I would like to welcome Peter MacKay to the position of Justice Minister. What an honour it must be to sit in that seat. Your new position will require less time in military jets but with your good looks you’ll still go far.

I’m not sure if you have been briefed much about your new portfolio so I thought I would take the time and describe your position at least in relation to Bill C-54.

You have made the decision to “not punish” but for sure incarcerate, mentally ill individuals whose delusions result in some yet to be agreed on form of brutality. I agree Peter; three years without any contact with the outside world despite any progress in treatment sounds like not only punishment but in fact a sentence. I only pay lawyers so possibly you could explain to me how you sentence someone who is neither guilty nor innocent? (Send me the bill but don’t forget to claim it.)  If a person can be sentenced for being the accused we’re all in trouble.

Don’t worry Peter all you have to do is maintain a vague sense of what mental illness is and what justice is. I sense you’ll do fine. I think your predecessor used crayons to write this Bill. Only a child would kick dirt on someone who has fallen because of an illness or disability.

I have faith in you Peter. I already know you’re the type of person who would fly across the planet to get a feel for the conflict. The conflict is that your political ideology clashes with medical understanding of mental illness and true justice.

P.S. Tell your boss that when he tries to bring democracy to another country he might want to practice a little at home.

Yours truly,

Pierre Poutine