The RCMP's disputing Nicole Ryan's claims they ignored her appeals for help to get out of an abusive marriage. The force did an internal review of Ryan's allegations and says it found no evidence she ever reported she was a victim of violence at the hands of her now ex-husband. That's not good enough for the Transition House of Association of Nova Scotia. It wants an independent review so that the public knows that cases of domestic violence are being taken seriously by the RCMP. Ryan claims she went to the RCMP nearly a dozen times with her abuse complaints, that their lack of action forced her to attempt to hire a hit man to kill her husband. The RCMP insists it has a zero tolerance policy on domestic abuse, but considering the rap on the knuckles the force received from the Supreme Court of Canada over its handling of the case, Justice Minister Ross Landry should appoint an independent review of the case.
Michael Ryan welcomes the RCMP review that found his wife never made the abuse allegations. He too is calling for an independent review, suggesting it will clear his name. The bigger issue however is whether the force indeed ignored his ex-wife's allegations, allegations Michael Ryan disputes.
The Crown thinks 20 years is sufficient enough punishment for convicted spy Jeffrey Delisle. The defence urged a sentence of 9 to 10 years. Justice Pat Curran will announce his decision Friday. If the court of public opinion had a say in the matter, Delisle would be spending the rest of his life behind bars for selling out his country.
A family of smokers caused a Sunwing flight from Halifax to the Dominican Republic to divert to Bermuda over the weekend. They were found smoking in the plane's washroom. A father, mother and two sons ages 16 and 22 were removed from the plane. The remaining passengers and crew were put up in a hotel overnight before resuming their journey. The family on the other hand was left behind in Bermuda and could face charges. At the least the jerks will never be allowed on a Sunwing flight again.
It's that time of the year again. Time for Diana Whalen's annual call for a mid-winter holiday. She began urging the day off in 2005 and has been rejected by both Conservative and New Democrat governments. Whalen's not giving up her campaign and is again suggesting the third Monday in February be designated a provincial holiday. BC this month became the 6th province to have a mid-winter holiday, why can't Nova Scotians also enjoy a break?
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
