Quite the explosive allegations involving the RCMP detachment in Pictou County! It's being alleged several Mounties took part in sex parties, used drugs and overlooked weapons' regulations among other incidents. The charges are contained in an anonymous letter made public at a hearing in Stellarton. Former Stellarton police chief Amby Heighton is appealing his firing and the letter was entered as evidence. None of the allegations have been proven. And as an added twist to the potential scandal, this all took place while Ross Landry was the staff sergeant in charge of the detachment. Yes, that Ross Landry, Nova Scotia's justice minister. He's expected to testify at the hearing today. If Landry was indeed lax in running the detachment, and he denies it, one has to wonder about his capability of running the justice department. And when will the opposition start calling for his head. Stay tuned!
PC justice critic Cecil Clarke, a former justice minister, has added his voice to those critical of revelations some weekend inmates are serving their time at home because of overcrowding at the Burnside jail. Clarke says he wouldn't have allowed it. His solution would be to double bunk or more inmates in cells so that those who do the crime, serve the time. Overcrowding at the jail however is cited as one of the big reasons for the on-going violence there. Clarke's not swayed and says the province isn't "operating hotels. They are jails." Yes, but it's jail employees who often are injured as a result of the violence.
There's talk the man found murdered in a wooded area in East Uniacke was executed. That's the buzz as word spreads the young man was shot in the head. The RCMP have not confirmed any details. A group of all-terrain vehicle riders found the body mid-afternoon Sunday and called police.
I'm looking forward to skating around the long-track speedskating oval now under construction on the Halifax Common. The track will be used for this coming February's Canada Winter Games, but sometime around mid-December they expect it will be ready for public use and it will be free. The speedskating events at these competitions are a hugely popular event and the athletes we'll see this winter here will include some of Canada's future Olympians. And come spring, city hall's promising the Common will be rebuilt and will even have improved drainage as a result of the speedskating track.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
