Mr. Speaker, most Canadians believe it is not possible to commit murder and get away with it. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Susan Klassen was killed by her estranged husband. She was killed by strangulation. Her killer choked her so hard that he bruised both thumbs and then used a pillow case to finish the job.
Susan Klassen's killer will be eligible for full parole in less than two years. How is it that our society values Susan Klassen's life so little that her killer is released in just two years?
Susan Klassen was betrayed by the very justice system pledged to protect her. Her killer was able to claim provocation and the charge was reduced to manslaughter. How could cold blooded murder by strangulation possibly be considered manslaughter?
Did Susan Klassen deserve to die because her husband's feelings were hurt?
Legislators have a responsibility to Susan Klassen and to her family to ensure such a travesty will never happen again. Parliament must send a signal to the judiciary. Canadians have zero tolerance for family violence.