Re: Citizen editorial, Matters deserved better.
I think we all could follow you until the paragraph: "Furthermore, one of the inquest's recommendations is ridiculous and should be tossed aside...." The next paragraph begins with: "Good luck finding RCMP members who would be willing to put a dog at great risk....." The Criminal Code is then cited and followed by your statement that: "This is a minor issue, compared to a federal government that neglects veterans...."
I found the language you used was unprofessional and disrespectful. There were, by far, infinitely more ridiculous goings on during the inquest. The use of the police dog was a major point of contention during the inquest, and to the family, this is an important consideration. I, therefore, would have liked to have seen more context provided and research done with respect to your treatment of this issue. Simply quoting the law, especially by someone who is not an experienced legal professional, is irresponsible in my view.
Generally speaking, the actual intent of the law and its actual use as recorded in the common law of this country should also be included by anyone who wants their interpretation of the law to be both credible and responsible. Obviously, I am not a legal professional either, however, I would think twice before making such use of something as complex and far reaching as Canadian law. I feel it is a duty or responsibility that is owed to the family of Greg Matters and to the public. Furthermore, as a less ridiculous recommendation by the jury, perhaps you would have found a recommendation something to the effect of the police leaving the dog out of the scenario altogether, as it was obviously deemed to be so dangerous to begin with that the dog should not have been there, but kept close by for immediate dispatch, should it have been deemed necessary. Perhaps this could have allowed for the use of an actual or more appropriate less lethal use of force or intervention, which then could have allowed for the safe apprehension of the subject, Greg Matters.
Unfortunately, I understand that even the cane he usually relied upon to walk in less frenzied circumstances, because of a severe back injury acquired in the course of his military service, could have also been considered a lethal weapon, perhaps leading to the same lethal outcome. Obviously, I do not agree with your statement that "this is a minor issue." It is anything but a minor issue. In fact, it is a pivotal point in this case, which resulted in the homicide of Greg Matters. Any loss of life, I would say, is not a minor issue. The treatment of veterans by our government? Judging by the incredible number of suicides of Canadian veterans recently, these issues are one and the same.
Fiona Kitt.
Prince George
