Pubdate: Wed, 28 Sep 2005
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Tim Naumetz
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Roszko (James Roszko)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)

PM APOLOGIZES TO FAMILIES OF SLAIN RCMP OFFICERS

Martin Had Claimed 'Long Discussions' With Group At Memorial

Prime Minister Paul Martin apologized yesterday to the families of four 
RCMP officers slain in Alberta last March for earlier suggesting he had 
held "long discussions" with them during a memorial service shortly after 
the killings.

The apology, disclosed by a spokesman for the families, followed 
allegations from Conservative leader Stephen Harper that Mr. Martin had 
misled the Commons by exaggerating his conversations with relatives.

But -- as the grief of the four families became caught up in a political 
battle over federal policy on drugs and crime -- the spokesman for the 
families contradicted Mr. Harper's claim that Mr. Martin also deliberately 
snubbed an invitation to meet the families at a reception Monday on 
Parliament Hill.

Don Schiemann, whose son was among the officers killed by a violent loner 
near Mayerthorpe, Alta., said the families did not expect Mr. Martin to 
attend the reception for all MPs on Monday because they knew he would be 
too busy with the opening of Parliament and preparations for the 
installation of Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean.

A press aide to Mr. Martin said the prime minister was extending an 
invitation to meet with the families again, after they had turned down an 
offer of a government flight earlier this summer to meet with him in the 
capital.

Press secretary Melanie Gruer also denied a claim from Alberta Tory MP Rona 
Ambrose that Ms. Ambrose had personally delivered an invitation to the 
reception to the Prime Minister's Office. Ms. Gruer said Ms. Ambrose came 
to the office Monday, but on another matter.

The row was sparked by Mr. Martin's response to a question from Mr. Harper 
on Monday, the first day of a parliamentary session Mr. Martin earlier said 
he hoped would lack the sniping and bitterness of last spring's sittings.

During the exchange, Mr. Harper pressed the prime minister about changes 
the families were seeking to the criminal justice system, including their 
demand for mandatory minimum sentences for anyone convicted of growing 
marijuana on large grow-operations for trafficking.

Mr. Martin noted he had met the families at the Edmonton memorial service 
that took place seven days after James Roszko shot the four officers to 
death at his isolated yard near Mayerthorpe. Police found 283 marijuana 
plants in Mr. Roszko's shed.

"I met the families and had long discussions with them," said Mr. Martin. 
"I can assure the families and I can assure the honourable member that the 
government takes the issues that he has raised very seriously and that the 
government does intend, as has already been indicated, to act within this 
area."

Ms. Ambrose later told reporters the families, sitting in the Commons 
galleries as Mr. Martin spoke, were shocked by his statement.

"When I went up to fetch them from the gallery, they were very, very 
emotionally upset and said that that, in fact, had never taken place, he 
has never had long discussions with them," said Ms. Ambrose.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom