editorial
February 27, 2017 | The Vermilion Voice
Should Drug Dealers Be Charged With Murder?
Lorna Hamilton Editor
The other day I was scrolling through Fa c e b o o k , a n d I came across a meme posing the question “Should Heroin dealers be charged with murder to protect our children? Like and Share if you agree,” and it got me thinking. I don’t think the question asked should be just about Heroin dealers, but of all drug dealers who deal street drugs such as Crystal Meth, Fentanyl, and W-18 which in fact is 100 times more potent than Fentanyl along with other drugs known to cause death. Heaven knows the list can go and on and people who kill our children and loved ones should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Think about it. If you look at the defini-
tion of first and second-degree murder it states that first-degree murder is an intentional and planned act to take someone’s life whereas second-degree murder is usually unplanned; so with that said could it be possible to charge a drug dealer with first or second-degree murder? In my opinion yes they should be charged with murder because those dealers fully understand that the drugs they are selling can indeed cause death, therefore in my mind it is premeditated and an intentional, planned act to take someone’s life. I know a good defense lawyer can argue they didn’t intend to take their buyers life, as it would cause them a decrease in their customer base, in turn causing them to lose income. But let’s face it, those drug dealers know full well the drug can kill someone quite easily and does not give a rats ass whose life they take; they know more customers will eventually come.
If murder in the first or second degree isn’t a possible charge, then the charge of manslaughter should absolutely be considered and applied if the death was caused by the drug supplied. Back in October of 2016, the Edmonton Police Services laid its first charge of manslaughter against drug dealer Jordan Yarmey in connection with the death of 33-year-old Szymon Kalich who died from a Fentanyl overdose, and I say good for them!! I am pretty happy that Acting Staff Sgt. for the Homicide Section Dave Monson said that “Anybody who is providing or dealing in those controlled substances can be and will be held responsible for the deaths if we have the evidence to lay the charge.” I think it is time to stop slapping the wrist of drug dealers and start punishing them the way any other person would be if they killed someone. I don’t care if it was a person’s first time trying a drug or a drug addict who
have used for years, they are still a human being and someone’s son or daughter! What do you think? Should a drug dealer who caused another person’s death be charged with first-degree, second-degree murder or manslaughter? Tell us what you think by voting on our newly updated website! You can find the poll at www. vermilionvoice.com. At what degree do you think a drug dealer should be charged in the case of death caused by the drug sold? First degree murder Second degree murder Manslaughter Vote online at www.vermilionvoice.com
Family Day In Vermilion
Angela Mouly Reporter
Families frolicked at the Vermilion Provincial Park as the Vermilion Wellness Coalition hosted several activities on February 20. “It is lovely weather. We are happy with the turnout and like seeing different families every year,” said Crystal Jackson. Ninety-three people registered to take part in tobogganing, snowshoeing, Frisbee golf, snow painting, and a scavenger hunt. Families also enjoyed cooking bannock on a stick as well as hot chocolate and apple cider. Registrants also had the opportunity to enter several draws for door prizes. “The snow painting was the most fun part,” said Jenna Nimeck. “The people that come always have a good time,” said Jodi Simmonds.
Jemma Nimeck painted snow and sampled bannock on February 20. Melainia and Cassius Crawford snowshoeing on Febraury 20.
Thank You I would like to thank the first responders, the ambulance staff, the RCMP, Dr. Louw and Hospital Staff for the excellent care and attention I received on the day of my accident. Also I would like to thank everyone who came to visit me at the hospital and at home. Thank you for the phone calls, Get well cards, food and prayers. I appreciate your kindness.
THANK YOU
To Western Financial Group for their donation towards the new sound system at the Dewberry Hall.
Edwin Dyjur
VERMILION VOICE
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Publisher: Susan Chikie Editor: Lorna Hamilton Photographer / Reporter: Lorna Hamilton, Marie Conboy, Angela Mouly Graphic Design: Amr Rezk
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Photos Angela Mouly
THE INNISFREE & DISTRICT FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION
would like to thank the trophy sponsors and auction donors & all other individuals & businesses who contributed time, merchandise and services towards our 2017 annual supper & dance. Thank you to Louise Bohaichuk & Marianne Jackson & Volunteers for heading up our kitchen. Without your support it would not be possible. CPS Innisfree Sienna Red Angus Road Runner Water Hauling Kal Tire - Vegreville Deerland Ron’s Auto & Ag Agland - Vermilion Webbs Vermilion Investment Planning Counsel Innisfree Hotel Birch Lake Elk Farms Ferleyko Trucking Bauer Auto & Tire Marks Work Warehouse Peavey Mart Bilyk Financial Bernie’s Hot Shot Vermilion Packers Integra Tire - Vermilion Dale & Tannis Dmytriw Bar WD Cattle Company Rocky Mountain Equipment - Vegreville Eastalta Co-op - Mannville Mannville Hotel - Smokin TZ Cabin Boys Frank & Sheila Nykolaychuk Dwyer Mechanical Veg Mechanical Wowdzia Enterprises UFA Vegreville Ford Grant Miller Motors Webbs Vegreville Vintage Rose Jewellery Vermilion Vet Clinic Rhine Holding Petruk Trailer Storage
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D & S Water Hauling MarDar Electric Tingley’s Harvest Centre RM Consulting Minco Gas VM Systems Veg Autobody Larry Dmytriw Rodney Smith Mannville Beauty Salon Innisfree Seed Plant Veg Auto - Vegreville Molson - Cole Ambrock Louise & Rosanne Bohaichuk Hiway 16 News All-Clean Car Wash - Vegreville Duck’s Unlimited Mannville & Area Liquor Store Vegreville Glass Kirk Sharp Tri-ag Equipment - St. Paul Vantage Builders The Cutting Edge Family Hair Care - Innisfree Decals & Sign Obsessions - Vermilion Philip & Janice Dulaba Dennill’s Agri Centre Innisfree Art & Gift Gallery Stealth Bins Mothers Thru-Tubing Sharron’s Frame Shop Val Sweeting Marianne Jackson Irma Home & Garden Décor Anthony’s Classic Grill - Vermilion Boston Pizza - Vermilion UFA - Vermilion