June 2, 2017

In the last few days, like many in Labrador, I have been concerned for Beatrice Hunter’s welfare.  She is a mother and grandmother who was standing up for her beliefs, without causing harm or damage to others and  her detainment is unfortunate.  Each time I hear of incidents like this, I am upset and feel an absence of fairness for Labradorians.

I have been asked to intervene to try to free Beatrice and gather information on her well being.  As an MP,  I am strictly forbidden to intervene in any judicial decision or cases before the courts. The judicial system is independent from the political system.

However as the MP for Labrador, our office did contact the RCMP to check on her safety and security while detained in Goose Bay.  They were not in a position to speak with us or disclose any information regarding Beatrice Hunter.

I also contacted the Superintendent of Prisons for the Province of NL to check on her safety and security. While they would not disclose any information regarding Beatrice Hunter or her detainment, they did confirm there is a female unit at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s and there are female correctional officers on duty.

I am concerned that having Beatrice placed outside of Labrador also means she has no access to family support. It is in times like this that all people need family support.

There has been many summonses issued as it relates to the protection of the Muskrat Falls River, these summonses are based on the fact that Nalcor has taken civil action against those that protest.  Once that civil injunction is breached, it then becomes a criminal matter. I too, have asked that all of these charges be dropped through requests to Nalcor and the Province over the past few months.

I am concerned about the level of unrest that continues in Labrador around the Muskrat Falls development and ask that the views and perspectives of all people be respected.

I want to acknowledge the significant toll that this is having upon Beatrice’s family and friends.  I will continue to reach out in ways that are legally permissible to assist.

Yvonne Jones, MP

Labrador