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Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898
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First Place
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Reading with the Ghostriders
SPORTS
High school volleyball tournament - Page 23 ELKFORD
Fire Prevention week - Page 3 SPARWOOD
Small business week - Page 7
BUSINESS
Fernie Ghostriders, Chris Solecki and Josh McKissock paid a visit to a kindergarten class at Isabella Dicken Elementary School on Monday as part of their Read with the Riders program. For the full story and more photos, turn to page 25. Photo by N. Liebermann
Home Hardware expanding - Page 35
Wilks’ kidnapping bill passes House of Commons vote
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
By Nicole Liebermann Free Press Staff
K
HALLOW EEN TRIVIA PET SAFETY CHILD SAFETY
Halloween safety Pull-Out
ootenay East MP David Wilks’ private member’s bill legislating a mandatory minimum sentence for kidnapping a child passed third reading in the House of Commons October 17 and is now one step close to coming into law. Bill C-299 would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for a stranger that kidnaps
a child under the age of 16. “This bill goes beyond amending the Criminal Code to impose a mandatory minimum sentence,” stated Wilks. “It goes to the heart of every parent who has young children. It recognises that the most vulnerable, a child, must be protected at all costs.” The bill was introduced by Wilks following the kidnapping of threeyear-old Kienan Hebert from his Sparwood home last September. Hebert was returned home safely
and without injury just a few days later, while his kidnapper, Randall Hopley, was arrested and pleaded guilty to the abduction. Hopley is currently undergoing a 60 day assessment to determine if he is a dangerous or long-term offender prior to sentencing. “This is not about taking away the power of a judge`s decision nor about interjecting into a legal system that some believe provides adequate sentencing,” commented Wilks. “This is about sending a
clear message that the protection of children is front and center when it comes to criminal behaviour.” Bill C-299 passed in the House of Commons by a vote of 151 to 117. Support was given by the Conservative Party, however the opposition NDP, Liberals, and Bloc Quebecois all voted against it. The bill will now go on to the Senate for debate before it can be passed. Following approval from the Senate, Bill C-299 would receive royal assent.
A Refreshing Perspective Toll Free: 1-877-423-2001 www.fernierealestate.com
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