Following are a collection of reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the fourth week of April 2025. They have been edited slightly for readability. 

Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca.

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'No longer silenced': Vernon hockey coach jailed for historic sexual assault on teen

I am infuriated.

Another male coach predator, who destroyed a 16-year-old's life and promising future, has been sentenced to 23 months in jail. Our society's response to the torture & killing of women (and children) by men clearly says: "Our females are not important. The poor guy made a mistake."

Despite decades of cries for change, the old man's club still has a firm hold on justice and the lack thereof. We're tired of suffering and watching our children suffer at the hands of men.

Where are the good men? Where are women's allies?!

Karen Klein, Kamloops, via email

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iN RESPONSE to April 25 newsletter editorial seeking feedback on B.C.'s foray into involuntary care.

Why would we trust our politicians on this matter? BC has not changed or removed the law that makes my life of no value under that law. Why, after the example of Adolf Hitler, would we trust a provincial government with "forced care"? David Eby has no principles as far as I can tell, he will continue allowing the homeless to die or be abused.

He will continue allowing drug users to die or be abused. Forcing the addicted into forced care? What about those who make the drugs in the first place? Even in this homeless shelter, a wet one, people still seem imprisoned by their habits or addictions. — Patrick Longworth, Penticton, via email

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Kamloops mayor skips meeting with housing minister; cites council strife

I feel sorry for Kamloops. What a joke their mayor is making of the town. — Robert Bishop, via iNFOnews.ca

I can certainly understand how the mayor feels. Such a disrespectful Council and government here in Kamloops. — Grace Dent, via iNFOnews.ca

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No jail time for Kelowna fraudster who swindled $38,000 from work

I don't know why anyone would call what this man has received "justice", as he's skated away from real consequences. — Don Morris, via iNFOnews.ca

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BC teacher's 'unprofessional language' gets her suspended, reprimanded

I don't know why anyone bothers teaching at all. — Christine Allison, via iNFOnews.ca

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It's more difficult than you'd think for police to deal with fugitives in BC

Sometimes switching provinces will save you from the warrant, but it can be a real headache if you get picked up for something else because it takes time to check with the original jurisdiction to see if they want to extend the warrant, and in the meantime the accused sits in cells. As well, if the warrant is extended to the new jurisdiction the length of time it takes to transport the accused to the original jurisdiction is considerable and very unpleasant. Sheriffs vans are not 5 star transport. Lousy food, very limited bathroom access, hours sitting on a steel bench in a very small box with no ability to stretch out. The temperature control often leaves a lot to be desired as well. It can be very hot, or very cold, and there's nothing the accused can do about it. Overall better to just take the hit and do the time. — William Mastop, via iNFOnews.ca

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Garth Mullins on surviving decades of the war on drugs

Well there is some food for thought. Really well thought out views here. — William Mastop, via iNFOnews.ca

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Prolific Kelowna shoplifter ordered to pay stores back

So you want somebody with no money to pay for items he stole in the past. Well I guess that may push him to steal again to pay for it then. The judge obviously doesn't understand how little money some people really have. Guess he hasn't had to experience below poverty living. Maybe community hours would be better for everyone. — Sandra Deutch

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BC toddlers win $2,500 after parents have dispute with daycare: Human Rights Tribunal

Ummmm...I don't understand. The daycare didn't want a contagious sickness passed to others and that is wrong? — Pam Neufeld, via iNFOnews.ca

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Poilievre promises to end ban on single-use plastic straws, other items

Oh my God I'm so happy about this (said sarcastically). He is so working to make Canadian life better! — Bonnie Derry, via iNFOnews.ca

Why would he do this? A mini Trump. Canadians are much smarter than Americans. They won't fall for this. — Robert Bishop, via iNFOnews.ca

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Kamloops trustee asks fellow school board members to forgo pay in face of budget shortfall

Wow. That's an impressive suggestion. I hope it gets adopted. That would definitely set a great example. — Ann-Marie Hunter, via iNFOnews.ca

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U.S. students look north as Trump freezes funding to American universities

Their loss is a nice gain for Canada! — William Mastop, via iNFOnews.ca

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Kelowna man who filmed dozens of people in public washrooms jailed

I hope they have him under 24/7 camera surveillance. — Bill Grigg, via iNFOnews.ca

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California governor urges Canadians to ignore Trump, come back for sand, sun and wine

I love California but I will not step foot into the United States until that dictator is out of office. Make no mistake, Trump is a dictator. This dictator is destroying your beautiful country. — Susan Moro, via iNFOnews.ca

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BC man sues police watchdog over report into Vernon murder

Ouch! The costs order may be a pretty significant penalty for Mr. Duhamel. — William Mastop, via iNFOnews.ca

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Crown lays out its case in sex assault trial of 5 former world junior hockey players

Quit terminology-skirting around the fact that five strong men ATTACKED AND GANG-RAPED a young defenceless woman. Just SAY IT!
When you call it what it IS - using accurate and widely understandable language - the public can more easily comprehend the magnitude of these ongoing crimes against women (and children) as well as the fact that the currently typical two- to four-year jail sentences or "probation" are extremely insufficient consequences or deterrents. Many of these predators (rapists, murderers and pedophiles) are extremely dangerous and will never stop. We all know this, and yet, once their time is served - one, two, three, plus times - they are quietly let out back into society to re-offend again & again. These people must NEVER be given another opportunity to live amongst the public, and if women were in charge, they would not be.
Societal bias towards rape victims must stop. Women & children do not ask to be tortured or raped. Those attacks destroy us. Come on, men-in-power (and not in power) who value women, who care about their partners, mothers, and daughters - step up and speak up. Men have the power and women are counting on you to help us.
I truly hope these 5 arrogant men are punished to the full extent of the law. They were raised in a society that says "special men" in particular, can attack & torture and get away with it.
Throw the book at them. Make an example of them. If not now, when? — Karen Klein, Kamloops, via email

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