarrasses me to find myself in the company of such fellow Canadians, who instead of researching the subject matter at hand and drawing conclusions supported by data, merely spout right-wing dogma in knee-jerk response to an emotionally charged issue. Please do your homework and think for yourselves folks.

JIm-Surrey
said

GREAT IDEA, bring it back instead of wasting tax dollars on keeping them alive and having to build more jails for them!!!!!!!!!

Alex
said

A father who is in pain. I will say the same if I was in his shoes. It's true that criminals are wasting lots of money from hard working,innocent people who are paying taxes. What about making the criminals pay by exploiting them. The construction industry, the agriculture, and many other places where they can do some work instead of watching TV, read the magazines and eat food for nothing. And then, we don't have to import the cheap labor, and they can pay for their accommodation.

greenjerry
said

Great idea. Who pays for the rope?

Cynical
said

So, according to some people, it should be illegal to hold a thought, let alone express it, that is contrary to the law? Shades of Nineteen Eighty-Four!

sarah
said

Lets send prisoners out into the general prison population instead of protecting them. They don't deserve protection. It would've been nice to see Paul Bernardo "taken care of" by his peers.

Libertarian
said

Killing convicted prisoners either by our hand or theirs is not a morally acceptable practise, regardless of the crime committed. The US executes prisoners in some states still and they have, on a per capita basis, 3 times the murder rate. The lowest crimes rates in the country are in Ontario and Quebec, (again per capita) and with those "softy" liberals running the show, to boot. Execution is not a deterrent. Either is vengeance.

in favor for capital punishment
said

Though I'm all for this capital punishment, you seem to forget that many live for years in prison on death row because they are waiting for appeals. so were still paying for them. hopefully they just won't be there for as long. as for giving them a rope, i guess you need to find a way around "suicide" issue for that to work and not all will go for it. too bad.

Jack Snedden
said

I thought we had free speech in Canada or is it only free when the liberals and socialists agree with what you're saying.

Lynn
said

I'd like to knw why convicted criminals' assets remain theirs, even after we've had to pay to incarcerate them. WHY ?? Cannot they pay for their own incarceration? e.g. Shafias are millionaires... and still will be after we've paid $10 million to incarcerate them?!? This is SO WRONG.

Alicia
said

I see the usual suspects are hard at it this morning.

RS
said

Is it not a crime in the Criminal Code of Canada too assist someone kill themselves??

ron
said

send prisoners back to their own country

Will
said

I have no problem with the concept of capital punishment, nor with using the executed criminal for "spare parts". Commit murder and convicted means you do not deserve to live. Period.

retired lawyer mom
said

Okay, so it wasn't very statesmanlike of him, but he was expressing a father's pain. I don't blame him one bit. We do have freedom of expression and he is only human. And yes, he set a higher standard for himself and apologized.

CMQ
said

Criminals who admit to their crime and as they do graphically describe what they did and have absolutely no remorse should be put to death. I have watched cases where the murderer shared what he did with a smile on his face and admitted if he was released he would do it again with glee. This type of sickness goes beyond humane. In some cases yes we definately need to deal with the issue in this way. As for the "outrage" of the opposition, grandstanding is more like it. Oh and BTW we are only left with 2 NDP oppositions because Rae's true colours keep coming out!!!!

Keeder
said

Another ignorant judgmental comment coming from another member of a guilt society - who believes our ways are right and superior to all others - toward those in a shame society.

Choose a side
said

There seems to be a fairly even split from people here who are supportive of criminals, and those who are supportive of victims.

rick
said

Why even waste time and money with a trial. if a cop catches you up to someting bad, that's good enough for me. A quick bullet from the police on the spot is a lot cheaper and more effective than lawyers gumming things up in a courtroom.

Mexican Gringo
said

Some of you boneheads should check out this man's history before condemning him. Boisvenu is the founding president of the Murdered or Missing Persons' Families' Association, which he founded after the 2002 murder of his daughter Julie.

Howard in Brampton
said

I can understand and be compassionate for Sen. Pierre Hugues-Boisvenu's comments, he suffering the loss of his daughter by murder. These comments of his are of an emotional nature, with little to no ration thinking in them. Considering the number of people that have proven to be wrongfully convicted of murder in this country, and are now free, exercising the death penalty on them, would have been an irrevocable act, that couldn't be compensated for in any manner. So, it begs to be asked of those in favor of the death penalty, would you agree to forfeit YOUR life if any of those executed, were to be found to be wrongfully convicted??? I suppose not. Like most others, I don't like the current cost of our prison system, but that is a far different topic of discussion than the illogical, and irrational use of a death penalty based on cost benefits alone.

OUTRAGED~
said

I think the biggest problem in our justice system is that the criminals have WAY more rights than the victims of crime. Then you get the wackos (like the John Howard Society) complaining that the prisoners are being mistreated/ or they should not be "forced to work". I say make them work, or don't feed them! I have to work in order to eat. Maybe if the prisoners were treated like prisoners, it would be a deterant to crime. Right now prison is like a visit to a resort with cable/gym/games rooms/and five star meals.

Wilfred in Kapus
said

Good to know that Harper has handed away those nice lucrative senate seats to thoughtful, reasonable people whos views are based on clear and wise thinking, not emotions... Hows that for a complete waste of taxpayers money. I miss the Liberals.

Remarkable
said

It is of my opinion that someone who has commited the act of murder, who is proven beyond the shadow of a doubt, proven with DNA to support the fact that they have killed someone should face the death penalty. Canada has been much to soft on crimes over the years, however it is time that our country made the criminal pay for their crimes.

Janet
said

There seems to have been quite a number of wrongfully convicted victims freed over the past few year.. They may very well have been put to death and not even been guilty. I would not vote to put them to death.

ScottJeff
said

The guy's daughter was raped and murdered... What do you expect him to say?? "Everybody is good on the inside?"Anyways he apologized.... Let's just move on to the next thing the NDP/Liberal can express fake outrage over...

Mark in Newmarket
said

The Senator only is speaking his mind and he is right, that murderers should face capital punishment, however in my opinion only those who have been convicted of 1st degree murder, like the Paul Bernardo's. If you think about it, we send our seniors into senior homes at $4000 a month, lack of medicare, expensive drugs yet we allow murderers to stay in prison for life with access to good health care, food, prescription drugs, a roof over their head, clothed all at taxpayers expense. Do our seniors deserve to be treated worse than a murderer? I think not! Give first degree murderers the rope and lets take care of those who have taken care of us for so many years.

Meegan
said

YES. Finally someone in the governement with some common sense. I agree with this man, and I'm sure more than half the country does too.

Doug ^^^ BC
said

Decades ago I marched to eliminate the death penalty in this country, So,"D in L",do not lecture me about "life,dignity,and the rule of law" in this country. However,the changes Trudeau made to our justice system were dishonest.At no time did he tell us people would walk free just a short time after kidnapping,torturing,raping,and murdering our teen aged children.At no time did he tell us that "life in jail" actually meant less than 10 years in most cases. Pointy headed,self righeous elitists and social engineers want to guilt you into feeling sorry for criminals who molest and kill your children.Do not let them succeed. While the Senator's comments may offend some of the self righteous,and his idea is very unlikely to go forward,what MUST go forward are changes from what we have now. It is inexcusable to release child molestors and murderers into our communities.ESPECIALLY when parole boards recognize them as "a danger and a serious threat to re-offend" . This happens almost very day,and it is not justice,fair, or anything that comes close to recognizing "the rule of law". When sentences were "Liberalized", we were promised that "rehabilitation" would be done in the community".It is not being done,nor is it going to be done. So,if the Senator's coments go to far for your liking,you are probably a part of the problem.In with the crowd who thinks that punishment and discipline are the same thing.Instead of bashing the Senator,you should be posting what you think are solutions to a problem we all know we have.An UNJUST justice system.

scott
said

It is time to bring back the death penalty especially in case where mulitple murders are involved. For too long canada's legal system has been more concerned about saving money than justice for the victims. Justice like freedom is not cheap. For those canadians who say we should have compasion, where was the criminals compassion for their victims. Canada has become a haven for the worst human garbage imaginalbe and its getting worse and worse with every passing day. If you commit a crime, your first time will be your last time or god help you. Time to stop kissing criminal ass canada. Criminals love this country because they know that no matter what they do, they will be protected at all costs. Its disgusting when innocent people are not only victimised by criminals but by the very legal system that is supposed to protect them. Oh well, its canada, what more do i have to say.

A. L-M in London
said

I'm not religious and I have NEVER voted for the Conservatives in ANY form, nor will I ever vote for the Conservatives in any form - and I wish this country still had the death penalty. It should be an option for first-degree murder convictions and the self-confessed like Russell Williams and Terry-Lynn McClintic, as well as cases where all doubt can be erased like Paul Bernardo's.

Dr. Greg
said

Until we can determine guilt with 100% accuracy in all cases, capital punishment should never be used. The justice system makes mistakes, and the wrong people can (and have) been found guilty for crimes that they didn't commit. An executed prisoner can't be brought back if they are later exonerated, and sorry doesn't cut it. I think that William Blackstone put it best "Better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer".

Dave Edmonton
said

Finally a Senator with guts. Hooray. It's about time rather than let someone walk after 25 years even though the victims were not allowed to complete their life because of some.....

Edward
said

Mr. Senator, sometimes it is better to remain quiet, and just though a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.

Grim Reaper
said

I agree with him 110%. Enough is enough!

Kim
said

I'm sure the victims would agree with his statement. It's not just about money though, its about punishment for terrible crimes. Wouldn't suicide be letting them off the hook?People representing our country should be careful what they say when speaking on behalf of the people though.....

MARG MM
said

Anyone who has gone through the sorrow of losing a daughter to such a horrific crime would certainly have those feelings. The fact that he expressed them "out loud" is what has some people "up in arms". Perhaps he should have kept such feelings to himself due to the fact that he is a senator, but then again, he is being open and honest about how he feels, something that most people aren't, they think the same things but have a "holier than thou" attitude about expressing them in public. I believe that the punishment should fit the crime, but unfortunatly Canada's record is more about coddling prisoners than it is about punishing them.

Joan in Real World
said

First abortion, then gay rights, now the death penalty... What exactly is on the mind of all those MPs Harper works so hard at muzzling? Who are "his kind" of people?

steve
said

Why give them a choice? we should just bring capital punishment and for some pepole especially when there's no question that they committed the murder such as video evidence or they carefully doccumented it all then we could save even more money by just shooting them...no need for a trial! after all we spend an average of $120 000 a year to keep someone in isolation at kingston pen with free food, free room, and free cable and yet what nurderers take is often priceless

don
said

If you take a murders life, then what does that make you. No better than them, right? Only yours is one step above premeditated. Where do you balance the insanity? Where? In my mind it's coined as mob rule. A bunch of blood thirsty animals lusting for blood. SICK!!!

Charm
said

His comments are awesome! He should not apologize for anything!

Bumcrack USA
said

To all the reasonable people out there who voted for these nuts, thinking they couldn't be as bad as people were making them out to be ---Starting to get it?The death penalty, I mean come on?

Shelley / Brossard
said

It's about time that someone comes forward with a great idea!!! We pay enough taxes!!!

MM
said

I think the man has a good idea. If a prisoner feels the need to end his or her own life, why should we stop them. They are in prison for breaking the rules of our society. Why should our society now be stuck with paying their incarceration bills. Take way their TV's and replace them with ropes.

JDF - Calgary
said

Simple common sense. If we supplied the ropes, the money we saved keeping these low lifes behind bars would more than cover the cost of the senate.

Jeremy
said

Is there a process in Canada where we can recall a Gov't. I have seen recently down in the U.S. that one can have a recall election if you get something like 1/2 a million signatures on a petition. Is there anything like that in Canada does anyone know?

Filmcue
said

I am ashamed to be a Canadian today. That one of our "leaders", (and I use the term loosely) would make a statement like this is beyond belief. Liberals may be bleeding hearts, (at least they seem to have one!) but never in our history has a Liberal leader uttered anything quite so base and classless as this. This proves beyond a shadow of a doubt , that our country has been captured by a very small minority of very small minded, and cruel people. I really think it's time for a "Canadian Spring". Is this really what our government wants? Are we to debase ourselves to the degree that we prove to be no better than the prisoners we wish to treat this way. This statement, by a Senator no less, is the most disgusting thing to come out of our fake majority government. I only hope there are enough real Canadians left in three years to vote these reprehensible a___holes back to the dark hole they crawled out of.

Free Willy
said

With the highest suicide rate in all of North America why do Quebecers appear to think suicide is the answer to life's woes? What so many Quebecois who hold to that understanding the truth is it's just the start of woes.

NVancity
said

Wow, a lot of people are taking the Senator's words out of context. He's not re-opening the debate on capital punishment, only suggesting that prisoners be given THE OPTION of suicide. Of course, that does open the debate on assisted suicide but I think it is high time the country looked at that one anyways.

David
said

What most people are unaware of is that the bible speaks to capital punishment (restitution) as a punishment initiated by God Himself and one that is an effective detriment to premeditated murders. Non premeditated killing however is another issue. I see no problem with capital punishment in cases of premeditated murder.

C in Edmonton
said

Finally a good idea. Why pay so much money to keep these criminals around that have no remorse or chance of rehabilitation to go back into society. Forget it, give them a rope:P

Mark - Alberta
said

Ty L said "This story should have included the fact that this Senator's 27-year old daughter was kidnapped, raped, and killed by a repeat offender in 2002."A very good and interesting addition. I bet all of bleeding hearts who posted here accusing the Conservatives and this senator haven't suffered a major loss like losing a loved one to murder. Instead the bleeding hearts cry for the criminals while the victims and their families are left to pick up the pieces.

sh
said

Sounds like the perfect solution. Start with the kind of animals who murder their children. If the criminals are from other countries, deport them immediately! I don't want to pay to house them here for their crimes.

passing grade
said

In absolute clear cut cases, such as Bernardo, "the right to a rope......," and the problem with that statement is.......?

Original Canadien
said

To all those who think it is a bad idea: Why? would you p[ersonnaly trust the Shafias or Bernado with your own child? Why keep them around? As for those who think Canada is becoming worse, actually Canada used to do a lot worse a mere 50 years ago. And I'm not even talking about capital punishment. However, since the Trudeau era and the end of capital punishment, criminals in Canada have litteraly gotten away with minimal punishment only to reoffend numerous times. If we are to maintain a ban on capital punishment, situations like Bernardo, Pickton and the Shafias need to be addressed as they are only a burden on the country. Either we put them to work so we can earn money form their work or we need to find a way that they do not cost us anything. IT is not fair that a criminal like Bernardo who will never earn a single penny to pay for his cost of living does cost so much while I'm struggling to feed my family (no I don't have a cell phone or remote device, I drive a dingle car to work and I don't get vacations other than sit at home- I also have $200 a year for clothing for a family of 5 in my budget) so why should I pay taxes to pay for monsters like him!

JB in Ontario
said

My we have become quite uncivilized with the thought of bringing back the death penalty. I don't believe in bringing back the death penalty as I think it would bring us back to the Dark Ages. I think a prison or jail term is much more appropriate. I would hate to think we would give the death penalty to a person charged with murder who actually didn't do it. Its not right. I can see a 25 year sentence for a murderer. Assault and Theft are much less serious crimes than first degree murder and therefore their sentence should be much less and undergo rehabilitation.

calgary
said

As a previous Liberal supporter, I think even us lef tof centres need to take a real look at our country and decide where we see ourselves in 50 years. If we continue down the path of welfare and sharing for all, we will continue to fall behind the world in so many ways and be a home for the least desirable people. We need to stop these ideas and move on. Capital punishment, euthinasia and riding ourselves of the indian act are the only way we are going to make it through these lean years ahead. Out with Unions and no special rights for anyone.

A Canadian
said

The problem with crime is that it pays.
Take evertthing they own and sell it to help pay for their meals etc.
Look at euroups jails, there is no steak on friday, no tv etc etc.
What we should do, is turn all the prisions over to the military.
This way they dont get a paid for holiday.

Woody
said

Finally someone in government with some common sense. Murderers and child molesters eat up our tax dollars! And why? We should never let them out, because then you read in the news that they killed again. Imagine if someone you knew were killed because they were let out into the general public again. Bring back the death penalty for the scum who cannot be rehabilitated.

peter in mb
said

Maybe it is time to have a referendum on capital punishment. Let democracy decide!!!

shawbrooke
said

The senator is not providing sober second thought and may be past it. He needs to resign, right now. As a civil servant, he could get away with such remarks, but as a senator those remarks will end up in print. Clearly he is unaware of either the Senate's place in society or what the Senate is supposed to do, and he hasn't made the adjustment.There is no consensus in society supporting capital punishment, and most of those in favor admit that the system cannot handle it. The list of wrongly convicted is long.

reidjr
said

tuttle
Yet the left would let everyone out of jail and lets them keep commiting crime after crime.

gerry
said

That's a very sad perspective on humanity. I think this senator needs some support.

LMK
said

how inovative!!!

Jason Daniel Baker, Toronto
said

So much for the senate being a place of sober second thought. Harper has filled it with the same ideological special interests that have no place in rational debate.

Marc
said

To those of you supporting his comment, fear is a powerful thing, for those of you who don't, so is compassion.

GHW
said

Speaking as a Christian the only reason I'd want to keep a known convicted murderer alive, paying their way, is hope of eventual repentance and redemption through Jesus Christ but many are far from God with little hope of change and our prisons are likely not allowed to promote this needed change. It is no doubt a difficult position for the State but I believe if they choose to enforce Capital Punishment on known convicted murderers then they have that moral right and we can only hope that the convicted murderer has time to make peace with their maker.

Nat
said

Just one more reason all of those idiots out there shouldn't have voted for Harper and his gang of crooks!

Instead of jailing them (the Shafia's for example), give them stricter penalties! It costs an unimaginable amount of tax-payer money to house just one inmate in a jail, let alone a family of them!

At a huge discount, give them the lethal injection upon finding them guilty.

Also, don't bother sterilizing the needles. It is a waste of everyone's time and resources! They're going to die anyway!

Smoke Rings - Ottawa
said

To "Murders Right Advocate" be sure and tell what you feel to the families who lost their loved ones by the murderer from the "Pig Farm" out West. There may be the odd one who can be rehabilitated but there are more who cannot. Anyone who has lost a loved one to murder whether with a weapon or a vehicle (another weapon) by a drunk driver can vouch it is NOT a great thing to go through. Choose your words more carefully it could be someone you love that will put you in the same situation as many who are suffering from these criminals. More rights for Criminals then there are for Victims...

allan
said

They should be made to pay for the rope, or they could share the cost of a common rope between them.

NS
said

A nice big slice of common sense. I'll add my 2 cents; They should be sued, then hung.

Duke
said

Anyone have an address to where I can send the rope?

Alexandria
said

Best idea in a long time

Ron Griffin
said

A bullet is only 50 cents!!

Dean in Ed
said

So finally someone comes up with a real idea for ending the cost and futility of repeat offenders. IF some Lib came up with this idea I am sure it would be hailed as having genius merit by the nay sayers. What really is the point of keeping a convicted murder alive again? I am not talking those convicted on shady evidence but those confessed and unrepentant murders. Personally I think that in the middle of every maximum security cell should be a wire noose hanging. Personally I do not buy into the Revenge is bad thing. I really don't think of it as revenge, I think of it as a solution to a problem. When they take someone elses life they should have their revoked. As long as there are weak willed people like some on here these terrible crimes will not be punished. AS for those that say "What about the innocent ones?" well what about the guilty ones? Ones like Bernardo, Pickton, or Williams. Personally I think their should be family day for the vitims families where they can come in and beat the crap out of these murderers and if they die, oh well....

tuttle
said

Let people kill themselfs to save money? sounds like true conservative thinking. I know lets restart debtor's prisons and make the children responsible for their parents debts. Better yet lets restart "work" camps for "undesirable" children and turn a profit on them eh. Does that sound like Canadian idealism to you?

Zoltan
said

All u bleeding heart liberals out there fail to realize one important detail. You lives (mine included) are being controlled by a small group of very powerful people who don't care about anything but power and money. Life is not sacred as you think..... We are all pawns....

Don
said

Here is a better and cheaper way, any "criminal" that is charged for killing a human being, save the rope and give them a needle. This will save us taxpayers money. You take a life, then yours is taken!!! Then the crime rate will drop dramatically....

Dave in Courtenay
said

I've got a better idea. Outsource long-term prisoner contracts to selected third world countries. Pay half as regular installments, and the last half if the prisoner is returned in decent health at the end of their term. If we can get cheap goods from such low wage and low tax countries, why can't we get cheap social services?

G
said

If its going to cost 10 million to keep them locked up, I say go afte thier estate to recove some costs that it is going to take. And if they appeal which onehas already, force them to pay legal, court and any other costs if they loose thier appeal. Then if they happen to get out of prison afte time, deport thier sorry a$$es back to where they came from.

D in L
said

David Millgard - might have thought it was a good idea too. Which would have made it - oops - not a good idea.In their efforts to appeal to the lowest IQ denominator in this country these disgusting pigs are tarnishing the reputation of a nation that once stood for a lot more than it does now. If this is how you see the world - why don't you drag your knuckles to a country with less regard for life, dignity and the rule of law.All well and good 'til it's your son or daughter in there eh?

One Canadian
said

I cannot believe the comments that came out of the mouth of a Canadian Senator. Who are you to play GOD, with other peoples lives. Why don't you grow a pair and bring back capital punishment, if you want to see evil people die. Atleast it's a legal statement you can put your foot under, don't say we should leave a rope in the cell of murders, because that sounds to me like your providing the means to assist someone in suicide, which is illegal, unethical, dispecable, and immoral. But then again you got your job because your the PM's friend, not because you deserved it. So I see how someone of your stature would make such a discusting comment...

Marie
said

Omgosh - this is the best idea I've heard come out of our government in a long, long time - well at least since capital punishment was abolished.

I do agree - somewhat - with the limited use of capital punishment however as most Canadian's know as well as the rest of the world - if you want to commit murder - do it in Canada, their justice system is for the most part a national disgrace.

This also would take away the 'expected dolling out of appropriate punishment' by fellow inmates. They should not have to carry out our society's responsibilities in putting victim and criminal priorities in the correct order.

Senate?
said

This is just an example of the uselessness of the Senate and this particular person should not be there or be paid for this kind of archaic thinking. I agree with the concept of capital punishment (the death penalty) for certain cases, but to promote government sanctioned suicide is absurd. Kick this senator's ass to the curb.

Greg
said

In addition to ropes, we should also have an open door policy at our prisons by relocating them to the North Pole. No guards needed and this would solve the apparently starving polar bear population, should any inmates decide to try escape.

Ricty
said

Conservatives don't want people that are very sick and in lots of pain to be giving the right to die but will give a prisoners that right. What a sad bunch we have in Ottawa

Jonny Rorret
said

What an idiot. Not all inmates are guilty i.e. David Milgaard in a moment of despair might of committed suicide. Also Guy-Paul Morin if he was convicted. Then we could sentence the senator for murder and give him a rope.

Rob
said

Ya like this is really going to happen. Let's get on to things that we have a chance of really doing.

Trevor Jarvis
said

Wow get off your soapboxes people. He is expressing an opinion to entice debate, show the cost of prisons and how often solutions are best when simple. Those of you who call him a monster, overpaid and shouldn't be expressing his opinion should remember that in Canada we encourage individual choice and the right to express ourselves; you just don't like his opinion and are exercising the same right yet want to stifle his thoughts. I am a true liberal (political philosophy -not party) yet there is merit in revamping the penal system-rehab is not working. Just mu opinion, and I did it sitting down and without emotional influence.

frank
said

Being a Conservative myself, (probably won't be published now by the Liberal CTV), I DON'T agree with the comment made by this Senator, however, I would like to see the death penalty returned for multiple murders, hello Shafia.

The criminal code has been so watered down by years of Liberal government coddling to the convicts instead of helping the victims and/or their families.

As for Mq's comment, 1 in 9 who voted Liberal doesn't make it any better then the 1 in 4 who voted Conservative, and if you don't like what Harper is doing,go live in the States.

Ty L
said

This story should have included the fact that this Senator's 27-year old daughter was kidnapped, raped, and killed by a repeat offender in 2002. Adds some context to his comments...

Krazy Kenn
said

Why does the media even bother printing such drivel - quit giving these creeps their time in the spotlight.

Steve G
said

How can religious Conservatives square capital punishment with the "thou shalt not kill" commandment. Do they just pull out the bible when it is convenient for them and serves their purpose and hide it at other times?

Kevin
said

It is because of extremely stupid soft heart liberals like the previous comment by Mq that our justice system is a joke. Criminals love to come to Canada because what ever crime they commit over here they know they will get a reduced sentence compared to any other country in the world, three meals a day , tv xbox's etc .Sure the Senators comment are harsh but think of the horrible suffering the" VICTIMS" have endured by these scumbags that commit these murders , and then look how well they get treated the rest of there lives in prison . Because of voters like Mq criminals go unpunished. If an animal has rabies we put them down with no remorse, I feel we should do the same to criminals that murder and perform heinous crimes to children like the Shafia's

maureen
said

Is that the sort of people who are running this country

Murderers Rights Advocate
said

I agree with all those who are hysterically opposing this Tory Senator idea! Criminals should be shown compassion and caring to assist with their rehabilitation.

Concerned for Canada
said

Perhaps Mr.Harper was right when he said " when I am done you will not know Canada as it is now". We had other leaders through out the world in history that tried to change it's own country to his liking and the aftermath was not pleasant. Build more prisons and upgrade our military . Alarming perhaps ?

DCI
said

I think that these three murderers should get the death penalty. That is what they .They never thought twice in killing their own family members. Better than a rope; give them a vile of poison. End of story. Quick and painless. And to think, it will cost the Canadian tax payers millions of dollars to keep these three in prison. Why should we haveto pay for these killers? And people like them.If Canada brought back the death penalty, crime would go down today. Criminals would think twice before committing a crime knowing that there is no cell waiting for them; just the end...I think that the justice system in this country must really be looked at. Tired of going to work to keep these creeps in prison. And all Harper wants to do is build more prisons. What about chain gangs? Make these useless cons do some damn work.

David ON
said

Life is about choices.

Chaz
said

I agree with the capital punishment for those beyond reabillitation, they're beyond help with their sick minds, dispose of them please. As for the rope comment, one would think it was said out of frustration with our legal system and the fact that haneous crimes are unacceptable, and taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for these monsters.

Just Saying - Ottawa
said

Is this a Liberal way of doing things? Seeing as they want to keep criminals on the streets and keep on hurting the victims it no doubt would be there way of thinking..must be a Liberal in disguise.

Vancouver Girl
said

Sounds like a good plan to me!

Tony from the United States
said

Why don't they just reinstate the death penalty!! That is what we do in the United States and we don't have to build megaprisons. Put these people out of their misery and put them in the electric chair!!!

jkuz
said

A.) There wouldn't be so many people in prison if the Conservative government didn't want to implement mandatory minimum sentencing.B.) The more you rehabilitate, the less time prisoners spend in prison and the less cost to taxpayers (problem solved there)C.) Only someone who is not elected and unaccountable can get away with such comments. D.) I encourage anyone who is for the death penalty to fly down to good ol' texas and watch one first hand. If you think you're for killing somone (regardless of their crime) then go watch.

John Reid
said

In the case of honour killings I agree with the death penalty however in the Shafia case I would suggest that all their Canadian assets are seized and turned over to the government to defray the costs of the trial etc anything left over can go into general revenue and also remove their Canadian citizenship if they have it and deport them back the Afghanistan as that seems to be were they think our laws should be taken from dump them at the airport with nothing but the cloths on their backs with the provision that stepping back in Canada will carry the death penalty.Why should the Canadian taxpayer give them a warm place to sleep and three meals a day until some bleeding heart has them released on early parol to continue subverting our laws.The lawyer(s) who will appeal any decision made in this case as long as they have the money to pay for it could be sent right along with them so they can make their appeals from Afghanistan.

Tim
said

Very good idea. Won't happen because of the twisted ethics of "progressives" who have a hard time with the real world, but a good idea nonetheless.

J in Edmonton
said

For once, a senator who has the guts to say what a lot of us already think. I totally agree! While I am not a supporter of capital punishment in all cases, I do feel that the death penalty should be brought back in certain cases. We spend millions and millions of dollars on criminals who show no remorse or need for rehabilitation Why not let some criminal decide their own fate. Great idea!

Reality Check
said

Seems to me that the wrongfully convicted, of which hundreds have proven themselves and surely many more have been unable to, would be more likely to be so deeply depressed with their situation than a hardened criminal who can take up new hobbies like shanking other inmates and running a drug trade within the prison system. So how do we tell the difference between someone who should just kill themselves because of what they did and someone who might want to kill themselves because of what they didn't do?

don
said

They'll spend the 10 million anyway. This just justifies the ridiculous PC policies of "build jails bigger, and arrest everyone in the country to fill them up". Now one of them wants to play God. If you quit and gave up your pension, maybe that would save us 10 million....

MattsMom
said

At least none of the Canadian voters have to feel bad that they voted for this guy. We didn't! He wasn't elected, he was appointed. He doesn't speak for anybody. So what exactly is his job and why does he get paid $132,000 to do it???

Marcel
said

It's a great discussion starter - we all have moments when we feel like that about some of these creeps - but I don't think it's a workable idea. Maybe we should be thinking less about prisons and more about work-camps where these people actually work for a living like the rest of us. Well, maybe a little bit harder - 10 -12 hour days . . . 6 days a week . . . you get the idea.

JR
said

I am ok with it!

stevo
said

Does Boisvenu have a solution for the Senate considering that it has no hope of rehabiliation either?The idea that the death penalty would save Canadians tax dollars is a myth. Every study done in the US has shown that death row inmates are far more expensive to keep incarcerated, even if they are eventually executed, than prisoners in jail for life. Appeals and lawyers cost a whole lot more after just a few years than bars and guards do for life. Or is he suggesting that death row inmates won't be able to exhaust their appeals before execution? If so, why bother with ropes for hanging, they cost money. Stonings are cheaper.

Shawn
said

Wow, first good idea I've ever heard from the senate. Good on him for trying to earn his keep.

joe McS
said

This is the typical CON appointment into the Senate. These people are why some/most Canadians are upset with what is going on, including the Senate. This is not new from HARPER Govt. He has put another 300-400 of his friends into positions inside and outside Canada that share this view point. What an embarrassment to Canada, we are being laughed at on the world stage, yes we are. Destroying key relationships within UN member states, siding with countries that are in political battles, lecturing other countries on how to be Canadian, and the worse: ANNOUNCING CANADIAN POLICIES ON THE WORLD STAGE without talking to Canadians, and it for the next 3 years. . . When will people wake up to the me, me, me HARPER govt. Just throw money at it, it will go away. Maybe his new prisons will have a noose issued to each prisoner that enters into its confines.

Sean C.
said

Death penalty as a cost saving mechanism? Seriously?? Are we living in Germany in the 1940s??? (No, that is NOT a holocaust reference, but a reference to the German treatment of prisoners of war after they ran out of space in the prison camps - completely seperate and far more relevant than the other horrible tragedy).

true canadian
said

I don't expect anything less from the neo cons and their supporters, They were never Canadian nor human in the first place. Typical cowards. The same as they have always been under Hitler way back when.

Mark
said

Don't forget a handy knot book to accompany the rope.

Jules
said

His mother did not tell him that somethings you can say and somethings everyone thinks but should not say.

As a Senetor you would think he would be more careful with his words.

As I understand what he is trying to say, as a Senetor you should think before you say it.

Our justice system may be sometimes hard to accepted but we are no longer in the stone ages.

Get with the program and at lease pretend to be a leader of this country.

Anne
said

All his comment is doing, is highlighting the frustration many of us feel at how murderers are treated. Karla Homolka got herself a free university degree in prison, and is now living the good live in Barbados or something. Prisons should be bare bones places that are horrible to be in, especially ones for murderers. There shouldn't be one TV in the place. I don't see why hard labour isn't used. Bottom line, murderers (and pedophiles, rapists) do not get suitably punished, bleeding hearts fall all over themselves to support them, and victims and their families are left to fend for themselves and their losses.

Now that's thinking !
said

Ladies and gentlemen , the Senate has just redeemed itself.Quite possibly the best thing to come from a politician or government official in years.

Jeremy
said

Come on people. This is no joke. If any of my fellow Canadians are advocating encouraging prisoners to commit suicide, and doing so seriously, then we are in real trouble here. I am completely disgusted with some of the comments on here.

Jarrett
said

Although the whole point of a senator is to bring personal views and experiences to the table in deciding if a bill is good for Canadians, this is a bit much. Although amusing, the idea of promoting suicide is immoral. In no way do I want the death penalty reintroduced, that is a slippery slope. To have one innocent person sentenced to the death penalty would be too many.

maybe its about time
said

Yes its about time to return the death penalty to all crimimals. This time the Conservatives should disregard Amnesty International policies. We cannot afford to keep these dangerous thugs no matter what what help they need, they still like to harm anything.

MikeW
said

Or better yet. if you want to cut the costs of imprisonment, elect a Liberal goverment. In the Shafias case they would be out in 5 years on good behaviour.

conrivan49
said

We can argue about the rightness or wrongness of capital punishment, the value and necessity of society showing mercy, but in cases involving heartless, cold-blooded murders, where there's no hint of doubt, where the most horrific of crimes are perpetrated by the strong against the weak -- natural justice cries out for the ultimate penalty. Such murders should either be put to death either by hanging, lethal injection or the electric chair. We do not need animals like those roaming the earth as there are already way too many of them and it will only get worse, especially in light of the fact that there hasn�t been any deterrence in over a decade.

Carl
said

Cut this guy some slack. His daugther was brutally raped, tortured and mudered, and that traumatic experience has clearly shaped his attitude toward convicted murderers. I don't blame him one bit, and I'm sure most of us would respond in a similar way.

DJB
said

Why only murderers? perhaps rope could be standard prison issue.

Elizabeth in NL
said

I understand that since his daughter's brutal rape and murder, this Senator must have a very strong and purely emotional attitude toward murderers. However, he is still just an unaccountable Senator, and as such he should have no more input into our country's public policies than anyone else.

reidjr
said

Mq
While i don't agree with the mp at all i have a bigger issue with people who feel those who commit crimes should have more rights then the victims.

Steve O
said

Good thinking, then as soon as they hang em the real murderer will confess. Morons.

Donna in NL
said

Give me an address and I send some rope ASAP - how many prisons we talking about????

Noway
said

Give the criminal a choice when the victim never had one? Completely disagree. This senator is bonkers.

Hangumb Hye in Ont
said

Oh I can just imagine how many comments this will solicit, the indignation, the outrage. Personally I think the idea has merit, ( which by the way should be recognized for what it is, as statement designed to spark debate not to be taken literally)

KJ in Kingston Ontario
said

Best prison reform idea I've seen put forward in maybe 50 years...

Dave in Edm
said

We should give the Senate the rope as well...

Big Bob in Ottawa
said

While we all have base emotions that we can choose to act on or speak of, I don't find it particularly comforting to know those of others. The fact that we all possess the ability to seek revenge is NOT what the legal system is designed to accomodate. It's distressing to hear the opinion of this senator not because he has one that most would be sympathetic to, but because it's a position of authority he's in that should preclude him from appealing to those same base emotions publically.

George Thompson
said

Why the emphasis on saving money Senator? Haven't you heard - Harper is piling on the gravy for jets and jails? With all due respect, if all senior citizens had a pension for life like you, this would not even be a topic of conversation.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

@ Canadian Bob: You've patiently waited for your anti-Conservative moment...and then it arrived...and then you pounced! Bask in the political glory, Bob. (Indeed, this guy is a cabbagehead.)

Sid in MTL
said

I'm not a Harperite, but this works for me.....for a start. I'm tired of hearing about how many tax dollars it takes to keep these violent offenders alive. We've turned into a society that gives more rights to the accused than we do to the victims, and all that does is de-value innocent human life.

di.
said

Isn't assisted suicide against the law?

Ken
said

When someone has a brain fart, sometimes it is best to keep it to themselves. I'm not surprised but what is next ... no trials, no appeals.Here's an idea, get rid of the Senate and immediately stop all Senator's pensions ... ask the general public what they think of that idea.

eye opener
said

This from the Conservatives who like to think that they have the "moral market" all wrapped up. This is un-Christian and un-Canadian.

Anonymous Al
said

What if prisoners learn how to make a lasso out of the rope and become proficient at using said lasso? Do we REALLY want a bunch of criminals to be proficient lasso users?

OttawaJames
said

I don't disagree

and this is a
said

Although I agree with this approach I do not agree with a senator an overpaid, public servant making this type of comment...I think these personal opinions must be just that personal....if this comment was made while representing me as a Canadian Citizen than I think it was not appropriate. I reiterate, I agree with the concept 100%, let them take their own lives if that is their choice...I can't stop them but enabling them to do this and to have this come from a senator? Not sure about that...

Ottawa Jack
said

There could be some merit in part of his rationale.

I Daigle
said

Sounds like a good practical Idea..

libertarian
said

Where do we get these people from? Why would anybody, but a senator no less, offer up such a absurdity? Last I checked, It is illegal for anyone to seriously encourage or counsel others to commit suicide in Canada.

Joshua Wasylciw
said

This sounds like a great solution! I'm all for it!

Ivan
said

How much is each Senator costing tax payers each year? It too is a life sentence and tax payers don't even get the possibility of there being an early parole to cut down on our costs. We have keep paying and paying with no hope of their rehabilitation.

Island Man
said

Wow...The Cons (don't call the Reform Party Tories please) are crawling out from under their rocks in droves this week.

Saskmike
said

What the fudge!!???

Mq
said

These are the people running our country! Rather then address the problems in society. I feel like I want to throw up after reading this. What IS HAPPENING TO MY COUNTRY! Animals! That's all you con blues are, soulless monsters. 1 in 4 does make you a majority. This madness has come to a head and must stop NOW!. These monsters must be stopped at all cost before we can no longer look at ourselves in the mirror. Stand up for your country and your humanity! This is the thinking pattern of those running our country. Stand up Canadians, brothers and sisters. Is this the kind of Canada you want your children living in! I will die fighting for her (Canada), before I would let one piece of rope be handed out!

Lane
said

Sounds like an excellent idea to me. I also agree that any convicted murderer who is deemed beyond rehabilitation should be executed, especially where the conviction is supported by irrefutable evidence such as DNA.

Mr. T. Cambridge, Ontario
said

Wouldn't that be considered "assisted suicide"? Seriously though, it's an interesting idea.

Rylan
said

Not saying this is a bad idea - I think its pragmatic... however, if criminals are given a choice; the government will also have to take a hard look at legalizing doctor assisted-suicide.

Robert B
said

That comment has been around for years, and I agree totally!!!

Canadian Bob
said

Sounds like a comment a Conservative would make.

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I feel that if certain organs were in demand, less effort would be made to revive people. Am I being silly? Not really. I had a bad experience in hospital when my heart stopped, the doctors tried to revive me and failed. They stopped and said I was gone. I came around on my own when the nurse was giving a final BP reading of 'zero'. I heard her declare me dead! It was all I could do to shake my head but they never caught on til I was able to open my eyes. You should have seen them scramble then! I thought the nurse was going to faint. The thing is, I think we may write people off too soon when there is something of value to be gained from them.

me

Should all Canadians be automatically considered organ donors?

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