POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 35 Something new is in the airwaves around Truro. The town has launched 107.1 FM, its own community radio station to broadcast emergency, tourist and events information in a 12-kilometre radius, further in some areas. Charles Cox, chairman of the Town of Truro tourism committee that contributed $3,500 toward equipment for the project, said the station was designed to lure visitors off nearby highways and into the town. But its potential became apparent in late September when hurricane Juan blew across the region, knocking out power. “During the hurricane, the local (commercial) radio station went off the air for a while,” Mr. Cox said. “We’ll be able to provide important information during any crisis that the town may face.” The equipment is located at the water treatment plant, at the highest point of town, and includes a generator. Five-minute segments are being recorded weekly and played repeatedly 24 hours a day. They feature history bites, music clips and information on such things as public events and street and sidewalk closures. The noncommercial station does not promote businesses. Town workers are volunteering their time and voices. Cindie Smith, projects officer for the town, said Truro has a 28-day permit from Industry Canada that it intends to renew in December and again early next year. It has applied to the Canadian Radiotelevision and Telecommunications Commission for a permanent licence. Once a permanent licence is received, signs will be posted along heavily travelled highways urging motorists to tune in the broadcasts. Tourism group gets radioactive in Truro By Cathy von Kintzel / Truro Bureau Cathy von Kintzel / Truro Bureau Const. Shari Roberts of Truro police is lending her voice to a new town-run radio station in Truro. YOUNG OFFENDERS NEEDED NEW LAW The Daily News - (April 1, 2003) YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT. For nearly a decade, that three-word phrase has been the bane of Canada’s criminaljustice system, along with two other words that apply to adults rather than youths: mandatory release. Mandatory release, the practice of releasing convicts well before their sentences end, is likely to remain part of the legal vocabulary for some time to come. As of today, however, the Young Offenders Act is history. For more than a few observers, that fate could not have come too soon for the 19-year-old statute that had replaced previous youth-crime legislation. At the time of its debut, the Young Offenders Act was considered a progressive policy that would bring an end to the stigma of “juvenile delinquency.” Young offenders would remain anonymous, even if convicted. Their time in custody would be limited to a maximum of three years. Under its provisions, no one younger than 12 could be charged for any crime. The road from enlightenment to disillusion proved a short one. Although statistics have indicated a decrease in youth crime during the past several years, highly publicized incidents of violence involving young people from coast to coast led to the perception that the barbarians were banging at our gates –– the barbarians being our children. Consequently, the federal Justice Department has laboured long and hard to replace the Young Offenders Act. The name, at least, of the new legislation is more straightforward: the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which applies to people in the 12-17-year-old age range. The new law walks a fine line between two opposing opinions. One camp calls for alternatives to custody for young people who are convicted of non-violent offences: the other demands a crackdown on those who commit violent, and sometimes heinous, criminal acts. Both points of view are, to an extent, accommodated under the successor to the YOA. The law provides for community-based programs, restorative justice and fines for most youths. Those involved in violent offences will face longer sentences. With the notable exceptions of Quebec and Ontario, most provinces have accepted the new law. The Young Offenders Act can be judged as a social experiment that didn’t work the way its authors had intended. Now, it’s the Youth Criminal Justice Act that’s on probation with the public. Perhaps it will manage to last longer than 19 years.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==