Who are the clowns running the Quebec prison system?
The second helicopter prison break in 15 months is not only embarrassing but a question of public safety.
The three men who climbed aboard a helicopter at Orsainville jail were awaiting trial on a variety of drug and weapons charges and were facing a separate trial for murder.
These are dangerous men and should have been treated accordingly.
There is so much wrong with what happened here.
Why were security measures for the three relaxed just before the escape?
Why were handcuffs removed?
Why were they allowed free and unfettered access to a prison yard?
Why did one have computer and internet access?
Why were guards who watched the whole thing unfold powerless to stop it?
Why weren't measures put in place after the first helicopter break from St Jerome in March of last year?
I have a very hard time believing in coincidence.
La Presse reports that police and the prison were even warned of the escape.
Didn't any alarm bells go off when they learned the son of one of the escapees has a helicopter pilot licence?
I have the sense that everyone is more concerned with covering their derrieres than telling the truth.
This caper has made headlines around the world.
Happening once, well that is somewhat understandable.
Happening twice, that is unforgivable.
Liquor Board made sober decision
It was a sobering decision and the right one.
The Quebec Liquor Board was correct in striking down the idea to keep downtown bars open until 6 am.
It basically said the city didn't do its homework and any benefits would be outweighed by potential problems of public tranquility and safety.
For the life of me I can't understand why anyone would want to drink until 6 a.m.
Montreal already has great nightlife if that's what you are looking for but really we can do without the tequila sunrises.
Mourning in Moncton
The pictures were stunning. The emotion raw. The tears so heartfelt. The bellows of bagpipes.
Men and women in red for as far as the eye could see.
Watching the funeral for the three fallen Mounties this week I was reminded of the constant dangers faced by those who protect us.
The widows receiving their husband's Stetsons simply was too much for words.
But all this reminded me too, of what a good country we live in, where we honour and pay tribute to those who make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.
The prime minister was right in calling this an outrage.
He said "We ask what in God's name happened here, and why?"
It's a dangerous world sometimes and in Canada we are never immune from violence and hate.
But we are a decent country guided by decent values.
That was on display this week in Moncton where we all joined together in grieving but also in acknowledging our fundamental humanity.
