Convicted wife killer Colin Thatcher invited to tough-on-crime Saskatchewan throne speech
CBC
Saskatchewan kicked off its fall legislative session Wednesday with a tough-on-crime throne speech presented while a former cabinet minister turned notorious convicted killer sat in the chamber.
Colin Thatcher, 84, said he was happy to accept an invitation from his good friend, Saskatchewan Party legislature member Lyle Stewart.
Wearing a blazer and bolo tie, Thatcher sat next to a provincial police chief as Lt.-Gov. Russell Mirasty delivered the speech laying out the agenda for the session.
Mirasty said the government is set in the coming days to introduce legislation akin to Alberta's proposed sovereignty act, the Saskatchewan First Act, which would define that Saskatchewan has exclusive jurisdiction over its natural resources and economic future.
But it was the focus to crack down on crime, with Thatcher's attendance, that drew the most reaction.
"Many Saskatchewan residents see the federal government as too lenient on violent offenders who commit gun crimes and too focused on punishing law-abiding gun owners," Mirasty said.
"This session, my government will take significant action to crack down on the illegal and violent use of firearms in the commission of crimes to ensure families feel safe in their communities."
Thatcher's ex-wife JoAnn Wilson was found beaten and shot to death in the garage of her Regina home in 1983. The killing followed a tense breakup between the couple and a bitter custody dispute over their three children.
Thatcher, an energy minister under former Conservative premier Grant Devine, was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He served 22 years behind bars before he was granted full parole in 2006.
He has always maintained his innocence.
When asked by a reporter in the rotunda if he thinks the province needs tougher crime measures, Thatcher laughed and said "enough" before walking away. He then joined Stewart for tea at a social gathering.
"Colin was a longtime MLA, and he's a constituent of mine and a friend of mine and that's why I (invited him) and I'm happy that I did," Stewart told The Canadian Press, adding it was the first time he'd invited Thatcher to a throne speech.
"If anybody has a right to be here, it's Colin Thatcher."
He added that Thatcher, "a fine individual," has had a tough life because of his time in prison.
Premier Doug Ford says his government plans to give Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport special designation that would allow the province to bypass municipal and provincial laws as it pushes to expand the runway downtown.
Jenelle Hughes says she worries every time her two older children take their car to get to Fanshawe College in London, Ont., from their home in Dutton.
Oil prices fell Monday morning after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would hold off on striking Iran’s energy infrastructure amid productive talks between the two countries.
While spring technically started late last week, Newfoundland and Labrador isn't free from winter weather just yet.
The Sudbury School Bus Consortium is suspending all school buses in Greater Sudbury as the community continues to clean up following a major storm.
Two large corporate landlords owning a combined 9,008 rental units in Halifax are reporting smaller annual increases in their average rents for 2025 than the previous year.
The Holt government has reached a deal with Ottawa on compensation for tens of millions of dollars in lost sales tax revenue from the Christmas season in 2024.
The government of Saskatchewan has announced plans to reduce the length of non-resident game bird hunting licences to combat illegal guiding.
An 87-year-old Alberta man is fighting extradition to the United Kingdom to stand trial for historical allegations of physical and sexual assault involving minors.
Eight casinos across southwest B.C. have been sold to First Nations in the last two years, with the province's gambling scene set to be reshaped as a result.
Hamilton hosts the Junos Sunday, and the musical awards show is bringing tourists, musicians, concerts and a ton of themed events to the city this week.
The multi-million-dollar deal at the heart of a high-profile fight between the Canadian government and one of the world’s biggest carmakers contains multiple clauses about the company’s footprint in Ontario, according to a copy obtained by CBC Windsor.
In recent months, Calgary police have carried out three day-long safety blitzes, parading out dozens of officers to flood an area with their increased presence — at least, temporarily.