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Penetanguishene Citizen (1975-1988), 25 Jan 1978, p. 3

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YTV wey esiden by Dona Beauvais Rejeanne Guay-Gal- braith says that she feels like a second class citizen in the country where she was born. On January 26, 1978 Rejeanne Guay-Galbraith will go before Judge Montgomery of the Provincial Court, in Penetanguishene. She has been charged with careless driving, under the traffic act. This in itself is not unique, but the circumstances surrounding this case are. Ms. Guay-Galbraith believes that this case will set a precedent in this area. The 'Judicature Act' governs the functioning of the Ontario Court system. According to this act, the working language of the courts is English. Rejeanne Guay-Galbraith is French Canadian by birth and her mother tongue is French. Provincial law does take into consideration that not all residents of Ontario speak English. Therefore an interpreter is provided by the court for the accused, be they of French, Italian, German, or any other origin, in Life saving attempt CPE OV TEV OPEV UY order that a case may proceed.. Ms. Guay-Galbraith will be represented in court, according to that law, and an interpreter will be present for her benefit. According to OPP Constable Ivan Price the interpreter will be "just an ordinary citizen'"'. Ms. Guay-Galbraith does not feel, however that she can properly explain her case to the courts through an_ in- terpreter nor does she feel that she should have to. "Franco-Ontarion's are not an ethnic group," states Rejeanne Guay- Galbraith, "'we are very much a part of this country." Ms . Guay-Galbraith says that she feels that her case should be heard by a French speaking court, from the Judge to the crown attorney. She says: ' "Anglophones defend themselves in Quebec, they have their rights, they are as much of a minority as we are here." Rejeanne Guay-Gal- braith has stated that she will not defend her case Hydro workers honoured Quick thinking and good training make Ontario Hydro workers capable lifesavers in an emergency. Nine forestry workers found that out when they made an at- tempt to save the life of Harold Taylor last August: The crew encountered the emergency in White Falls, where they discovered Mr. Taylor being given artificial respiration by a nurse. According to crew chief Remi Robillard, the men wasted no time in giving assistance by taking turns giving artificial respiration to the un- concious heart attack victim. An ambulance was called immediately, and within half an hour it arrived at the scene-- having travelled 25 miles from the hospital. According to Mr. Ribolard, a number of people were at the scene, but none of them knew how to give assistance to the victim except the nurse. "Not a second is wasted the way we're trained," Mr. Robillard said, "otherwise we'd have been 'standing around the rest of the forest ranger--was taken with Shown with the plaque they received for their efforts are four of the nine Hydro workers who attempted to save the life of heart attack victim Harold Taylor. From left to right they are: Remi people."' Mr. Taylor--a retired pronouced Commended WINTER to the hospital, but was dead on arrival. Robillard, Paul Sauve, John Morrison and Bill Klug. Other members of the crew who weren't present for the pic- ture are: David Horne, Ken Brown, Brad Rayment and Roger Ladoucer. through an_ interpreter. She has said that she will refuse to answer questions put to her in this manner and that she will repeatedly state that she is a French-Canadian who deserves to have her trial conducted in French. "Tam not avoiding the action, I will gladly go and defend my case, in French,"' said Rejeanne Guay-Galbraith. She says that she realizes that there is little that the judge or the court ean do about this law and Ms. Guay-Galbraith wants to emphasize that she places no blame on local officials. "T do not blame Penetanguishene Court, I know the history, I know that as such, and I don't blame the judge either," she said. Nor by her actions, she says, does she wish to polarize the people of this area. "TI just want to be treated with respect due to Franco-Ontarion's,"' she said. Who then is Rejeanne Guay-Galbraith appe- aling to by refusing to co- operate with the judicial system, when she ap- pears in court this Thursday? The answer seems to be the Honorable Roy McMurtry, Attorney General of Ontario. Last week Rejeanne Guay-Galbraith sent a letter to the Attorney General explaining the situation and her views on this subject. A carbon copy of this letter was given to the Penetanguishene Citizen. The opening paragraphs explain Ms. Guay- Galbraiths views. "In this letter, I do not wish to discuss the facts, the accusation or the defense of my case since it is now pending in the Penetanguishene _ Cri- minal Court." - "T would like to bring to your attention my request for a French trial." "The reason for my demand is very simple. I TRANCE Se Watson's Men's & Boys Wear SAVINGS UP TO h - uy MEN'S SWEATERS 0% OFF J MEN'S JEANS, DRESS PANTS 10% or : Special rack of Men's & Boys JACKETS _ = only L SPECIAL TABLE 2 Men's & Boys items = J "Many unadvertised items at prices only seeing is believing WATSON'S MEN'S & BOYS WEAR - Queen St., Elmvale 322-2072 t fights for court trial in French language am a French Canadian woman living in my country, 'Canada', and vegetables and has said that she will aecept only juices and water should appearance." As this story goes to press Ms. Guay-Galbraith myself I can only presume that they will find me guilty as ac- chance to defend myself in the proper way and so I will not accept their food it is my right to defend has still not had a_ cused,' she said. That is of course if my she be jailed. myself in my mother response from _ the Ms. Guay-Galbraith health permits me." On January 26 tongue, which is French.' Attorney General's office. added: "I'm not going to Rejeanne Guay-Gal- Rejeanne Guay-Galbraith The last paragraph Rejeanne Guay-Gal- pay a fine for a case I braith has prepared will go before Judge appeals to the Attorney braith says that she can can't defend. I don't know herself for ahunger strike Montgomery of the General: only assume that hercase what the judge will should she be jailed. She Criminal Court of Ontario "Mr. McMuretry, I will proceed this Thur- decide. In case his 'says that she has been charged with 'careless appeal to you to find sday. decision is jail then I'll extremely careful about driving' the only possible "I presume they'll go have to abide by that, but her vegetarian diet in the It is almost certain that solution to this conflict. 1 on with the case because I refuse to live in prison, past few weeks, this case will not be hope that it will be rec- the judge has stated that in which the government eliminating potentially treated lightly The tified as soon as possible, they will proceed...Even of Ontario or their harmful foods. She has outcome of this trial may since January 26 is the date of my next court though I'll be present, being that I can't defend representative has sent me without having a been consuming mainly water, juices and green very well set a precedent in this area LADIES WEAR G&M Shoppe 305 King St.. Midland 526-5761 Watson's Queen St., Elmvale 322-2151 Be FINAL WINTER price on Winter Coats, Pant Coats, Pant Suits, Sweaters Skirts, Blouses, Gauchoes, Dresses & Long Gowns. SAVE 10% on all Funin the Sun Fashions arriving daily CIO! All Weather Coats, Pant Coats, Dresses, Long Gowns, Fashion Sweaters, Velour Tops in Pastel shades, Pant Suits, Slacks in all shades including White, Red & Navy, Pant Tops, Blouses, Shorts & Tops, Bathing Suits & Cover-ups. G&M Shoppe 305 King St., Midland 526-5761 LADIES Watson 's WEAR Queen St., Elmvale 322-2151 Wednesday, January 25, 1978, Page 3

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