He is guilty of a terrible act. But not an evil one, and I think that matters. Is justice really being served when Sidhu, and others like him, are locked up?
In a courtroom in Melfort, Saskatchewan on Friday, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the man who’s carelessness destroyed the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, was sentenced to eight years behind bars. Sidhu, whose running of a stop sign at exactly the wrong moment caused the accident, had already taken responsibility for his actions. He pleaded guilty to all the charges against him. He has apologized to the families. He is overtly profoundly remorseful.
That’s not rhetorical. I’m honestly asking. What does locking Sidhu up accomplish? Because it’s not a cheap thing to do. A year ago, the Parliamentary Budget Officer released a report on the costs of incarcerating offenders in Canada. The cost to the taxpayer for locking up one minimum security male prisoner is $47,370 per year. Let’s put that into perspective. Using 2016 numbers, the average Canadian taxpayer paid $13,456 in income taxes.
Sidhu should not walk free. He is guilty of a terrible act. But not an evil one, and I think that matters. Given the costs of incarcerating even a non-violent offender for a single year, sooner or later, Canadians are going to have to ask themselves if we’re getting good value for money here, and if justice is really being served when Sidhu, and others like him, are locked up.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Matt Gurney: Sometimes, horrible crimes need to be witnessedFor members of the public, viewing the New Zealand video is a personal choice. I offer no advice. But some evil needs to be seen to be believed
Read more »
Matt Gurney: Jane Philpott has something to say, and Canada needs to hear itPhilpott’s waving a red flag here, on the record, in public, in the pages of Maclean’s. Her decision to speak to Paul Wells is telling
Read more »
Discount airliner, not all safety included - Macleans.caMatt Gurney: Everyone knows flying cheap can be uncomfortable. But who knew it might also mean planes without all the safety features?
Read more »
Zdeno Chara, Matt Martin engage in heavyweight fight - Sportsnet.caWatch as Zdeno Chara and Matt Martin drop the gloves at the beginning of the second period between the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders.
Read more »
Toronto native Matt Black retires after 10 years with ArgonautsThe 34-year-old defensive back spent his entire 10-season CFL career with his hometown team, winning Grey Cups in 2012 and 2017
Read more »
Blue Jays' Matt Shoemaker strikes out seven in loss to Braves - Sportsnet.caMatt Shoemaker struck out seven, walked two and gave up three hits and three runs over five innings in the BlueJays spring training loss to the Braves.
Read more »
Warriors' Matt Beers earning praise as one of NLL's best defenders“I think Beers has very good for awhile, but it feels like he’s even more consistent this year,” says Colorado coach Pat Coyle
Read more »
The Liberals just can't quit the SNC-Lavalin scandal - Macleans.caMatt Gurney: They name a party insider to investigate. Prematurely shut down the justice committee. The Liberals sure seem determined to keep things boiling.
Read more »
Crosby, Penguins beat Predators in shootout - Sportsnet.caSidney Crosby's goal in the shootout gave Pittsburgh a 2-1 victory over Nashville on Thursday night, ending the Penguins' three-game losing streak.
Read more »