(April 2001)

Hon. Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice
284 Wellington St.
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1A 0H8

Dear Madam:

Re: Robert Latimer — Conviction for Murder

I am writing about the case of Robert Latimer, who has been sentenced by the Canadian courts to a minimum of ten years in prison for the second-degree murder of his daughter. The publicity about the case has now reached the United Kingdom, and I wish to add my concern to that of the many Canadians who have already written to you.

Until now, I have taken no interest at all in the workings of either the English or Canadian criminal justice systems. For that matter, I have never even been to Canada. The circumstances of this case, however, compel me to write. I am retired now, but as a former nurse, I am only too aware of the anguish that is suffered by the parents of severely disabled children, for whom there is often no escape from a lifetime of pain.

As you will be aware, Robert Latimer ended his daughter's life several years ago to bring an end to years of intolerable pain and suffering caused by her severe disabilities. This was not the act of a criminal, but the ultimate kindness shown by a loving and devoted father to a child in unimaginable distress.

The law needs to protect children and other vulnerable people, but the approach of the Canadian justice system in this case has been ill-considered, disproportionate and insensitive. Robert Latimer and his family have already endured six years of anxiety and uncertainty over the death of his daughter. To follow this with such an excessive sentence is nothing less than cruel. To add. to the effect on Mr. Latimer, he will be lost to his family for at least ten years. This is only made worse by what I understand is the legal requirement that the first two years must be spent in maximum security conditions. This is wholly inappropriate for a man who presents no risk to anyone, and simply serves to increase his suffering.

I am aware of the offers by many Canadian citizens who share my sense of outrage to serve part of Mr. Latimer's sentence on his behalf. For me, living in England, to make such an offer would be meaningless, but the Canadian government surely must take note of such an unprecedented campaign by so many individuals, most of whom would normally take no interest in such matters.

Your country has the reputation in my country of being liberal in its laws and fair-minded in their application. That reputation is being damaged by this tragic mistake.

Yours faithfully,

Rosemary Eddon
North Yorkshire, England