This isn't Nazi Germany
Published Wednesday October 8th, 2008
Letter to the editor
[Re: Article Surprise RCMP roadblocks: Motorists lose their smokes Oct. 1] I really have to question the constitutionality of this whole fishing expedition by the RCMP and the Department of Finance. Have Canadians forgotten their rights or are they simply not aware of them in the first place? Section 8 of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms states: Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.
It certainly seems unreasonable that every vehicle travelling that stretch of highway was a suspect. This wasn't a typical roadblock where RCMP were checking vehicle registrations, inspections, seatbelts, etc. which is well within the law. What makes this scenario any different than RCMP going door to door searching for tobacco, illegal game, drugs, etc.?
. This is Canada. Our soldiers fought two world wars to prevent this from happening in our country. For your reference, our Charter of Rights and Freedoms can be found on the Government of Canada's website: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/charter/
Know your rights!
Jeffrey Michaud
Eel River Crossing
[Ed. Note: "They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty nor security." (Benjamin Franklin)
Our online poll on our website, www.tribunenb.ca, asked the question: "Do you think that the RCMP is right to set up roadblocks on the highway to check passing vehicles for illegal cigarettes?" As of Monday night, the answers were Yes: 69 votes (39.7 per cent); No: 93 votes (53.4 per cent); Don't know: 4 votes (2.3 per cent); Don't care: 8 votes (4.6 per cent). Total votes: 174]
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Comments (10)
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That's a pretty dumb comment. *No* cigarettes are safe. Don't you know what they do to you!?!?!?
Just a thought
Those who spout the Charter and feel a wronged, then challenge the constitutionality of the Charter OFFICIALLY!! If you won't take action then 'Stop mouthing' about the Charter unless you are an expert in the field and 'prove' you are correct where it counts the most -- in Court!! That is the only way you can 'prove' the RCMP is acting illegally!!!