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CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF ELIZABETH
FRY SOCIETIES Executive Director's Report Priority Issues and Law Reform Initiatives This year we had a number of opportunities to revisit the fundamental principles and values of our work, as well as to refresh our dreams and aspirations, as we collectively endeavoured to achieve our vision and to fulfill our mandate. As we embark upon our 25th year, we face the challenge that our work seems to be increasing rather than diminishing. As we dream of the day when organizations like ours no longer exist, because they are no longer needed, we continue to weather many challenges and experience significant gains. We continue to reflect upon the growth and strength of our membership and eagerly anticipate the possibilities that lie ahead of us. As we renew our commitment to our mandate and maintain our collective effort, we are buoyed, excited and inspired to strive for new potential. The following report will provide you with an overview of our challenges and achie vements of this past year, as well as a glimpse at the work that the membership projects for CAEFS.
The Supreme Court of Canada released its decision with respect to R.v. Sauvé on October 31, 2002. In a 5:4 decision, the Court granted prisoners the right to vote. Unfortunately, however, the majority decided that they did not need to consider the arguments that we made with respect to the applicability of the section 15 equality provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. A copy of the decision may be obtained via the web site of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Unfortunately, this winter, the Supreme Court of Canada refused leave to appeal to Sheri Pranteau, a young Aboriginal woman who, at the age of 21 years, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to life in prison. Much like the situation in the case of Lisa Neve, Ms. Pranteau was largely convicted on the basis of her personal writings (poems, letters, et cetera) illegally seized from her cell while she was remanded in custody awaiting trial. |
