June 25, 1997
For Immediate Release

THE FEDERAL JUSTICE MINISTER SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRST 
OFF THE MARK

OTTAWA, Ontario - Today, Reform Justice Critic Jack Ramsay criticized the 
new Justice Minister for failing to immediately request a suspension in 
the Supreme Court's ruling regarding warrants.  "The federal government, 
not the B.C. government, should have petitioned the Supreme Court's 
questionable judgement.   With thousands of convictions involving heinous 
crimes in jeopardy of being dismissed, how could the Justice Minister not 
react?"  questioned Ramsay.  "Hopefully, this isn't a glimpse of how Anne 
McLellan intends to handle her new portfolio."

The federal government plans to join the B.C. government's plea to the 
Supreme Court to suspend their May 22, 1997 decision for six months.  In 
a 5-4 judgement, the Supreme Court ruled police now need a judge's warrant 
before entering a home to arrest a suspect.  The ruling was made in the 
case of Michael Feeney convicted of murdering 85-year-old Frank Boyle.  
Feeney's bloody shirt and other key evidence was thrown out by the highest 
court.  Ruling that the investigating police officers obtained evidence 
illegally, the court ordered a new trial.  However, without the evidence 
there is little point in proceeding with a new trial. 

"The Supreme Court has tied police officers' hands, it has brought the 
entire administration of justice into disrepute and it has reinforced 
Canadians' concerns regarding the rights of criminals.  Criminals' are now 
more important than the truth - more important than justice," stated Ramsay.
"This is absolutely absurd.  And, if Minister McLellan isn't prepared to do 
something about it immediately upon the return of Parliament, then the 
Reform Party will push for the necessary amendments to the Criminal Code.  
The Reform Party will fight to ensure police officers can effectively do 
their job without being unduly hindered by the Charter."

For more information contact Jack Ramsay: 1-800-665-4358