Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Grieving Saskatchewan Family Angry Convicted Drunk Driver Moved To Healing Lodge

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Feb, 2017 12:42 PM
    SASKATOON — A relative of a Saskatchewan family killed in a drunk-driving crash says the woman convicted of their deaths was transferred to a healing lodge one month after being sentenced to 10 years in prison.
     
    Lou Van De Vorst tells Saskatoon radio station CKOM that he and his wife are angry after being informed by victim services of Catherine McKay's move.
     
    Van De Vorst's son Jordan, daughter-in-law Chanda and their two children, two-year-old Miguire and five-year-old Kamryn, were killed in the crash just north of Saskatoon in early January 2016.
     
    McKay pleaded guilty in June to four counts of impaired driving causing death and was sentenced the following month.
     
    Van De Vorst says they knew the woman would eventually be transferred to the lodge, but figured she would spend at least three years behind bars first.
     
    Correctional Services Canada won't confirm the transfer, but says indigenous inmates can be sent to a healing lodge to provide culture-specific services.
     
    "We're hurt, we're angry, we're upset," said Van De Vorst. "To me the punishment doesn't fit the crime. Something's not right there."
     
    Van De Vorst also worries the quick transition to the healing lodge sends the wrong message at a time when the Saskatchewan government is trying to curb drinking and driving in province.
     
    "There has to be consequence enough to make people think twice about what their attitude is towards driving," he said.
     
    Van De Vorst said he also learned McKay was receiving supervised day passes outside the lodge, although he's unsure why they're being issued.
     
    Correctional Services Canada said it makes placement determinations based on the risk posed by an offender, their personal needs and potential for re-integration into society.
     
    Factors such as employment, marital status, substance abuse, emotional stability and attitude are also considered.
     
    In a statement to the radio station, CSC spokeswoman Joan Dunajski said "based on a healing and holistic approach, indigenous programs target offenders' needs in the context of indigenous history, culture, and spirituality, while at the same time addressing the factors related to criminal behaviour."
     
    Van De Vorst said he hoped McKay would take advantage of every program the lodge offers to help better herself and prepare her for a return to society.
     
    "I hope some good comes out of this." 

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Paramedics Called To Assist B.C. MLA After Health Issue At Legislature

    Paramedics Called To Assist B.C. MLA After Health Issue At Legislature
    Paramedics were called to British Columbia's legislature to treat a member of the house who fell ill during question period.

    Paramedics Called To Assist B.C. MLA After Health Issue At Legislature

    Vancouver Seeking Judicial Review Of Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion

    Council members have voted to go ahead with a judicial review of the provincial government's environmental assessment of the Trans Mountain project.

    Vancouver Seeking Judicial Review Of Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion

    No Charges In Vancouver Double Murder, But Three Charged In Related Kidnapping

    No Charges In Vancouver Double Murder, But Three Charged In Related Kidnapping
      Twenty-six-year-old Ellwood Bradbury and 33-year-old Matthew Stewart were taken into custody in Metro Vancouver, while Erlan Acosta was picked up in Mesquite, Texas, and is awaiting extradition.

    No Charges In Vancouver Double Murder, But Three Charged In Related Kidnapping

    Motorcyclist, Pedestrian Killed In Separate Crashes On Lower Mainland Roads

    Motorcyclist, Pedestrian Killed In Separate Crashes On Lower Mainland Roads
    Vancouver’s First Fatal Collision Of 2017, Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing Road In Abbotsford

    Motorcyclist, Pedestrian Killed In Separate Crashes On Lower Mainland Roads

    Welcome Relief for British Columbians with Student Loans

    Welcome Relief for British Columbians with Student Loans
    The reduction in interest rates will save students $1,500 in the course of repaying the average loan.

    Welcome Relief for British Columbians with Student Loans

    Suspect Sought After Sexual Assault At SFU's Burnaby Campus, Students Worried

    Suspect Sought After Sexual Assault At SFU's Burnaby Campus, Students Worried
    Burnaby RCMP is warning the public after a woman was sexually assaulted last night at Simon Fraser University's Burnaby mountain Campus while returning to her car.

    Suspect Sought After Sexual Assault At SFU's Burnaby Campus, Students Worried