Affidavit of Michael Bear - Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry

[21] They both commented favourably about the presence of the Street
Connections van that toured the streets and gave practical advice about
keeping safe on the streets — from bad dates and diseases. Secondly, they
supported the availability of a drop-in centre run by Ma Mawi, a place to get
off the streets to relax and get information if they wished.
[22] However, most poignantly and importantly, the request for
information and education from peers that have been there. People that will
"tell it straight — this is what happens — and the effects of it". Usually
because of their backgrounds these youths'rust of people is non-existent
and until that trust is established the educational process will not have too
much effect. Trust takes time.
[23] How did these kids get here? The experts testified in detail about how
this can occur but with the three individuals in question including Tracia
Owen the last stop before the streets was a group home in the area. It would
appear, probably due to cost of housing, the group homes are in the very
area that the activity — drugs and sexual exploitation is prevalent.
[24] But it is crystal clear this activity by these youths is not voluntary in
the sense we understand the word. To make the myriad of problems go
away, drugs and the means to obtain the drugs, consume their lives.
[25] The inquest was told the ages of these youths were from 11-17and
some were younger. It should be absolutely clear to all of society, children
in these age categories neither have the judgment nor maturity to live a
secure life. Both our common sense when we raise our own children and the
laws of our country with respect to both child welfare laws and laws under
the Criminal
Code, dictate youth of this age are not capable of exercising
good judgment nor possess sufficient knowledge to do so. That is why all
manner of laws allow parents to guide, inform and educate their children
until they are capable of making those decisions of safety and health, etc. on
their own. Isn't that what raising a child is all about — educating, advising,
preparing them to make the best decision. When this process breaks down,
for whatever reason, society needs to step in to protect this most valuable
resource — our children. These statements may sound platitudinous to some,
trite to others, but are they nevertheless true? Our laws, supported by our
moral and ethical standards, certainly mirror these precepts — protection of
our young.
[26] If I am correct, then it is difficult to understand why there is not public
outrage about fourteen year old children standing on the street at all times of
the day and night selling their bodies to support a drug addiction.