Emotions ran high last Thursday as around 40 concerned citizens gathered at Good Shepherd School in Okotoks to determine the next step in the fight against pedophiles.
“We just want to know how we can protect our children,” shouted one woman.
Others became disgusted when Calgary MP Art Hanger read out some disturbing sex offender statistics.
“This stirs me up and gives me cause to want to strike back,” said Hanger in a powerful speech. “My intention is not to scare you, but to warn you what you can do as parents.”
It’s becoming apparent that the group, currently known as ‘Parents concerned about the protection of our children against pedophiles,’ has indeed gained momentum after holding a rally at town hall in early October to raise awareness about the issue.
Now that the dust has somewhat settled, the group is determined to lobby the government and do whatever it takes to change sexual offender laws on a federal and provincial level.
“We are going to have to lobby other bills if we are going to get some action,” said Cindy, who does not want her last name to be identified. “If we don’t push with some kind of public pressure, these bills are going to sit there and die.”
According to Hanger, dangerous sex offenders in Canada are only given a slap on the wrist for their crimes, so the MP is pushing for tougher sex offender laws with a minimum sentence of 20 years and a right-to-know legislation. He encouraged the public to pressure the government to take action.
“Why should one community go on red alert because of two or three people?” said Hanger. “You can never cure a pedophile, but we can manage them by keeping them away from our children.”
Okotoks resident Michael Tarasoff, a father of two young children, like many others in the community, is concerned about the safety of his children upon hearing the news that two pedophiles will be residing in the town.
In search of answers to calm his concerns and ease his mind, Tarasoff attended the public meeting.
“I just want some information on how to live with pedophiles in the community and how I can educate my family,” said Tarasoff. “There is not a lot of information out there , and the information I found on the internet scares me.”
Tarasoff did what many other concerned parents did at the meeting signing up with Block Parents.
“Becoming a Block Parent or volunteering with Citizens on Patrol are just some of the things we can do in the community,”said Cpl. Jim Stewart, who also attended the meeting. “People can also talk to their kids, and if they need help they can give us a call.”
The group plans to start pressuring the government soon by writing letters, signing petitions, and even sending items such as baby booties to government officials.
More information is available online at:
•www4.gov.ab.ca/just/crimeprev/hro.cfm
•www.granthillmp.com
•www.canadianalliance.ca/english/brochures/index.asp
•www.familyaction.org