Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to present a petition forwarded to me by Ann Tavares of London, Ontario.

Ann’s son Steven, was savagely murdered, in fact he was stabbed 28 times by a person who was deemed Not Criminally Responsible due to a mental disorder.  Just three years after his conviction, the murderer is now out on the street without a Criminal Record.

This petition aims to right this wrong by requiring that the amount of time the accused spends in hospital is reflective of the severity of the crime committed.

It also calls for the Review Board to be accountable to victims and the public regarding the release of anyone who may still pose significant threat to the public or the victim.

This petition has been signed by over 200 Londoners, certified, and it is my privilege to present it to the House on behalf of Ann Tavares, her family and her many supporters.