May 27, 1997
The following is the question Tami posed at the all candidates meeting in Etobicoke on May 27, 1997
My name is Tami Morrisroe. I am a 26-year-old mother currently in the federal Witness Protection Program. The media here tonight should know that showing my face would not only endanger my life, but that it is also an offence under the Witness Protection Act.
My question is in 2 parts; the first part directed to Allan Rock and the second part is directed to all of the candidates.
Mr. Rock, 3 years ago I made you aware of a convict who had claimed a relative of his had framed my father - Sid Morrisroe - for planning a murder he took no part in. As Justice Minister, you personally dismissed this information because you didn’t believe me.
I went on to follow up this information myself. What I found in the process caused the RCMP to place my family into the Witness Protection Program. For 2 months I have tried to reach you. I have logged over 50 phone calls to your office, the last one just yesterday.
Finally, last month other Members of Parliament helped me get a message to you personally in which I begged you to authorize the RCMP to follow up the leads I had uncovered and to place my father into the custody of the Witness Protection Program.
Another 2 weeks went by and again, you ignored me. Not knowing where else to turn I then sought help from the media to reach you. In spite of all this I have still not been able to get your attention.
I am risking my life by coming here today but I don’t know what else to do to make you understand that I need your immediate help. The Vancouver City Police have jurisdiction here but one of their officers is implicated in the frame up and they will not invite the RCMP to investigate the case. The RCMP cannot act without your authority.
Mr. Rock, this is my question to you. ‘About the same time last November that I was entering the Witness Protection Program you re-opened another wrongful conviction case on the strength of, and I quote, "new evidence that casts doubt on the guilt of the applicant and, that cannot be lightly dismissed." So, Mr. Rock, unless you are going to again, lightly dismiss this new evidence, I ask you, "when will you authorize the RCMP to investigate this case and, when will you employ section 749(2) of the Criminal Code to move my father to the safety of the Witness Protection Program before he gets killed?"
Secondly, I ask each of the candidates, "Do you think it important for a government to care about and be in touch with everyday Canadian people, and if so, what personal commitment will you make to address the needs and concerns of your constituents if elected?"
Allan Rock's Answer: He will not authorize the RCMP to investigate the case as his people are handling it. He suggests Tami ask Herb Gray to deal with moving her father to safety.
See the complete Story in the May 28, 1997 edition of the Toronto Sun and watch CTV National News on May 27, 1997. Also read any Southam Newspaper across the country - including the Ottawa Citizen, the Vancouver Sun and the Province on May 28, 1997.
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