The Murder of Tim McLean: A Tragic Reminder of Canada's Not Criminally Responsible Laws

Last year, Vince Li, also known as Will Lee Baker, was permitted to move into independent living under certain conditions. This decision has raised concerns among many Canadians who are still grappling with the tragic consequences of his actions. In 2008, Li brutally murdered and beheaded Tim McLean, a 22-year-old man on a Greyhound bus.

Li's case is particularly disturbing because it highlights the flaws in Canada's not criminally responsible laws. According to a 1999 ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada, a review board must order an absolute discharge if a person does not pose a significant threat to public safety. This decision has sparked heated debates among lawmakers and mental health professionals about the effectiveness of these laws.

Li was found not criminally responsible for his actions in 2009 due to untreated schizophrenia at the time of the murder. He spent seven years in treatment at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre before being allowed to move to Winnipeg, where he received further treatment at the Health Sciences Centre.

The Manitoba Criminal Code Review Board recently ordered Li's discharge, citing that he no longer poses a significant threat to public safety. This decision has been met with outrage from Tim McLean's mother, Carol de Delley, who believes that Li should remain in custody for life. De Delley is a vocal critic of Canada's not criminally responsible laws and has expressed her disappointment and frustration with the system.

The murder of Tim McLean serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health treatment and the need for stricter laws to protect Canadians from individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety. The case highlights the complexities of mental illness and the challenges that healthcare professionals face in managing patients like Li.

As Canada continues to grapple with the consequences of Li's actions, it is essential to have an open and honest discussion about our country's not criminally responsible laws and how we can improve them to better protect Canadians.

Murder of tim mclean