Montreal, March 3, 2002

The Honourable Martin Cauchon
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Sir,
First let me congratulate you on your nomination as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. I dare to hope that the management of certain issues will reflect the opinion of your constituents, of which I am one, as well as the point of view of the Canadian majority.
Unfortunately, if the past is any reflection of the future, I harbor real concern. Indeed, as I wrote to you last summer while you were my MP, as you still are, to let you know about my dismay in the Latimer case, you didn't judge it appropriate to answer the letter of an elder woman who wrote to you by hand and with great difficulty because of her arthritis. I awaited for an answer from you, but to no avail. I now dictate this letter to my daughter.
Sir, I am a great-grand-mother of 78 years old. My little girl Éloïse, who is now dead, was in the same physical condition as was Tracy Latimer. I only know too well what this littler girl had to endure as far as excruciating pain goes, as well as the devotion which surrounded her. This is the reason I feel a great sense of anger when I witness the unjust fate of Robert Latimer.
I have but one question for you to answer: what position do you intend to take when Mr Latimer will ask for The Royal Prerogative of Mercy?
Sir, I hope that when the time comes, you will show empathy for this courageous and loving father. I also expect that this time you will answer my letter

Sincerely yours
Aline Lavallée