In 2008 Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF), the documentary "Dear Zachary" was screened but few people expected the film would lead to much change in Canadian bail law and definitely not so soon, merely 14 months later, in December 2009.
To give you a bit of background, "Dear Zachary" is a story about American Dr. Andrew Bagby and his ex-girlfriend/accused-murder Canadian Dr. Shirley Turner who fled to Canada with their unborn boy, whom she would later named Zachary. Because of the lax Canadian bail system, Turner was allowed to walk free and be with baby Zachary even she was an accused-murder in United Sates. In 2003, the 13-month old baby Zachary was drowned by his mother in Conception Bay, shortly before she killed herself in a murder-suicide.
Fast forward to Nov 27th, 2009, Kate and David Bagby (parents of Andrew and grandparents of Zachary) joined Scott Andrews, MP for Avalon, in Ottawa in support of Bill C-464, a Private Member's Bill when enacted will amend the Criminal Code to provide that the detention of an accused in custody may be justified where it is necessary for the protection or safety of the accused’s minor children. Bill C-464 will move into second reading beginning Dec 4th, 2009.
Many Calgarians cried and were deeply touched after the 2008 CIFF screening of "Dear Zachary". The following is an exclusive interview with David & Kate Bagby after the Calgary screening at the beginning of their long journey to fight for a better Canadian bail system.
Video interview conducted and edited by Kempton Lam. Report with information from M.P. Scott Andrews' press release and CBC. Bill C-464 is Scott Andrews' first ever Private Member's Bill.
Andrews' press release Dec 4th update:
"Bill C-464 introduced by Scott Andrews, Member of Parliament for Avalon, was voted upon at 2nd reading and received unanimous support today in the House of Commons. The Bill received the support of all parties and will now go straight to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST). […]
“This has been an exceptional day. I expected that most members would support my Bill, but to receive unanimous support from all parties is a great accomplishment and a huge step forward to where we want to go with this initiative. I look forward to bringing Bill C-464 to committee stage and have Kate and David Bagby appear with me before the Committee.” said Andrews."
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