Vancouver mother lobbies federal government for tougher drunk driver sentences

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Six years after losing her daughter in a crash caused by a drunk driver, a Metro Vancouver mother continues to lobby the federal government for tougher sentences.

Markita Kaulius formed the group Families for Justice after losing 22-year-old Kassandra in May of 2011.

Kaulius says she wishes the death of 32-year-old Constable Sara Beckett in April of last year was the last time a drunk driver claimed a life. On Thursday, Kenneth Fenton pleaded guilty to two charges linked to Beckett’s death, but four others were dropped.

“The list continues to grow on the number of people that are losing their loved ones.”

Kaulius has met with several politicians at various levels of government, with no progress.

“Sadly, they’ve just vetoed down two of the bills to change the Criminal Code and redefine the offence as Vehicular Homicide which they have voted down. As well, we’ve been asking for minimum mandatory sentencing for anyone convicted of impaired driving causing a death. Out of a five-year sentence, they might serve two.”

Kaulius says her group has support from the BC Chiefs of Police, the Alberta Federation of Police, the RCMP, the Canadian Chiefs of Police Association and nearly 120-thousand people have signed a petition she took to Ottawa.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today