NEWS RELEASE

November 26, 1996  For Immediate Release

IS THIS WHAT THE LIBERALS MEAN BY JUSTICE?

"Andy McMechan sits in jail with murderers just for selling his own grain."

Ottawa - During today's Question Period, Garry Breitkreuz, MP for Yorkton-Melville, made the following statement in the House of Commons:

"When I was in grade eight, we studied the story of Jean Valjean, a hungry man who spent 19 years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread. Our hearts are pierced by that obvious injustice. A similar story unfolds before us in Canada.

Since July 7th, Andy McMechan has sat in a Manitoba jail with murderers because he wanted a better price for his waxy barley. Liberals felt this was a crime, and only the small, indefensible guys get picked on. After shopping around, they found a sympathetic judge who would teach Andy a lesson and make an example to keep farmers in line.

This government lets child predators roam our streets and even sets murderers free. Is this Liberal justice? Is this freedom? I introduced a Property Rights bill but the Liberals wouldn't even allow a vote on it. Don't we have freedom of contract in Canada?

The Prime Minister is afraid to challenge the atrocities in China, but maybe he could look at the injustice here in Canada. I support the Canadian Wheat Board as a marketing tool option for farmers but surely it does not mean this. Let Andy go home for Christmas to be with his family.

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For more information please contact:

The Office of Garry Breitkreuz, M.P.

Yorkton: (306) 782-3309

Ottawa: (613) 992-4394