MEDIA ALERT!!

INNOCENCE CANADA

and the INTERNATIONAL WRONGFUL CONVICTION DAY COMMITTEE

ANNOUNCES FIRST IWCD IN – PERSON EVENT SINCE 2019!

10th ANNIVERSARY of IWCD

October 2, 2024, Innocence Canada and other innocence, and social justice groups worldwide will join together in our shared goal of spreading awareness about wrongful convictions.

International Wrongful Conviction Day (IWCD) was launched by Innocence Canada on October 2, 2014.

In recognition of this special milestone year, Innocence Canada, and the International Wrongful Conviction Day Committee( IWCDC) are hosting a IWCD 10th Anniversary Gala Event.

This night provides us all the opportunity to recognize, acknowledge and honour the wronglyconvicted, their families, advocates, and supporters

Event: 10th Anniversary of IWCD

Where: Ontario Bar Association (OBA), Grand Salon

20 Toronto Street, Toronto, Ontario.

Time: Reception: 5:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. followed by the evening’s programme!

Exonerees from across Canada will be attending and participating in the evenings programme. Amongst the exonerees in attendance will be A.J. Woodhouse and Brian Anderson (Manitoba) who were exonerated on July 18, 2023, almost fifty years after they were wrongly convicted and incarcerated. Some of the others that will be attending are Innocence Canada co-president and exoneree, Ron Dalton (Newfoundland), Tom Sophonow (British Columbia), Réjean Hinse (Quebec), Tammy Marquardt (Ontario), Maria Shepherd (Ontario) and Dinesh Kumar (Ontario).

During the evenings programme there will be a presentation of the annual Rubin Hurricane Carter Champion of Justice Award, the Tracey Tyler Award, which is given to an individual or group who through the news media, documentary, or film, has helped to expose a wrongful conviction or raise awareness of the issue. The third award being presented is the Donald Marshall Jr. Award named after Canada’s first recognized wrongly convicted person. Some of our special guests will be previous award recipients who include representatives like Jim Williamson, Julian Sher, and David Studer of the Fifth Estate, Susan Milgaard representing her mother, the late Joyce Milgaard, and Marie Coffin Stewart whose brother Wilbert Coffin was hanged in Quebec in 1956.

“Frank and open discussion about the causes of wrongful convictions can lead to positive change in our criminal justice systems and help reduce future wrongful convictions and avoid the immeasurable suffering of innocent people and their families globally”, said Innocence Canada co-president and exoneree Ron Dalton.

Innocence Canada and the IWCDC are reaching out to communities across Canada to sign proclamations observing October as IWCD in their cities and towns. On this day landmarks buildings, stadiums and bridges will be illuminating to acknowledge the wrongly convicted. Innocence Canada and the IWCDC encourages the participation and support of individuals, groups, organizations, businesses, schools, churches and ask them to set aside time to focus on wrongful convictions, which can happen to anyone at anytime despite social, ethic, education, or religious backgrounds.

Awareness can be achieved through media releases, book signings, magazine articles, opinion pieces for daily newspapers, interviews, phone-in talk shows, educational forums, presentations by exonerees, vigils, film festivals, podcasts, Twitter, Facebook and You Tube videos.

Background on Innocence Movement

Since its inception in 1993, Innocence Canada has helped in the exonerations of 29 Canadians from across the country. These innocent individuals combined spent more than 250 years in prison. Innocence Canada is currently reviewing over 100 cases of possible wrongful convictions.

for more info contact me:

Stephen Weir

stephen@stephenweir.com

Toronto twitter: sweirsweir

MEDIA ALERT FAMOUS PEOPLE PLAYERS

Canada’s Goodwill Ambassadors to the World

Famous PEOPLE Players Celebrates 50 Years of Exceptional Entertainment

Toronto, ON - May 1, 2024 - Famous PEOPLE Players, the renowned black light theatre founded by Diane Dupuy, CM, is gearing up to celebrate its 50th Anniversary on June 1st, 2024. The milestone will be commemorated with a Gala event held at the Dine and Dream Theatre located at 343 Evans Ave, Etobicoke, ON, M8Z 1K2.

Since its inception in 1974, Famous PEOPLE Players has captivated audiences with its unique performances, featuring talented individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to its award-winning productions, the organization has launched the Stars of Tomorrow education program, aimed at empowering vulnerable, at-risk youth through the arts.

Liberace, the legendary entertainer, was instrumental in bringing Famous PEOPLE Players to the spotlight, featuring them as his opening act in Las Vegas for a decade. The Gala will be graced by the presence of the Chairman of Liberace's Foundation, adding to the star-studded line-up. Including Keven Hearn from The Barenaked Ladies. Kobe Japan will be represented with a delegation who are coming to thank FPP for their outstanding support during the Kobe 1995 Earthquake. Their performances in Japan helped to care for children with disABILITIES who tragically lost their parents in the Kobe earthquake. Kobe has invited FPP back in 2025 for the 30th anniversary of the earthquake for the city to thank them. Other countries’ Consulates will be present at the Gala, as FPP are Canada’s Goodwill Ambassador to the world.

The event will also welcome distinguished guests including Canada's Ambassador to the U.N., the Honourable Bob Rae, and Arlene Perly Rae. Footage of stars like Tom Cruise, Phil Collins, Paul Newman with Diane Dupuy will be available for use in TV coverage.

Famous PEOPLE Players will present the musical "Believe in Magic".

Reflecting on the people in the organization's journey, Diane Dupuy remarked, "After all this time, the Sun said to Earth 'I never said you owe me'. At Famous PEOPLE Players, we've always believed in earning our way, which is why we pride ourselves on working without operating government grants."

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Famous PEOPLE Players' Educational Stars of Tomorrow Program, aimed at enriching the lives of its performers and enabling them to pursue their dreams. (see attached.)

For media inquiries, please contact:

Diane Dupuy, C.M.

People Players Inc

o/a Famous PEOPLE Players

343 Evans Ave.

Toronto, ON, M8Z 1K2

Tel: 416-532-1137 or 1-888-453-3385 ext. 36

Email: diane@famouspeopleplayers.com

ISSUED BY STEPHEN WEIR AND ASSOCIATES

AIDWYC notes the death of Terry Swinton

 

Innocence Canada acknowledges the death of Terry Swinton 

Innocence Canada wishes to acknowledge the recent passing of Terry Swinton and celebrate his contribution to the innocence movement in Canada.  Many Canadians will remember Terry as one of the “The Canadians” who played a pivotal role in freeing Rubin “Hurricane” Carter.  Terry would go on to help form the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted (AIDWYC) later to be renamed Innocence Canada.  He and his friends Sam Chaiton, and Lindy Green contributed generously to the ongoing fight for justice for wrongly convicted individuals in our country.  Terry was justly proud of his support of social justice organizations and Innocence Canada gratefully acknowledges being a recipient of that support.

Terry and Sam enjoyed a lifelong friendship from which we at Innocence Canada benefited from on a practical financial bias and inspirationally.  As we continue to work towards freeing innocent individuals, we are ever mindful of the seeds of justice sown by Terry, Sam, and Lindy. The greatest tribute we can pay to Terry’s memory is to carry on the fight for justice he helped start.  He was known to say the fight is long but winnable and we accept his challenge to continue that journey.

 

“Thank you, Terry, for a life well lived, we will do our best to live up to your example.” – Innocence Canada

Issued on behalf of Innocence Canada

CARIBANA GOING DOWN THE ROAD TO KITCHENER IN LATE AUGUST

 

CARIBANA ON THE ROAD TO KITCHENER

The City of Kitchener is gearing up for an unprecedented summer cultural extravaganza as it partners with the Caribana Arts Group to bring Caribana Ignite to the heart of the city from August 23-24, 2024. This marks a significant expansion of the iconic Caribbean carnival beyond its traditional Toronto roots.

Caribana Ignite promises to be a dazzling celebration of Caribbean culture, featuring a shift from the usual parade format to a street performance and street party spectacle. The event will showcase emerging carnival designers, the rich diversity of the Caribbean, and the vibrant essence of carnival itself.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “This celebration will contribute to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of Kitchener.” The event is expected to bring together communities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Caribbean traditions.

With Carl Zehr Square in Downtown Kitchener transforming into Carnival Village, attendees can anticipate an immersive experience where they can enjoy Caribbean cuisine, music, and arts. The departure from the traditional parade format aims to give festival-goers a front-row seat on the carnival runway, providing a unique perspective on the cultural explosion that is CaribanaTM.

Davina Reid, Chair of the Caribana Arts Group, expressed gratitude to the City of Kitchener for co-hosting the event and highlighted the goal of introducing the region to the vibrant culture of Caribana. Lannois Carroll-Woolery, President of the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the alignment of the event with the organization's mission of promoting the social, cultural, and economic interests of the Caribbean community.

Caribana Ignite was officially announced by Mayor Berry Vrbanovic at a special KW Titans game, accompanied by live performances from the Dance Caribe Performing Company and Acoustic Steel. As anticipation builds, event organizers encourage the community to stay updated on festival details by subscribing to www.kitchener.ca/CaribanaIgnite or visiting www.caribana.com/ignite.

BRIEF NEWS CLIP FROM SWEIR RE: INNOCENCE 40 YEARS AFTER MURDER CONVICTION

Breaking news from Innocence Canada.

JAN 4, 2024 This afternoon Robert (Bobby) Mailman and Walter (Wally) Gillespie were acquitted by Chief Justice Tracey DeWare of the King’s Bench Court in Saint John, New Brunswick, 40 years after they were wrongly convicted in the murder of George Leeman
 

Mailman and Gillespie will be appearing before Chief Justice Tracey DeWare of the King’s Bench Court re: murder

Bench Court today 40 years after they were charged and convicted in the murder of George Leeman

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Innocence Canada is announcing that this afternoon, Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., Robert (Bobby) Mailman and Walter (Wally) Gillespie will be appearing before Chief Justice Tracey DeWare of the King’s Bench Court in Saint John, New Brunswick, 40 years after they were charged and convicted in the murder of George Leeman.

 

On November 30, 1983, Mr. Leeman’s body was found by a jogger in a wooded area in Rockwood Park, Saint John.  Mr. Leeman was the victim of a significant beating, and his body was partially burned.  Mr. Leeman was living in Saint John in a rooming house when he was murdered.

 

Between January 19 and 21, 1984, the Saint John Police Service charged Wally Gillespie and Bobby Mailman with the murder.  

 

Mr. Gillespie and Mr. Mailman both had strong alibis with multiple witnesses placing them kilometers from the crime scene on the day of the murder.  Nevertheless, they were convicted of the murder on May 11, 1984.  Both were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole eligibility for at least 18 years.  Not for one day since then have they wavered in insisting on their innocence.

 

Mr. Mailman who served 18 years in prison, sadly, is terminally ill.  He is 76 years of age.  He also lives in Saint John. Mr. Gillespie served 21 years of his life sentence in prison and is presently living in a halfway house in Saint John.  He is now 80 years of age. 

 

On December 22, 2023, Justice Minister Arif Virani quashed the murder convictions of both men on the grounds that there was a reasonable basis to conclude that a miscarriage of justice likely occurred in their case. The Minister directed new trials for both.

 

Tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. will be Mr. Mailman and Mr. Gillespie’s first appearance in court since the Minister’s decision. As noted, they will be appearing before the Chief Justice at 1:30 p.m. The courthouse is located at 10 Peel Plaza in Saint John. Mr. Mailman and Mr. Gillespie will be accompanied by Innocence Canada counsel Jerome Kennedy and James Lockyer. 

  

Murder convictions of Robert Mailman and Walter Gillespie quashed

Justice Minister Quashes Murder Convictions of Two New Brunswick Men Convicted of a Murder 40 Years Ago

Innocence Canada is announcing that this afternoon, Justice Minister Arif Virani quashed the murder convictions of Robert (Bobby) Mailman and Walter (Wally) Gillespie 40 years after they were charged and convicted in the murder of George Leeman in Saint John, New Brunswick.

On November 30, 1983, Mr. Leeman’s body was found by a jogger in a wooded area in Rockwood Park, Saint John. Mr. Leeman was the victim of a significant beating by one or more weapons and his body was partially burned. Mr. Leeman was living in Saint John in a rooming house when he was murdered.

Between January 19 and 21, 1984, the Saint John Police Service charged Wally Gillespie and Bobby Mailman with the murder. They also charged a third person, Janet Shatford, with the murder. Ms. Shatford subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Mr. Gillespie and Mr. Mailman both had strong alibis with multiple witnesses placing them far from the crime scene on the day of the murder. Nevertheless, they were convicted of the murder on May 11, 1984. Both were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole eligibility for at least 18 years. Not for one day have they wavered in insisting on their innocence.

Mr. Gillespie served 21 years of his life sentence in prison and is presently living in a halfway house in Saint John. He is now 81 years of age. Mr. Mailman who served 18 years in prison, sadly, is terminally ill. He is 76 years of age. He also lives in Saint John.

Innocence Canada has worked on their case for many years. We worked alongside Gary Dimmock, formerly a journalist with the Saint John Telegraph-Journal, now with the Ottawa Citizen. Mr. Dimmock investigated the case before Innocence Canada came to it and always believed in Mr. Mailman and Mr. Gillespie’s innocence. He deserves great credit for his work on their case.

Innocence Canada is grateful to Minister Virani for realizing the urgency of the case and giving his decision today to quash the convictions of both men and directing a new trial. We hope Mr. Mailman will be able to appear in the King’s Bench in Saint John in the near future as a result of the Minister’s Order.

Jerome Kennedy of Innocence Canada said today:

“I want to thank Minister Virani for his decision today. It is welcome news for both Mr. Mailman and Mr. Gillespie. Both are in their senior years and Mr. Mailman is gravely ill. This is the best news they could have, and Innocence Canada is privileged to have been helping them.”

James Lockyer of Innocence Canada said today:

“Minister Virani has stepped forward for Mr. Mailman and Mr. Gillespie. The causes behind their wrongful convictions can be left to another day. Today is one of celebration for them.”

Ron Dalton, co-President of Innocence Canada, said:

“I spent 9 years in prison for a murder that I did not commit and much of that time I spent with Bobby Mailman and Wally Gillespie in a maximum-security penitentiary. They never gave up hope that one day justice would be done for them. Today is that day and I congratulate them on their perseverance and courage.”

Bobby Mailman and Wally Gillespie issued a joint statement today:

“It has taken 40 years. Today we are happy that justice is being done for us. Neither of us had anything to do with Mr. Leeman’s murder. We have always been innocent and we thank the Minister for what he has done.”

As a final note, the Minister’s powers to review wrongful convictions are set out in the Criminal Code of Canada. His greatest power is to quash a wrongful conviction and direct a new trial. It is a power rarely exercised but it is what he has done today for Mr. Mailman and Mr. Gillespie. The case is now in the hands of the original trial court, the Court of King’s Bench in Saint John.

For further information, contact:

Jerome Kennedy at 709-725-2966 or jkennedy@wrmmlaw.com

James Lockyer at 416-518-7983 or jlockyer@lzzdefence.ca

Ron Dalton at 709-327-6864 or rcdalton34@gmail.com