Brenda Martin begs for life from Mexico prison

A sobbing and broken Brenda Martin begged Friday for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to take action to have her freed from the Mexican prison that has been her home for over two years.

Martin, who is incarcerated in Guadalajara on accusations of being part of a fraud scheme, called CTV's Canada AM Friday morning from jail.

"I'd like to plead for my life to the prime minister of Canada to please pick up the phone and call the president of Mexico and have this travesty ended," she said.

"I don't belong here. I have done nothing, Please help me prime minister, please help me, please help me. I don't know how to get through a day here."

Martin, 51, had recently been moved to a hospital ward and put on suicide watch, but said she has now been returned to the general population.

The native of Trenton, Ont., has denied the allegations of money laundering against her and has not been convicted of any charges.

Martin was the chef for Alyn Richard Waage, but was fired in 2001 with severance pay. She then invested that money into what she says she thought was Waage's legitimate investment company.

About one month later Wage was arrested for fraud. Then, years later in 2006, Martin was picked up by Mexican police for allegedly being involved in the scheme.

"I was kidnapped from my home on the 17th of February, told that I was being brought to do a verbal declaration to a judge at the federal courts and that I would be released the next day. I've been here for two years and 27 days," she said.

Martin's visit

Recently, former prime minister Paul Martin visited the Canadian during a trip to Mexico. Martin called him a "wonderful man."

"At the time I was crying and he was holding my hand and he hugged me for about 10 minutes while I was sobbing uncontrollably," she said.

Martin also met with prison officials to plead for better conditions for the Canadian woman, but she said she has seen no improvement.

Martin said she is kept in a nine-foot by 12-foot cell with 11 women.

"Eight of them sleep on the floor so you have to crawl over their heads to get to an outhouse bathroom," she said.

During the phone call, Martin thanked all those who have contributed to help pay her legal fees, as well as those who have emailed their support or lobbied on her behalf, and the reporters who have covered the story.

Ottawa has sent a diplomatic note to the Mexican government and Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier has also appealed to his Mexican counterpart for the woman's release.

Helena Guergis, Canada's secretary of state for foreign affairs, said she also met with the Mexican ambassador to discuss the case. But she said the federal government has no authority to bring Martin home.

Martin's mother, Marjorie Bletcher, told CTV News on Friday that she just wants her daughter to come home.

"I'm so scared she's not gonna come home alive," she said through tears. "I just want to take her in my arms and hug her and never let her go."

Bletcher said she fears for her daughter's life.

"Help her, help her, help her, please help her before she dies ... she's not guilty," said Bletcher, whose youngest daughter was killed nine years ago in a devastating car crash.

Situation could be worse

Gar Pardy, former director general of consular affairs, told CTV Newsnet that Martin's situation could be much worse. He said few Canadians are happy with their circumstances when they find themselves jailed in a foreign prison, but he said Martin's situation could be worse.

"The outstanding thing, I think, as far as the Mexicans are concerned is the care with which they are treating Ms. Martin. She has been placed in a hospital -- there is a level of care generally not available in most prisons around the world."

Pardy also noted that the two years that Martin has been in jail is comparable to the amount of time someone could spend in a Canadian jail awaiting trial in a complicated case.

"The Mexicans are probably feeling the amount of invective that has come out of Canada about them and their system as if they have done something terribly wrong here," Pardy said.

He added: "I think if we could lower the temperature a bit I think maybe we could get a bit more speed on this case."

Comments are now closed for this story

Daniel H
said

Some of these remarks are very amusing. The situation of the woman is this story is not.

I�ve worked in Mexico. I have Mexican friends. I lived in Mexico far away from any of the resorts and with the general population. I have been to some of the resorts. I can make the following comments based on personal experience.

1) The judicial system in Mexico is very corrupt. This is true from the police on the streets on up. All the way up!

2) If you go anywhere in Mexico, you risk your money, health, freedom, and life.

3) There are only two classes of people in Mexico. Those that have and those that do not have. The have will do anything to keep what they have and get more, and don�t care about using the have not. The have not will do just about anything to get some of whatever.

4) There is more to this than a Canadian being accused of a crime she may or may not be involved in. Someone has an additional agenda.

5) If you think some of the things that happen to others in foreign countries can�t happen to you, you�re a fool! The same things exist everywhere.

6) If you think problems like this don�t exist in Canada and the USA, you�re an even bigger fool!

Boycott, boycott, boycott!
said

I wouldn't put my dog in a kennel for a weekend under these circumstances, and half of you are defending the right of the Mexican police to treat anyone this way? The bottom line is: Mexico is not a safe place to visit or live. If you're beat to death by thugs they'll be hosing down the streets before anyone can figure out what happened. Their treatment of this woman is consistent with their behaviour in general. It is not acceptable and it certainly does not warrant our business. Whether the government can do anything through diplomatic channels or not, WE CAN! Almost 90% of Mexican exports go to the United States and Canada and close to 65% of its imports come from these two countries. Their main industry is tourism. If Canadians in droves started cancelling their trips to Mexico, the coin would drop. There are rich and powerful people in Mexico who can get this situation fixed. We just need to make it an inconvenience for them personally, to let this situation go on.

Vince M.
said

Interfere with other country's judicial systems at your own peril.

I am reminded of when in 2001 Jean Chretien went to Pakistan and got them to release a Canadian aid worker who said he was being imprisioned against his human rights.

That man turned out to be Ahmad Sa'id al-Kadr, a financier for al Qaeda and close friend of bin Laden. He asked his sons to become suicide bombers (W5). He died there in a firefight with the US military. His youngest son is in Guantanimo for murdering a soldier.

Brian
said

Its funny how every time a Canadian citizen gets accused/caught doing something out of country, people scream for the government to interject.

These people that move to other countries don't care about Canada until they get in trouble and then they whine about how they are Canadian citizens and should be helped.

Reminds me of the millions of tax dollars we spent evacuating Lebanese Canadians in the 2006 Middle East crisis - All those people came to Canada to get their citizenship and then moved back to Lebanon. Years later when there is a conflict they want our help. We evacuate them out of the country to safety (Turkey and Cyprus) and then they all went back anyways!!

This woman has not been paying taxes in Canada for the last 10 years!! What gives her the right to ask our government for help? The fact she lived in Canada 10 years ago? She loved the country so much that she moved away....come on now!

And, she obviously thought Mexico was a great place to live before she became involved in a crime.

I'm tired of all this Liberal squabble......

Faryn
said

So, do we send in special forces troops to break her out? Perhaps bribe some local officials? What about just jumping up and down, and holding our breath until we turn blue? After all, we want action! Why wait for diplomacy? Why respect sovereignty?

Everyone keeps demanding that the Canadian government do something. Do what, exactly? Threaten Mexico with a tourist boycott that cannot be enforced? Wag our finger at them, as we drape ourselves in the Charter?

It is one thing to pressure their government for the trial that their own constitution demands. It is even logical to demand we assist her with legal counsel. However, demanding her instant return is unrealistic. Imagine how offended we would be if the US demanded one of their citizens be returned to them without facing trial.

Dave
said

From David D, "It seems odd to me that after being fired from a position she would then turn around and invest in the company owned by the person that terminated her employment."

EXACTLY what I was thinking. And it was YEARS later that she was arrested. Is the severance figure of $27,000.00 real?? Who gets that for being a chef for one year, then fired?? This whole story sounds very fishy to me.

Doug
said

Mexican justice has been laughable for decades.I agree that our govenrment should do all it can to get this woman out of there or.at least,move towards a fair trial.
Havung said that,I am at a loss as to what they can do to influence a sovereign country.It's possible that even the Mexican government is limited in how it ca influence the judiciary in their own country.It's easy to see how Mexicans would deeply resent a foreign country like Canada interfering in their justice system.If there is action that can be taken,I suspect most of it has.It would be a mistake to publicly embarrass the government.or the courts of Mexico.That could actually make the situation worse for Ms.Martin.
I would think ALL avenues of quiet and diplomatic discussions must be used BEFORE any very public demands are pushed.In the end,if a satisfactory resolution cannot be found,there is likely any real way to move their courts.I would hope,though,that a public "travel advisory",and an official warning about the lack of justice would be issued.Tourism is huge in Mexico.And it relies a lot on Canadians and Americans.
We do have some levers to use.But no way to DEMAND action if those levers don't work.

Vince M.
said

As sad as this is we cannot ask a soverign democracy to treat a Canadian differently than they treat others.

We certainly would not appreciate the Mexican government telling us our justice system is in the wrong.

Canadians would be well advised to think about these things when they travel or do business, and realize being a Canadian is not a free ticket out of trouble.

Janyce
said

My letter to Stephen Harper, PM:

I woke up this morning hearing once again the plea of Brenda Martin for you to have her released from the prison in Mexico. As a fellow Canadian and a woman I am at a loss for words as to how you as Prime Minister can let this agony continue. All of us as women in this country look to our government for protection, when needed, and comfort in knowing that we are a united forum. If this was one of your family I'm sure that you would be taking strong action towards her release.

I hear that you went to Mexico to meet with Ms. Martin. That was a good start. We, as Canadians, are all children of our forefathers who gave us freedom and security in knowing that our rights would be protected. If there is any compassion in your heart and soul, I pray to God that you will do everything in your power to have this woman released. In addition, upon her release, I would also ask that you ensure that Brenda Martin receive the care and attention she needs to heal from this horrific tragedy that has taken away the last two years of her life.

In so much as I disagree with the way the Mexican government is handling this situation I wonder if they are using Brenda Martin as a pawn for something else that is behind the scenes between the Canadian and Mexican government. If this is the case please, in all earnest, find a way to make this insanity stop.

You, as Prime Minister, are held accountable to resolving this tragic incident. You, Mr. Harper, must continue to work with the Mexican Government to free this woman so that she can once again be with her family and friends and living in this free country we call Canada.

I pray that you, the government, Brenda and her family will soon see an end to this tragedy.

Thank you for your prompt and diligent attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

A Canadian Woman

Janyce

Wayne Moses
said

I am not at all surprised at this lack of leadership by the present government and its leader.

Granted there may well be more ot this story than meets the eye.

However to say that nothing can be done at the highest levels to leverage (a) improvement in her conditions, and (b) her being granted her day in court, is NONSENSE.

When, as a Canadian citizen, I vote for a government, I expect that they will stand up for me when there is a gross miscarriage of justice and moral decency, even if it is in a foreign country -- espeically one that we supposedly are on friendly relations with and have a deal such as NAFTA to boot!

Harper can and must do something now and stop relying on his bureaucrats and lackeys to show the leadership he has repeatedly failed to demonstrate.

If he does not know where to start he can ask Chretien or even Martin.

Al B. Concerned
said

I urge all Canadians and others worldwide to let Mexico tourism know that we are prepared to boycott visits to their country until this innocent woman is freed. Here's the e-mail for the Mexican Board of Tourism: contact@visitmexico.com Our union represents 165,000 people and we trust they will be voicing their concerns to both Mexican and Canadian governments shortly as this is a human rights violation issue. Spread the word, get Brenda Martin freed.

darcy
said

I'm bored of this story already. We don't know the facts but there is enough here to know that things do not add up. On both sides. Let's get the facts 1st and then decide on action

With respect to boycotting travel and merchandise from Mexico. Give me a break. I've traveled to Mexico a bit and I've always felt safe. To be honest I have felt safer in Mexico than in many places in the US (or even Canada) I have visited, but then according to McLeans, I live in the most dangerous city in Canada (what a joke). But when traveling I go out of my way to stay out of trouble. I try to understand what's acceptable and what's not and always err on the side of being safe.

Naivety can get people in trouble, lots of trouble, but does that make it right?

So I have to go... There are some good deals to Mexico right now and I hope I can take advantage of one.

bckate
said

There is no question the emotion emanating from the Brenda Martin interview is heart-wrenching. Brenda Martin is in a fragile mental state. I have taken the time to research Alyn Richard Waage and Tri-West Investment Club. There are many, many participats in this scheme; some arrested and serving time while others are being sought by authorities. This is a Mexican, USA and Canadian investigation. If Brenda Martin is an innocent - guilty by association -- then bring her back to Canada if she wants to come. Although, in my research I read where Brenda Martin has stated to friends she never wanted to return to Canada. As far as the issue of Brenda's human rights being violated? She is able to phone long distance to the meda regularly?

MB
said

I agree they need to give this woman a fair trial and I wish her the best of luck!

As for people suggesting Canadians shouldn't travel to Mexico is the most ridiculous comment ever!Mexico isn't any less unsafe then our own country.

I travel to Mexico twice a year and was married there...it is VERY safe.

Roger, Hamilton
said

Gee Whiz people. If you think it's so easy for Canada to pop down and pick-up this woman from Mexico, which is by the way a sovereign State, why didn't Paul Martin just bring her back with him. All the government can do is request considerations in this matter. If the Mexicans feel she doesn't deserve this special attention then she won't get it no matter what anyone in Canada says. By the way maybe, just maybe she is guilty of a serious fraud. Do you think any Canadian accused of a crime in another country should automatically be sent home right away? Tit for tat would then apply wouldn't it. A Mexican accused of the cold-blooded killing of his wife in Toronto would just have to ask and he could go home. Wouldn't that be a wonderful system. Don't let her tears cloud your thinking here. If you go to a foreign country you take your chances with their customs and laws. It is as simple as that.

Jim
said

Man, I'm getting confused by all of this. Do we really know the whole story here? The best thing to hope for is a quick resolve. Contacting the PM and Mexican authorities respectfully asking for expedience seems to me to be the best course.

EF
said

My wife and I have decided to visit the Bahamas in April instead of Mexico as a result of this injustice. Mexico will not be getting our patronage.

Concerned But Not Gullible
said

I am really glad to see there are some Canadians out there who are not jumping on the band wagon yet! In as much as the standards of the Mexican judicial system may not be to our liking and what we have become accustomed to, how can anyone be comfortable in pleading for this woman's case without knowing all the details. We just do not know the whole entire story.

I guess all of you who think this is a travesty would take your severance package upon being fired, and re-invest it in that company? Are you all trying to tell us that she had no idea what her boss was up to? I do not for one minute believe you would and shame on you for not thinking this whole thing through.

Yes, some Canadians have suffered at the hand of the Mexican system but before making asses out of yourselves, you should be asking yourselves why this woman all of a sudden wants our government to do something when she hasn't lived here in 10 years and did say she would never come back to Canada.

It upsets me to no end that people decide to be Canadians when it suits them and expect the government to bail them out. When was the last time this woman paid taxes in Canada?

For all you know, our government has investigated and they know more about this situation then they are privy to announcing. I cannot believe how gullible most of you seem to be. Since day 1, something has not been right about this story.

Wake up Canada

Alex
said

To you conservative apologists, this isn't an issue of Mexico being a foreign state. This is a human rights issue regarding a Canadian citizen. This is Canada, we used to be champions of human rights. And foreign land or not, there are international laws which transcends borders which Mexico is ignoring. So stop apologizing for your government and start standing up for the laws you claim to uphold. Start standing up for humanity, lest be you be evil.

John Allan
said

While I agree Canadians must recognize the sovereignty of other countries when it comes to domestic legal issues it would appear this case is substantially different. Firstly, Ms. Martin has languished in prison for over two years without a trial, and secondly, even the perpetrator of this fraud crime has esessintally exhonerated Ms. Martin of any culpability. What other evidence could they possibly have that would be incriminating, and if such evidence does exist why has this not been heard by a jury? Under such circumstances the Canadian government bears responsibility in ensuring our citizens are protected from such malicious treatment at the hands of what amounts to a Third World country. To say that we cannot interfere with the judicial processes of these countries is a complete cop-out. Personally I will never travel to Mexico and will do everything within my power, within my own network, to lobby other Canadians to do the same.

Adele B.
said

First off, Ms. Martin wasn�t a tourist in Mexico; she has been a resident for 10 years, so she is very familiar with its laws. If indeed, she has been treated so unfairly, I wonder how many other prisoners in Mexico are allowed to give interviews, make phone calls outside the country to a TV station, completely badmouth that country, its people and its laws, and yet, is still alive and kicking telling the story. The Mexican government is very corrupt, and many times that corruption can buy a ticket out of a bad situation; if Ms. Martin is still in jail after all the muscle that has interfered in other country�s affairs on her behalf, and nonetheless her team, being her family, friends and lawyer haven�t been able to buy her freedom out is because there must be a lot of evidence against her. Mexico is a sovereign country, and to expect Mr. Harper to call Mr. Calderon (Mexico�s president) to order her release is just foolishness.
The fact that this issue has been presented in a completely one-sided manner outrages me. Why as Canadians are so appalled that Ms. Martin has been in jail in Mexico for two years without being charge, when here in Canada we have Security Certificates that can imprisoned a person for indefinite time without being charged or even without a lawyer, and please don�t start blaming Mr. Harper for this, because it was the liberal government who implemented this law.
All those calls to boycott Mexico, please, let�s be realistic, as long as it is sun in Mexico and snow in Canada, I�m not about to give up my favorite vacation spot, because Ms. Martin allegedly laundered money and got caught.

Dean Murray
said

A sad story indeed. However, do we know for a fact that she is innocent? Perhaps Prime Minister Harper should be figuring out if the court system down in Mexico can give her a fair trial.

John in Niagara
said

Let me begin by saying this: I do feel very bad over the ordeal that Brenda Martin is going through right now with the Mexican justice system. My heart definitely bleeds for her, and I hope things get better for her very soon.
However, I must also admit though that if it were me, taking all my severance pay for being fired and investing it all in the very person who fired me would be last thing I would want to do. So it does appear rather odd that Brenda did this. Another question comes to mind. How was Brenda able to get a successful business up and running if she 'invested' all her severance into her former boss? Where did she get the money to do this? Did she get a little help I wonder? Oh yes, also nothing was ever said about how she was paid her severance. Was it via an actual official paystub of some sort, or was it just handed over as cash in an envelope? I think it's fairly easy to see how this whole scenario does look kind of suspicious if you pay attention to the facts, or lack thereof. Could CTV News look into these questions I've raised please? It would be nice if we got the full story on this.

Boondock Saint
said

War on Mexico anyone?

shayne
said

I am sick and tired of people whining about thier rights when they get into trouble abroad. Your rights as a Canadian citizen end when you cross the border.Period. When you get into trouble abroad your rights are the rights of the country where you committed the offence. No more no less. Either stay home, stay clean, or stop complaining. She is innocent you say? Gee I bet nobody has tried that defence before. It is not for us to decide, but a Mexican judge to do so. Stop expecting the Government of Canada to bail out every sad sack who gets themselvs into trouble be it in the USA, Mexico,Lebanon, or wherever. Her story is sad but tough nuts.

Don
said

You neo-cons are right. We have no right interfering with the internal workings of foreign countries.

So, when are our troops coming back from Afghanistan?

S
said

I challenge anyone who thinks they can do better, to try. Don't blame Harper, no matter who is in power, there would be the same result. We don't have all the facts, that is a given. I am sure there are facts unknown or purposely left out to make it look like our govt in doing nothing to help this woman. I sincerely doubt this is the case.

M. Yates
said

How awful!!!
Where's Rambo when you need him..
SWAT team??
Somebody? Anybody?

R Turner
said

I can't believe our Government cannot do something to bring this woman home - HOWEVER, if they can't/won't WE the Canadian public CAN do something.

I've already sent a message to the Mexican ambassador in Canada and pleaded that Mexico either release this woman immediately OR at minimum, have her transfered to a Canadian jail to face any legit charges. I explained to the ambassador that I would NEVER vacation in Mexico again nor would I buy anything with a "Made in Mexico" label on it until this situation is resolved fairly. Like someone else already said, this could happen to any one of us visiting Mexico...

If Mexico is worried about tourism and trade, they need to sit up and take action on this case.

I would encourage EVERYONE to do the same to try to help this woman. We are not completely helpless to assist this woman even if our own Government cannot/will not.

Larry
said

Candace,
First of all, she was not transported from our country to theirs. She has been living as an employee of Mr. Waage for years, in Mexico.
Secondly, while the government says that there is nothing to be done (as clearly stated on their website), there are levers they can press. It's too easy to throw up their hands.
Lastly, WHY does ANYONE travel there??? Are you NUTS?!? There have been so many instances of Canadians flying off balconies in the night, or being stabbed in their hotel rooms and finding the blame placed oh other Canadians. Or bribery demands from them. My perception is that this happens to a disproportionate percentage of Canadians, but I don't see how this can be. Maybe it's CanCon content in the news. Anyway, boycott ANYTHING Mexican, including travel. Hit them in the collective wallet.

Karen
said

Mexico is a safe vacation destination???
Our government allows this but send troops where???

Francis
said

Hellloooo, my fellow Canadians, do you all not get it? This Conservative Government has shown how it totally disregards the safety of Canadians abroad, case in point:

Omar Khadr in Guantanamo, Brenda Martin in Mexico and there is currently a Canadian on death row in Saudi Arabia facing execution, has the Harper Government stepped in to prevent this? No. Enough said.

So, next elections, think about this.

jJack
said

It is not so important if she is really guilty or not. Two years in a jail, in horrid conditions, without a trial or even a charge. In Canada we have people out on parole for murder in less time. Our representatives of the people, our government, has no excuse for less than using full diplomatic force.

Dave Kreizenbeck
said

Interesting...if we reverse the situation and had a Mexican, whom had been living in Canada for 10 years, we would expect them to adhere to our laws and go through our legal system if there was a breach. If you choose to move to another country, you must choose to abide by their system of justice...fair or unfair as it may be. I'll just stay in Canada and raise my children here thanks.

GN
said

If she's not been tried, and the imprisonment exceeds reasonable holdng time (which it looks like it does) then her rights have been violated. As a Canadian citizen she should be able to expect her country to defend her.

Harper should use all possible diplomacy, including enlisting the US, to get her out. If that doesn't work within a month he should send in a well-armed JTF2 squad to bring her back, diplomacy be damned.

Ki-Som
said

I truly feel sorry for Brenda, but she is in a different country. Mexico laws may seem out of date compair to Canadian laws, but we must respect them. Canada does not have the legal right to force Mexico to do something, just because Canada doesn't agree with it. That is what the US does all the time, and look at the mess they are in. When you travel to another country, you must obey their laws. If you break them, then you must pay the price.

Lee
said

This would not dare happen if she was an American!

Ben
said

During my time in the Canadian Military I spent a few years on the back of a Canadian Destroyer. At many ports of call we were sternly warned not to get into any trouble because if the ship did not have enough cash on hand there was no way we were going to be released from authorities. SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM!!!!!!!! Shurley Canada has given Mexico enough to as for this small favour. Like the Volvo plant in Halifax to name but just one. Just buy them out, enough of our own big businesses are given huge sums of money for nothing, why should Mexico be any different.

sailordave
said

I believe there is much more to this story than is being reported. As many have questioned why would you invest with a boss that fired you. Also this woman is a resident in mexico not a canadian resident, and has lived there for 10 years she should be well aware of how they operate and the down side of living there. It is very nieve to believe that Canada should come to your rescue if you break your country of residencies laws. We should be just as outraged for the other 10 people in her cell surely in similar cituations, only they were not canadian citizens at one time.

Less emotion is required here....
said

I have spent the past two an a half years working in Mexico in their oil patch offshore. Mexico's legal system is just not different from ours, it is nothing like ours. The whole system is corrupt from the president on down. Bribery is expected and people get angry when not offered one. One reason they are not letting her go may be because that the man charged in serving his time in the US, so naturally Mexico needs someone to charge with the crime, so they chose the cook/cleaning lady. In Mexico, it matters not that she had nothing to do with her bosses crime. What matters is that the mexican's have someone to parade in front of the court. I'm ashamed of Canada for having anything to do with a corrupt country like Mexico. Our fearless leaders don't have the balls to stand up and say this is wrong, she is being held illegally and we want her released without delay or there will be consequences. To not stand up and say this is wrong is to be no better than those that hold her. Cowards in Mexico, cowards in Ottawa.

King of Kensington
said

you can rest assured that if ms martin was a canadian citizen born in a foreign country with terrorist ties the canadian government would be pulling out all the stops to bring her home.

Steve Comba
said

Canada should put a travel advisory on Mexico. It won't do a lick of good up here but the Mexicans might think it will. When it comes to drinking cheap cervezas in the sun, most Canadians wouldn't stop for anyone or anything. Poor woman. I hope she survives this.

R. Cole
said

Canadians should boycott Mexico. There are other places to spend our money. I support Harper and understand his position, but I feel he can do more about this. Even if it means getting in their face a bit. Mexico needs us alot more than we need them.

Chris
said

For those who really want to do something about the problem. Apposed to just sitting watching it on TV and complaining about the problem.

Here is the e-mail address to the president of Mexico.

Tell him how you feel as a Canadian.

Maybe just maybe if we flood him with e-mail, he will get off his ass and do what our Prime Minister won't do!!

His Excellency Felipe De Jesus Calderon Hinojosa
President of the United Mexican States
Residencia Official de los Pinos House Miguel Alem�n
Col. San Miguel Chapultepec, C.P. 11850, Federal District, Mexico
Fax: (+ 52 55) 52772376
Email: @ felipe.calderon presidencia.gob.mx

James in Calgary
said

I don't understand all the people who are saying it's up to our government to get this woman released. Last time I checked, Mexico was an independant and sovereign nation. The decision is their's. We can demand and ask and plead all we want. If Mexico says "No, we are not releasing her" that's the end of it. Is it tragic? Yes. Is it the fault of the Canadian government that this woman is not released yet? Absolutely not. Those claiming that it is are simply anti-conservatives promoting their own agenda.

steve I. C.
said

This is indeed an outrageous situation, and our gov't is not doing enough. The actions of our gov't is embarrasing in my view. While we must respect Mexican law, we cannot stand by and let one of our own be denied basic human rights.
Oswald (previous post)wrote to the PMO...good luck in a reply. I too have written our "leader(?)" and did not receive the decency or a courtesy of a reply. Helen Guergis should be publicly demanding this woman to be released, she should demand it immediately as well.
Is this another case of Canadians being polite and accomdating, and not wanting to the rock the boat?

Wishart
said

if i understand this right she has not been conficted of any crime the man who was is saying she has no part of it and she is in mexican jail for two years now i may be wroung but is that is this not againts our laws as canadians and should our prime minister or does the law only apply if your in canada

Dylan
said

This compounded with the rest of the tragic events to befall Canadians visiting Mexico is enough for me to never want to visit that country. Nothing but bad things happen down there.

Po
said

I will NEVER visit Mexico again. There's been too many violations of the legal rights of Canadians in Mexico over the past 4 years. I would fear my personal safety visiting that country again, and that's a travesty because Mexico is full of wonderful, honest people.

Linda
said

To JDP:
The Mexican government suspected this woman of being involved in a fraud scheme because she was employed by the preson running it.

Now they haven't been able to find a shred of evidence to back up their claims but because of their mideval justice system they are allowed to keep her in prison until she dies or until they can find the evidence. Since the man in charge of the fraud scheme has already proclaimed her innocence, I suspect the former unless Harper gets on the phone and does something about this.

The ONLY politician who has done anything significant in this matter is Paul Martin but I doubt his efforts, as well intentioned as they may be, will produce significant results... Harper, the ball's in your court, DO SOMETHING!!!

For the past 2-3 years I've been getting more and more concerned about what happens to foreigners in Mexico... Ms. Martin's story has sealed it for me, I'll never visit that country!

JDS
said

Margie says it best! The Canadian "Federalizes" here at home ought to put themselves or their loved ones in Brenda Martin's precarious position. It is clear that our government has known about Brenda's plight for a long, long time, yet they have failed to repsond! Shame on you Stephen Harper!!!

Bonnie Shouldice
said

There's lots the government can do under international law, the Geneva Convention, NAFTA, etc. It choses not to.

It chooses not to intervene on behalf of Canadian hostages at an American base in Cuba; unlike other nations that have had their nationals freed. It chooses not to intervene on behalf of Canadians subject to the hideous ritual of the death penalty in the US and Saudi Arabia.

The answer is simple. Issue a travel advisory for any country holding Canadians illegally and without due process: Mexico, US, Saudi Arabia. Do "quality assurance" testing of Mexican products entering Canada to ensure conformance to Canadian industrial and agricultural standards. That should hold up goods for a few months.

We don't need anything from Mexico. Not a thing. Why are we pussy-footing around this issue.

Cat
said

I feel Stephen Harper should be helping her get our of Mexico if it was one of his friend or family members they would be home already. I have been to Mexico several times but I will not be going anymore.
Bonnie

Nick
said

Write to the P.M and Ms Guerguis and request something to be done. I have done this. It is a terrible state of affairs. This lady deserves, in the very least, basic human rights. There have been too many Canadian's going to Mexico, some never to return, like the Ianiero family. I find it outrageous, and I for one, will not be heading to Mexico anytime soon. We should boycott Mexico and hurt their financially, as they are hurting Canadians.

TW
said

It is time to take Mexico off the travel destination list.

I rather spend my hard earned dollars at other vacation spots than in a country over run by corruption and lack of basic human rights.

Also shame on the goverment for not doing all they can to help a citizen. We have citizens getting killed in Afganisthan to bring democray or justice over there.

What about helping our own citizen?

Shouldn't that be number 1 priority to spend my tax dollars.

Betty
said

You all talk about writing letters and boycotting Mexico which is a start..I guess. This is one of many issues wrong with our government and the world.
It's clear she has no desire to live back in Canada but now requires our help to get her out of a situation she put herself in.

Just a thought here, but maybe we should be a little more concerned with what the government is doing or failing to do in our own country right now.

How about health care, the legal system, crime, taxes, etc. Why do we keep sending money abroad when it's needed here?

Maybe it's time to stand up and try and fix this country and worry about what is happening at your doorstep.

Thankfully we are a bit more civilized here than in other parts of the world but when did we become so delusional to think that we can change the world? Or we can change other legal systems? Or the way other people think? Or the way third world countries are run?

Mexico will always be Mexico, and as every other place in the world we disagree with. You can boycott it and any other place all you like. But after your vacation to wherever you will still come home to the problems you never stood up for to begin with.

It's time to wake up and think of our country, our children, ourselves and our future.

AF
said

brenda should be let out of jail its not fair for her to be in that place for dong nothing.
i also think that their trying to make up stuff about her just to keep her longer if anyone should be in jail and stay there it should be alyn waage
she did nothing she just worked for the guy and dident know anything about what he was trying to do.
its pretty bad that shes lost over 30 pounds. i just hope that she can hold on and live untill we can get her out.
im only 14 and im even learning about her i feel so bad that she is in jail i think that shes a nice woman and WE CAN GET HER OUT!

machad
said

1.) This is horrible for this woman whether or not she is guilty or innocent.
2.) Canadians in general seem to be blissfully ignorant when traveling to another country. People, you have to do your research before you travel to another country. If it looks unsafe, don't go no matter how good the travel package looks!
3.) If you want to see change, stop going to Mexico and encourage others to boycott Mexico as well. When they lose their tourism from Canada, they will have no other choice but to remove their corruption.

KT
said

Joe, you are living in a fools paradise. Once you have a problem with the Mexican justice system, you would change your opinion very quickly.

Every country has its own criminal "justice" system and is not necessarily the English system that Canada & US are built upon.

No habeus corpus = unless you have to go, stay away!

Connie outside of Ottawa
said

I am ashamed and appalled that our PM is doing nothing but am i shocked absolutely not. The U.S. stepped in to help Duane "dog" Chapman but Harper says he can do nothing BULL!! Bombard his office not that it will do much. Canadians need to get GWB jr out of office. he is doing nothing for the average canadian citizen, he mustn't have time to with his lawsuits.

Jim
said

The issue isn't innocence or guilt, it's the fact that there are no charges and she is still in jail. This woman could very well be guilty, and if she is will have to come under the laws and sentences of that country....I do think our government has the right to demand that charges need to be laid and the process begun, or she should be released. But as flawed as our government might be, people should think twice about leaving this country

Are the facts known?
said

Canadians should not go to Mexico...Harper should give Mexico two weeks to release her our we have a full embargo of Mexico.

VJP
said

While I am not commenting on the "right" or "wrong" of this case (even though I believe there's plenty of "wrong"), there is one thing I like to comment on:
Several of the above comments state that Brenda Martin has not been charged with any crime.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe she has in fact been charged with money-laundering or some such thing.
IMHO, the "wrong" in this case is the lengthy delay of an open and fair trial.

Mark
said

I was wondering why my previous post was not submitted. It seems you like to give a forum to liberal party hacks like "IT Manager" but a real citizen repeatly get his posts ingnored because they don't fit into your bias story lines. SHAME ON YOU CTV!!!

Don
said

I think a lot of people fail to realise that Harper can throw a fit on TV and burn Mexican flags all he wants and it won't do any good. Mexico is still it's own country and they don't have to charge anyone to lock them up.

We as Canadians get all freaky when the USA tries to meddle in other countries affairs. Unfortunately, what is sass for the goose is sass for the gander.

I've been in Mexico and have been in the dark side of Mexico. I am not heartless, however I do not understand how anyone here can expect Canadian treatment in a foreign country.

Janice
said

Once you decide you don't want to live in Canada and move to another country you should not expect to retain the rights of Canadian citizenship and have us come to your aid if you get in trouble. Sorry lady, you don't pay taxes here, you haven't lived here for 10 years and you entered into a scheme,albeit unwittingly by your account, that could land you in jail. I would expect our gov't to respond to an incident involving vacationing Canadians. I don't feel we should be helping out people who left Canada a decade ago. This also applies to people who choose Canadian citizenship and then move/vacation in Lebanon

Frederick Ding
said

This is an outrage! I watched the W5 story about Brenda Martin and was appalled to see what this Canadian woman has had to endure. Suicide watch indeed, why wouldn't she want to kill herself in those conditions after more than 2 years of having her cries go unheard and no light at the end of the tunnel? You can be darned sure that if it was the loved one of Stephen Harper or Dalton McGuinty, something would have been done immediately! What is our Premier of Ontario (Brenda's home province) or our Prime Minister doing to help Ms. Martin? Absolutely nothing! This is absolutely unforgivable to leave one of our own citizens rotting away in a Mexican jail with no help and no hope! Something must be done and we must call upon our Prime Minister to help this woman.

Dennis Cleasby
said

I have not seen the TV media interview even one of the 6000 victims of fraud. These are seniors bilked of their life savings.
Show some balance coverage. I am sure that they will cry for the camera too.

Pete
said

Dennis
I keep wondering why canadians keep going to Mexico when you look at this case, and keep in mind how many Canadians have gone there for a vacation, and came home in a box, having died for some unknown reason.

Robbert
said

For all of you people who continue to lash out at our government for not getting her released...Please read the following:

There is very little the gov't can do. period. The small amount that it can do has already been done in the form of requests and persuasion.

I'm not even a Harper supporter but to blame our gov't for this disgusting situation is ridiculous. The mexican gov't needs the kick in the butt.

And by the way, does she deserve a trial...yes. Do we know if she is innocent? No. Who dosn't proclasim their innocence when they are sent to jail? Exactly!!!

RH
said

Somebody needs to save this poor women, I have no doubt that she is a victim in every sense of the word. I would avoid travelling to Mexico - it is not a safe destination.

Kat
said

Remember when Stephen Harper said he wasn't going to interject when that Canadian man was sentenced to die in the United States and everyone thought it was great? I told you all then... hope that no one gets captured in a country like Iran or North Korea. I didn't expect it to be Mexico but, shame on you all.

Al Johnstone
said

Brenda Martin deserves to be brought home...Let's all get together and BOYCOTT MEXICO!!!...There are soooo many other places in the world to visit!!!

Grace
said

Our "NEW" government has handled this with disgrace. They have sat back and did nothing. He local MP has done absolutley sweet dick.
Unfortunately I think their new policy is - Canadians if you get in trouble in a foreign county "SCREW YOU"

Bob
said

Money talks loud and clear. Let's boycot our Mexican vacations until this is settled. It's the least we can do for this poor woman. I grew up in California where, other than a quick trip across the border to Tiajuana and back, no one would pick Mexico as a holiday destination. It may look modern in some locals but much of what you don't see is still run like the wild west.

greatwhitenortherner
said

It would seem that as a Canadian visiting Mexico, should you encounter any type of problem there, one would find themselves pretty much alone. WHERE IS OUR GOVERNMENT WHEN NEEDED. How many Canadians have had problems there. Lets try to help this poor woman get out of jail.

SD
said

The conservative gov't should be ashamed of themselves. So much for protecting Canadians. Absolutely disgusting! Harper and Guergis how do you sleep at night?

To anyone who says there is very little Canada can do, oh yes there is... Lets start by having the PM demand her release due to the unfair nature of her incarceration, then issue a warning not to travel to mexico, next canadians should boycott all mexican products, then have the gov't threaten to sever trade with mexico, if that doesn't work, then completely cut off all trade. If our so-called PM refuses to do anything about this then vote him out of office and put the pressure on the new PM.

Its not really that complicated if one cares enough.

Steve Z
said

All Canadians that will still travel to Mexico after this have no national identity or pride whatsoever ! Especially if you were born this country. I immigrated here, and I'd like a couple of minutes alone with the mexican judge in charge. Mexico will never see a cent from me.

Maurizio Laudisa
said

To those defending travelling to Mexico and will continue to do so ...

Please do!

Just don't then ask the government for help when it is YOU sobbing for help.

Their job is not to bail you out of your poor decisions.

Instead of travelling to Mexico and having a holiday while their people die of starvation all around you ... sponsor a child there ... and change a life.

DEFSK
said

I would encourage everybody who has expressed their feelings in support of Brenda's case, to write to Prime Minister Harper, to the Secretary of State Helena Guergis, and to the Mexican Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador Emilio Rafael Geicoechea (addresses are provided below).

The following is the text of letter to Prime Minister Harper (e-mail is pm@pm.gc.ca).

"Dear Mr. Prime Minister Harper:

I'm writing to solicit your help to free Brenda Martin, a fellow Canadian citizen from Trenton, Ontario, who has been held without trial in a Mexican jail for the past two years. I think this case has touched themes of abandonment, solitude, injustice, and desperation that Brenda is enduring in some kind of surreal, personal hell.

Throughout this ordeal, our Government has appeared indifferent and ineffective in safeguarding the interests of a fellow Canadian at the mercy of a byzantine and somnolent Mexican justice system. Mr. Harper, as a Conservative voter, I have been pleased with your leadership of this country, and especially with your renewed efforts to make Canada matter again on the global stage. What better opportunity, then, to reaffirm our values and convictions than to exert decisive pressure on the Mexican authorities, and show the world that Canada does not abandon a fellow Citizen in distress.

I have written letters to the Mexican Ambassador to Canada and to our Secretary of State. I have reached out to Paul Macklin, a Liberal MP who has taken up Brenda's cause. I have written CBC's Anna Maria Tremonti to ask that this story be kept front and center in Canada's public consciousness. I have donated to Brenda's fund via her website, http://www.savebrendafund.ca/home.html and solicited the help of many friends and colleagues to act on this matter.

I am now asking you to intervene with the force of a nation and come to the aid of a desperate and lonely fellow Canadian in need. Doing so will help Brenda, our dignity as a nation, and your conscience.

Thank you and best regards"

The addresses for you to write to are:

Ambassador Emilio Rafael Geicoechea
Embassy of Mexico in Canada
45 O'Connor St. Suite 1000
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1P 1A4

The Honourable Helena Guergis
Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade)
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

The Honourable Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa
K1A 0A2

Ms. Anna Maria Tremonti
The Current
P.O. Box 500, Station A
Toronto, Ontario
M5W 1E6

JS
said

This is not a Canadian government or Canadian justice system issue. Mexico is a sovereign nation, with its own legal system, and there is no requirement that a person be charged with a crime to justify their detention. Stop blaming the Canadian government. And don't be ridiculous about hidden schemes, or tourism connections. I have vacationed in Mexico for 18 years, always felt completely safe, and understood that my rights under Mexican law are different from those under Canadian law. Our government has done the right thing by pressing for a quick resolution to the matter: no one can know for sure that this lady is innocent of the charges because the evidence has not been examined. Please, please: Mexico, get moving on this case and deal with it fairly and expeditiously.

Michael Thomas
said

Show your support through a boycott of "Made in Mexico". Maybe Canadians can embarrass our P.M. into action through economic ways.

jay
said

What do you people mean, by 'bring her home now', and 'real action'? Are we supposed to invade Mexico? I�m sorry, but none of us know what work that gone on behind the scenes for the last two years. Diplomatic relations is more than the Prime Minister just �picking up the phone�. What would we do if a foreign nation started making demands for Canada to release prisoners. Our government should really only be pressing for her case to come to trial as soon as possible.

Candace
said

I think that more information regarding Ms. Martin's case would be quite helpful. Why was she suspected of being involved in the fraud anyways? And as she put it "I was kidnapped from my home.." Does our government have any problem with this? Was there any red tape that was passed for this woman to be taken to Mexico even for the "verbal declaration" that she assumed?
I am currently enrolled in an online law class, and if I am asking reduntant questions, I apologize. But I just can't see how this woman could be taken from her home country and detained in prison in another country without being charged for something. I do know that these countries can legally arrest someone without charging them, for example in the Natalee Holloway case, Joran Van der Sloot was held for months before something was brought against him.
I know that the Canadian Government cannot change these rules, or inforce ours upon them... but is there nothing we can do to ensure that if this woman truly is innocent, she be released?

Maureen
said

We pay taxes for our government to aid individuals in situations like this. Why has this remained unresolved for so long? This woman clearly needs help now. And yes, yet another reason to boycott Mexico.

Zoey
said

I was detained and jailed in Mexico in 2004. For urinating in a public place. There was no washrooms close by and I asked a group of mexicans where I could go, They pointed to the back of an old garage. I got there and another person was relieving himself. The mexican Police pinned us both against the wall and stripped searched us, then let the other person go "He happened to be mexican".
They brought me in the station and stripped searched me again, threw me in a 10 x 10 cell with 11 other people, toilet was disgusting, meals were once a day.
They kept me there for 6 days before seeing someone.
I was refused phone call or a lawyer. they kept saying "you get one tomorrow, " Then They brought me in another room with a judge. He decided to give me a $527.41 U.S. fine. This was the total amount of money I had on me when they brought me in. When I told them that was the only money I had left, the judge said I was a lucky man,,he could have charged me $2000.00 and 1 month in jail.
Mexico is corrupt.
There were Americans in there that had been locked up for over 2 months without knowing why they were there in the 1st place.They had no charges against them but were locked up anyways.
I have fears of going anywhere outside Canada.
That's why I feel for this poor lady locked up. Canada should be aware of treatment of foreigners and should do a lot more than they are doing now to get her out of there..

John in Ontario
said

You see a poor sobbing woman on TV. The automatic assumption that because she's female she MUST be an innocent victim. Granted, she should get a speedy fair trial, but she did cross voluntarily into Mexico known for the corrupted nature of it's judicial system. Caveat Emptor. Last, she got a $27000 payment now claimed to be a severence pay. How many people drop a years salary to a "cook" on termination? The con the boss ran scammed lots of people out of lots of money. They are the true victims here.

Dougb
said

I do not believe it is our Governments right to stick our noses into other countries legal system. Over the past few years now, more Canadians are enjoying Mexico, some have been injuried, Killed etc. You are going to a foreign country, they investigate not Canada. If we do not like the out comes of these investigations, dont go to Mexico, you as a Canadian are just giving the rest of us bad names down there. Yet in our Country, if a foreigner commits a crime, we expect jail time, we have seen in the news people protesting the government not keeping them in jail and so on. This is Mexico, not Canada and not the USA legal system. It seems the governement is doing all it can. If you think asking for a ban on Canadians going to Mexico, you are nuts..why should us travellers be affected.

steve I. C.
said

Harper should post a travel advisory to Mexico, that will influence Mexico's decision or suffer a loss in tourism. Canadians should think twice about traveling to Mexico anyways, we've been robbed and killed there enough over the past couple of years. Now we see what happens when the innocent get tangled up in their judicial system, if Harper was a PM of the people he make this happen, but he's not. Boycott Mexico.

Norah
said

I also saw the W5 program and heard this woman's sobs this am. I cannot believe this can actually be happening. There are, I believe, a few other instances in the past few years where Canadian have been blamed for criminal activities in Mexico. I am sorry that Canadians do not realize how fragil we are in other countries. Why don't Canadians visit Canada, we have the most beautiful country in the world and it is all ours to visit without any hassels. Why are Canadians vacations in countries like Mexico and not in our own CANADA.

C. Langman
said

Not sure why it's taken 2 years for ordinary Canadians to hear about Brenda's plight and the politics may take a while yet. In the meantime, do you know an address where we could send cards filled with encouragement for Brenda?

LM
said

Interesting that Paul Martin happened to be in Mexico to visit her. He hasn't been in the House for at least six months!

Marc Leckman
said

After watching the story on TV and trying to find all of the relevant evidence, it is shameful of the canadian press to only present one side of the story. As "investigative" reporters you made a commitment to find "all of the information" not just the news that will get a reaction. A canadian being held without reason for 2 years is not all of it, just like WMD's was not all of it. We are continually being asked to give an opinion on half a story and hoping that once the real story comes out, it won't matter anymore. We can't judge our government or this woman until we know all sides.

Beverley
said

It was heartbreaking to hear Brenda Martin's pleas to our Prime Minister this morning on Canada AM and shameful that our government is unable to help a fellow Canadian abroad with all of it's political and diplomatic relationships in Mexico and trade agreements. The excuse that nothing can be done because this case is mired in the Mexican legal system is appalling. How are we to believe that Canadians are safe to travel abroad to any country when our government has no power or influence to stop injustice against our fellow Canadians in cases such as this? If Ms. Martin hasn't been charged in two years and twenty-seven days, why has the government allowed this detention to continue this long and not stepped in earlier? Does it have to take such intense media attention, hard work by supporters and protests from the public to get our Prime Minister to listen to pleas to do something against injustice at the last minute? How do our international laws protect us when we are abroad and do they really when injustice like this occurs? Why does it seem that our diplomats only work diligently for people with political connections or financial status and means in these kinds of matters? Are Canadians safe to travel to and live in Mexico anymore? So many questions and no concrete answers from our government or the government of Mexico. Mr. Harper please submit a formal diplomatic protest with Mexico to bring Ms. Martin home. Hasn't this atrocity gone on too long? Your credibility as our leader of a free and democratic nation is in question.

Chris Walford
said

My family and I will NEVER travel to Mexico. Their government is corrupt to the core. We are sick of watching Canadians being murdered, raped, falsely imprisoned and then covered up by their corrupt police and government.
Enough!!

Roger T
said

Ann
If no one can do anything due to not interfering in with another countries laws. There is something everyone can do in Canada and every other country.

Goodluck to you and your supporters. hopefully, this will not backfire and Canada hit with tourism problems. We as Canadians have many problems but somehow our media only paints a Hollywood picture of our nation. Realisticly what country doesn't have problems, just because we're Canadians doesn't mean we have no problems and if we do we also put a positive spin to things.

Sophie, Ottawa
said

This is such a sad story; it's leaving me speechless...

I am devastated for her, I am also angry that our own government is sitting back on this issue and is not doing a thing to help a desperate Canadian...

Brenda,
I want you to know that Canadian citizens are supporting you and thinking about you!

joe
said

Ann: "Tell your friends to absolutely not vacation or go to Mexico."

Typical over reaction.

We go to Mexico twice every year and will continue to go. We've had only good experiences. If people boycotted every country in which a Canadia is in jail, we'd all be myopic and spend no time outside of Canada.

LM
said

She chose to stall her own trial and pursue a charter challenge - had she gone through with the trial she would have been transferred back to Canada already and likely released.

Fair play merits Fair trade
said

We have no leverage as a government, but as a people, we have all of the power in the world. Redirect all purchasing power away from Mexico.

This is what I suggest:
1) Zero travel to Mexico
2) Zero product purchases / imports from Mexico
3) Contact all travel agencies, and have them put up the following sign: "Mexico -- Traveller/Buyer Beware: Risk of Injury, Death, and Injustice are extremely high."
4) Immediately tear out any magazine advertising that is Mexico related
5) Give any friends/family a REALLY hard time if they choose to break my embargo.
6) Issue a no-travel advisory for all Canadians
7) To our soldiers: no more decompression time in Mexico
8) Invite the President of Mexico for a state visit. Let Canadian protesters do the rest.

Carol Turner
said

I wrote to the Prime Minister three days ago and he gave me the official line "we cannot interfere in another gov'ts judicial system". He was forwarding my email to Minister Bernier - have yet to hear his reason as to why this poor woman is still in jail.

I am going to email Harper again and my own MP as well as the Mexican Ambassador to Canada. I will be letting him know that I will not be travelling to his country until this is resolved.

Let's hit them where it hurts - tourism.

How can the Prime Minister not be moved by the plight of this woman. It is time to stand up for Canadians Prime Minister.

Brian
said

I question why she would invest money with someone who had just fired her - that's definitely not something most people would do.

If she is innocent the government must do everything in its power to have her released.

Unfortunately she must wait while the justice system in Mexico runs its course. When you go to another country you are bound by their laws!!

Melissa Haynes
said

Please sign the Brenda Martin petition online and join fellow Canadians in boycotting ALL tourism to Mexico and all imported Mexican products. Human rights and international agreements are being violated in Ms.Martin's case. Please bring her to Canada at once. I have canceled my trip to Mexico this month and will support the boycott. Compassion not complacency.

Process....rules, procedure
said

Those who are quick to bash the government don't seem to understand that there is process. Things just don't happen because you want them to. Foreign governments don't necessarily operate as we do and you cant push them as so many would like. That's what the US does but here in Canada we have a different way of doing things.

HM
said

Before jumping all over the government back we should try and ascertain all the facts. Canadians and Americans alike need to get it in their heads that our laws do not supersede the law of another independent sovereign nation. Also, other countries do not like to be told how to handle their internal business.

If I was part of a scheme that got busted I would deny I know anything about it. It is only natural. She was fired with severance and took her severance and invested it back with the same man who fired her. She might be innocent but this runs against the grain of normal behaviour. If I was fired by someone I would not want to have anything to do with that person or any of his/ her activity.

bman
said

When I was in high school about 35 years ago, a friend of mine was killed in a car accident in Mexico. His poor parents had to bribe many people to get his body home. Sorry to say that things haven't changed there.... there are many corrupt people there and if you are going to travel or work there, understand that you are in a very different country.

Ian N.B.
said

@Mark M

Usually innocence or guilt is proven in a court of law after the offender has been charged. This woman was brought in on no charge and only as a connection to a man who was tried and convicted. Honestly what the hell are we doing, sure they have their own justice system but this is just totally cruel.

Rex
said

Here is an extract from the Mexican Constitution. Note that it states He and not person.
Article 20 V111 States "# He shall be tried within four months, if charged with an offense whose maximum penalty does not exceed two years' imprisonment; and within one year, if the maximum penalty is greater.
She has been in prison over 2 years. Read their constitution and then determine if they even know it exists.

Steve
said

Canada has always been involved in foreign cases dealing with our citizens ... that is, until Harper took office.

If our government does not react responsibly to this situation, I for one, will remember it when it comes time to vote.

Write to the PM's office and voice your displeasure with their handling of this case.

Daryl
said

A couple of weeks ago my City (Grande Prairie, Alberta)signed a "sister city" agreement with Mazatlan Mexico.
Perhaps with encouragment from Canadaians my council will rescind this agreement to apply some extra pressure for Mexico to consider.

Gordon
said

What JDP said. Emotion has no place in law. It's a tough and dirty world out there.

Belinda
said

Hey �Gary� � re:

There is really very little that our government can do in this case. Mexico is an independent sovereign state with it's own judicial system - however faulty we may view it.

Let me guess � you work for the �Honourable� Helena Guergis don�t you?

Please!!!

I think everyone knows that all it would take is one phone call from the right Canadian authority (PM) to have this woman free. Stop making excuses for the unacceptable (lack of) action by the likes of Guergis, MacKay and Bernier.

The people responsible for the well being of Canadians abroad should be told to resign�. Their incompetancy seems to know no bounds and it�s beyond alarming.

No more diplomatic visits, No more diplomatic �notes� (what the heck is that anyway?) � real action NOW!

But, in the likely event that real action won�t happen, it�s up to regular, everyday Canadians, supported by the media, to do the work of our elected officials. I just hope Canadians continue to channel their outrage directly at the PMO �

�unless of course we�re all too busy watching news reports about the tragic death of our fellow Canadian, Brenda Martin�

Fed Up
said

Here's how Mexico fights for it's criminals...

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=54243

And we can't bring an innocent citizen home?

Typical Canadian apathy!

BOYCOTT MEXICO!!!

Vicki
said

If our government can't do anything then we should!
Let's start sending emails to the Mexican ambassador or to our government to be forwarded in support of a boycott to Mexico until they recognize that Canadian tourists expect a certain level of security and fair justice. Our tourism helps their economy and with numbers we could certainly make an impact. Although, I believe with our free trade agreement...our government could apply some pressure.

bill overden
said

The Canadian government should issue an immediate travel advisory to warn of legal and human rights violations in Mexico. Perhaps when tourists stop going there, the Mexican government will pay attention. It is well understood that officials in Mexico respond well to "financial stimulus" !

GJ
said

Set up a website which outlines the recent horrors to which many Canadians have experienced in Mexico.

Use the donations to her legal fund to buy Google ads for the keywords "Mexico", "Mexico Holiday", "Mexico Travel" for Canadian travelers (traffic) in #1 position.

Direct potential travellers to this website and outline what a 3rd world country they really are and the dangers of going there.

Offer other destinations as an alternative. Could be self funding that way.

Send a letter to the Mexican Embassy to let them know that there is a groundswell of Canadians against their actions, and that tourism to their country will suffer as a result.

Begin letter writing campaign to Canadian tour operators to drop Mexican holidays.

If this story had received this type of airplay a year ago, and response, she'd be home by now.

Ann
said

If no one can do anything due to not interfering in with another countries laws. There is something everyone can do in Canada and every other country. Tell your friends to absolutely not vacation or go to Mexico. To the extreme stop buying goods from Mexico and stop importing their goods. When countries don't listen, hit them in the pocket book its the only way. If you think this is heavy handed think of yourself being in that situation one day.

Anne
said

This government won't step in....this lady is not an immigrant nor will our government step up to the plate with respect to incidents involving women. Look at the example of the two Canadian women from Ontario and their escapade several years ago.

Roadrobber
said

Perhaps Canadian Prime Ministers have become a bit gun shy when it comes to asking sovereign countries to release Canadian citizens who are in foreign jails. Remember when Jean Chretien got Ahmed Said Khadr freed from a Pakistani jail by appealing directly to Musharref? Hmmmmm...isn't everyone innocent?

Mark M
said

When you travel to any other country ... even the USA, you go there accepting their laws and customs. Don't expect eveyone else in the world to hold the same values we have. Remember that the next time you travel somewhere.

Just crying does not prove innocence. If it did, our prisons would be empty.

David D in Manitoba
said

I feel bad for this lady not getting what we in Canada assume is a right, that being a fair and speedy trial. I do not assume her innocence, though. It seems odd to me that after being fired from a position she would then turn around and invest in the company owned by the person that terminated her employment. There is more to this story than we are hearing. That being said, our government should do all it can to expedite the trial so she can answer to the charges.

JDP
said

I'm sorry to sound heartless and cruel, but when did Canadians not become subject to the laws of the land they are visiting? I'm tired of the sentiment we hold that simply because we are Canadians, we somehow are entitled to diplomatic immunity of some sort. If something bad happens in Mexico, it is the Mexicans' fault because we are Canadians and we are always innocent.

Mexico has too much to lose to simply detain a foreigner 'willy-nilly'. They are not as stupid as a lot of people here like to think. Perhaps a real news story going into the facts behind her detention (going beyond 2 sentences), and not a sob-story dealing with how sad this woman is, would shed some light on what is really going on here.

Mexico has every right to detain this woman because they are sovereign. We castigate the US for not respecting the sovereignty of nations, but are we not doing the same thing here?

Joanne
said

Our Government needs to do all that they can for Brenda Martin immediately. It will be a very long time before I would vacation in Mexico again. Listening to her sobs this morning was heartwrenching.

JR Witwicki ~ Saskatchewan
said

I urge all Canadians to Boycott all Mexican Travel & Products. Mexico is Not a Safe Vacation getaway!

I urge every Canadian to Contact our Federal Politicians.

Is it time for Trade Sanctions against Mexico?

Roger T
said

If she's wrong than let the laws of that country play it's role. We can't have our Gov't involve in each and every single case which will destroy the confidence of our Gov't.

Of course she's gonna deny that she's not aware of what she was allegedly investing in and plea and cry on TV for help. Who wouldn't do that if they knew they're in trouble. Pls it's old news. I watched the airing of the show and didn't believe her a bit.

John Lobbezoo
said

To everyone reading this: please email Helena Guergis (guergis.H@parl.gc.ca) and Stephen Harper (pm@pm.gc.ca) urging them to do whatever it takes to bring Ms Martin home. We all need to let our leaders know that Canadians want Ms Martin home.
Thanks

Lillian
said

If this woman is innocent then I agree that she should be released. Bear in mind that she was not just on a vacation to Mexico when arrested but had been there for 10 years. She has repeatedly said that she does not want to ever come back to Canada. As for Paul Martin visiting her, will these former PMs and has-been politicians never give up trying to keep in the limelight?

Harry Stone
said

I was shocked to hear Brenda Martin this morning pleading for her life. I am ashamed by our government�s inaction on this. This is really a very simple matter. Do whatever is necessary to get her released. I sent this email to the Prime Minister I know I will never visit Mexico again.

Att: Stephen Harper

I listened in horror to Brenda Martin this morning on Canada AM.

If you have any humanity you will today call the Mexican President, strongly warn Canadians to boycott Mexico and do any other measures which might stop this madness.

Harry Stone
St. John�s, NL

Joy
said

After hearing brenda on TV this a.m. I e-mailed pm's office requesting intervention to bring her home. I am getting all my friends to do the same. It is disgusting how she has been treated and as much as I thought I would like to travel to Mexico - I now feel we should boycott them. I've never e-mailed authorities in my life before but this just burns me up!

Dell
said

Another reminder to everyone - Mexico is a third world country and while living there might be a bargain - don't expect fair treatment in the event of a legal matter. We travelled extensively in the Caribbean and believe me, there is no place like home. Vacation to or residency in any of these countries should be undertaken with greater caution.

Ian Rankin
said

Enough of the BS letters! One of those overpaid politicians, namely, Stephen Harper, must go down to Mexico and DEMAND this poor ladies release immediately.
Canadians as a whole must at the smae time ban Mexico from any further trade or even travel plans. Ian Rankin

Angeline McIntyre
said

People of Canada and from around the world must do something for this woman. She sounded so distraught that I believe she is NOT going to survive this ordeal. Pressure must be put on the Canadian government to interveen. As well awareness must be more global. The Mexican government must also step up to the plate. There have been too many incidents between Canada & Mexico to let this go. I am sure other incidents from other countries have arisen but we are not aware of them. I appeal to everyone around the world to supply their experiences with Mexican officials to the Canadian government. Money must be raised for her defence also. I ask the people of Canada to do what ever they can to fundraise for Ms. Martin. I will at least try to get a hold of our media to start something.

Norma Seibert
said

I am appalled that Harper and Ottawa have done so little for this Canadian woman. All travellers should stay away from Mexico, there have been too many bad instances.
I have always been a very proud Canadian, but there have been a few things lately that have really upset me.

I could go on and on, but basically, someone get off their butt and help this woman.

Tim
said

I have a lot of sympathy for this lady and wish her to be back in Canada, but people must remember that it is another country and our government can only do so much. I'm sure Mexico doesn't like to be told by other countries that their justice system is no good.

Like we've heard so many times before, if you go to another country, you must abide by their rules.

Victoria Bedford
said

Having watched the original W5 show several weeks ago I find it absolutely outrageous that Ms. Martin is still in that Mexican Prison. What is going on here ? Why are diplomatic relations between Canada and Mexico such a problem? I am truly beginning to believe there is much more than meets the public eye here, and that Brenda Martin has become some kind of pawn.

Margot A. Leduc
said

As a Canadian I think it is awful that Brenda Martin has been in a Mexican jail for 2-years and 27 months.

After watching W-FIVE and seeing how she is being treated is not human. The justice system didn't help her. She didn't get a fair trial and not even a translator to help her out through this whole process.

What is our Consulate in Mexico doing to get out of prison? Where is the Canadian government in this whole thing. Are we just going to let Canadian citizen wrote in foreign jails until they die in them.

If we don't get Brenda Martin out of the Mexican jail she may commit suicide.

If we want to make an impact on Mexico then as a Canadian tourist I will not be spending my money in their country and I think most Canadians should do the same. Let's hit the Mexican government hard by not spending our hard earned money in their country.

James
said

What's the problem here? Bring this Canadian home already. If we didn't already know that the Mexican legal system was far worse than ours, here's another case in point. It's quite likely that any jail time Ms Martin would have received if convicted of fraud would be cancelled out by the time already served, especially if she were on trial in Canada. I think the Canadian government should twist a few Mexican arms and work out a deal where Ms. Martin will be dealt with in the Canadian legal system. Mexico has already exacted sufficient penalty from Ms. Martin for a crime she has not been convicted of. Bring her home or release her on bail! Meanwhile, our ultra Conservative government needs to be more agressive in dealing foreign governments holding Canadians in foreign jails. All of this "low key" diplomatic pressure needs to be replaced with "high profiled intrevention." It may not actually improve the plight of all Canadians in foreign jails, but it would clear up the preception in Canada that not enough is being done to help. As politicans well know, "preception is reality."

Ron Vermeulen
said

For God's sake, get her the heck out of there. 2 years and 27 days and no trial? This is ridiculous. I've seen our government do much more for people who have done worse. The time in addition to the fact there was no translater available when she was first arrested is not right. This kind of stuff is why I do not travel to Mexico anymore.

Oswald campbell
said

Hi CTV I just watched your morning show and it inspired me to write the following to the PM:

Dear Sir,

This morning I woke up to the sound of my TV, but this time it was not just the news. Not just the news because I could hear the cry of a Canadian woman pleading for her life to you.. to Canada. I sincerely hope that you were as angry as I was to hear that a Canadian was detained for 2 years without a trial!!! How can we have a trade agreement with a country such as Mexico? Does Canada have any pull at all in that country? Why is she still there? She�s not even charged with anything! I believe that the other Canadians who heard this are so mad they could spit! I strongly recommend contacting the Mexican government and having her released, to which they should be compliant as she isn�t even charged with anything. If this is such an insane notion for them then I strongly recommend severing all relations with that oppressive nation. This letter is short as I have short time until I go to work, however if this letter is not properly addressed I have no problem sharing it with a few million of my closest friends. I am sure this issue will be expedited immediately.

Sincerely
Oswald Campbell
Canadian

The email to the pms office is :
pm@pm.gc.ca

Good work CTV I hope we get this lady free.

FreakAlert
said

I have a feeling this woman is a pawn with some sort of hidden Mexican/Canadian issue at hand.

Are the Mexicans using this woman as leverage for Canada to issue a claim that Mexico is safe for Canadian tourists? Or, in my opinion, maybe, with Mexican immigrants? Whatever the case, this poor woman is just a pawn.

Audrey A. Ogilvie
said

This situation CAN be rectified. The government should summon up the will and act. There are no charges against Brenda Martin.She should be released. Mexico should expect less Canadian tourism. People are afraid. Please let this hideous situation come to an end immediately.

M. Mac Isaac
said

My heart bleeds for this woman. How can our government sit back & let this happen?? She needs to be released............... Shame on our Government for letting this get so out of hand@!

RELEASE THIS WOMAN!

Heather
said

This was one of the most powerful moments I have ever seen on TV. The pleas from this Canadian woman languishing in a Mexican jail without being charged for a crime must be heeded. Her human rights have been completely disregarded.

Gary
said

There is really very little that our government can do in this case. Mexico is an independent sovereign state with it's own judicial system - however faulty we may view it.

Benalto
said

Just so everyone is aware when they go there....there is no habeus corpus in Mexico as in Canada and USA. They do not have to charge a person with a crime to keep them in jail, and this woman may sit there till the system catches up with her.

PM Harper needs to call the Mex. court to try her or release her. There is leverage we can use as a nation.

Zand
said

Travesty indeed.

Perhaps yet another reason to avoid Mexico?

Margie
said

My heart breaks for this poor woman. It could have happend to any one of us. I am ashamed of our government for not taking action right away when this happend. All Canadians who vacation in Mexico should be boycotting this country. We need to have Brenda released right away!