Writer criticizes Canada's weak laws

The federal Liberals claim their party is best able to protect women. The rate of sexual assault in Canada doesn't back this up. A 2004 UN Human Development Report provides crimes statistics for different countries. This was based on a UN survey, ensuring accurate comparative results. It lists percentages of the population that have been victimized by various crimes. In Canada the rate of sexual assault is a high .8%. The US rate is .4%. The rate for all types of assault in Canada is 2.3%. The US rate is 1.2%. For each category of crime surveyed, the Canadian rate was higher than the US rate. For assaults, the Canadian rate is twice that of the US, yet a smug Paul Martin deflects criticism by demonizing the Americans on their crime policies. The UN report also listed the rate of political bribery/corruption in Canada as twice that of the US.
Why is Canada's assault rate so high? The police in Canada will tell you that their efforts are undermined by an ineffective justice system. The courts often return violent offenders back to the streets that are at high risk to re-offend, including stalkers of women. Canada has weak Liberal laws with weak Liberal penalties imposed by politically appointed weak Liberal judges. The police also have a lack of funds and say the Gun Registry has been completely ineffective in reducing crime. That is $2 billion that could have gone into desperately needed policing and border resources. When Paul Martin talks of Liberal values that protect individuals, the facts show this applies to criminals rather than average women.
Sheryl St. GelaisrnVictoria

Editor:rnRE: Osoyoos Boundary ExtensionrnPolicing costs that will be the responsibility of the town by the year 2007 was not included in the comparison between the rural and town taxation. This comparison was in the Boundary Extension pamphlet mailed to rural residents in November.
Residents wanting to join the town should be aware of this increase.
Gerry Hesketh, Osoyoos

Editor:rnI wish to send a big 'thank you' to all the staff the Times.
Your excellent coverage of events and issues is much appreciated. Hats off to Julie Turner for her exceptional reporting on current hot topics. We are lucky to have her!rnAs a three-year relative newcomer (previously Victoria and Kelowna), I especially feel blessed to have met so many wonderful people here, through volunteering, shopping, etc. It is a pleasure to go out and see the friendly smiling faces on the street and in the stores.
Finally I would like to thank our 'pioneers' who built this town – it is always interesting to talk to you!rnLorraine SniderrnOsoyoos