A man who stabbed his girlfriend to death at a shopping centre in British Columbia received a lighter sentence partly because of his race. Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes went with 12 years after reviewing Downey’s Impact of Race and Culture Assessment (IRCA). “As I have indicated, Mr. Downey has a substantial criminal record involving violence and firearms. I recognize, however, that the aggravating effect of his criminal record is offset in part by the mitigating circumstances of his background, as detailed in the IRCA,” Holmes said in her Feb. 13 decision. They also feel betrayed by Mr. Downey who they welcomed into their home.”Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary.

Source: National Post March 12, 2026 11:08 UTC