English

(5 February 1997) — The killing of Tracy Latimer by her father, Robert Latimer, alarmed people with disabilities. The outpouring of public support for Robert Latimer also shocked people with disabilities. At the time of the first trial, the perspective of people with disabilities was largely ignored. It was Robert Latimer, Tracy's killer, who presented the Canadian public, via the media, with its understanding of Tracy Latimer and her life. Public opinion became skewed by an ableist bias because the voice of Canada's community of persons with disabilities was largely ignored.

(4 February 1997) — When the decision comes down in Robert Latimer's appeal, Irene Feika, a past Chairperson of CCD will be in Ottawa and available to the media to present the perspective of Canadians with disabilities in this case. Ms. Feika has her own personal experience with disability, is the mother of a daughter and an adopted daughter who both have disabilities and has worked extensively with multiply handicapped children. Coincidentally, Ms.

For Immediate Release

February 6, 1997

Winnipeg - The Supreme Court has set aside the conviction and ordered a new trial for Robert Latimer.

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities demands that the rights of Tracy Latimer and all people with disabilities be equally respected.

The Council calls on the Crown Prosecutor's Office in Saskatchewan to immediately retry Robert Latimer on the charge of first degree murder for the deliberate killing of his twelve year old daughter Tracy.

(14 January 1997) — On 20 January 1997, Ronald Leonard Brown was sentenced to two years in jail for manslaughter. It only took Manitobans 19 years to convict Ronald Leonard Brown, 37, for smothering to death 11 year old Ronald Lambert. This was despite the fact that Brown confessed his actions three weeks after Lambert's death and then on several other occasions.

[10 January 1997]

(On 8 January 1997, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on doctor assisted suicide. In the Glucksberg and Quill cases doctors and some terminally ill people, who have all since died, challenge bans on assisted suicide. The following views are those of Barbara Waxman Fiduccia, who is associated with Not Dead Yet, a US disability rights organization opposing euthanasia.)

Ottawa Citizen, January 8, 1997

The Latimer Watch began as a voice for the disabled because Robert Latimer became a minor hero, a good father, a guy in a tough spot, a sad sod who offed his disabled daughter, Tracy, with carbon monoxide as she squirmed in the front seat of his truck.

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL FOR THE PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

BETWEEN:

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, APPELLANT

AND

ROBERT LATIMER

(DOB: MAR. 13, 1953), RESPONDENT

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL AND NOTICE OF APPEAL

D. MURRAY BROWN, Q.C.
AGENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
FOR THE PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN
3RD FLOOR, 1874 SCARTH STREET
REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN S4P 3V7

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL FOR THE PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

by David Martin, Provincial Coordinator, Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities

(Winnipeg Free Press, 6 Thursday 1997)

Just over 20 years ago, people with disabilities across Canada came together and formed organizations to promote the rights of disabled citizens. Our struggles in the early years focused on achieving such advancements as accessible transportation, the right to attend mainstream schools, and access to buildings.

(20 December 1996) — At the Federal level, Canada's Liberals have been initiating activities which make the community of persons with disabilities question whether Liberals have turned their back on fundamental human rights. There is a Liberal Bill in the Senate, making it easier for health care professionals to withhold life sustaining treatment and the Liberal Party has passed a resolution decriminalizing assisted suicide.