"Mundane" crimes can still be devastating

Letters to the Editor – National Post June 22, 2005

Re: Statute of limitations may wipe 800 rapes from books, June 21

While noting that New York state is one of the few jurisdictions to have a statute of limitation on rape, this article notes that "Canada has long since abolished statute of limitations provisions for all but mundane crimes." The question is: How do you define “Mundane”?

Seniors and widows being robbed of their life savings is a life-altering event that is anything but mundane and also should have no statute of limitations yet it does. Some refer to financial predatory practices as financial rape or financial assault.

The victims are traumatized. Many suffer depression. Some commit suicide.

In Ontario, the reduction in the limitation period for taking civil action from six years to two years will no doubt result in many seniors and widows being deprived of the right to pursue redress through the courts. This is a great injustice.

Stan I. Buell
Small Investor Protection Association