Dr Alwin Spence
On Tuesday, October 4, 2026, the Gazette published on it’s front page in in bold letters, “Killer in Law School Breached Parole”. After a deep breath, and a second glance, I settled down and became very calm.
Jeffrey George Ewert was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder for two attacks in British Columbia in 1984. One woman was killed and a 15-year-old girl was left permanently disabled. Ewert was granted day parole in 2025. In October, his conditional release was suspended and he returned to custody. McGill has since confirmed that he is no longer enrolled.
I understand why some students were concerned about their safety. I also understand why others wanted him to be able to continue his studies. When we speak about giving someone a second chance, we have to remember the people who were hurt and take seriously the concerns of those who may be affected by the decision. We also have to ask what opportunities are still open to someone who is trying to change.
Is this a second chance? This incident became public when it was also reported that Ewert was taking a course or courses at McGill Law School. During his parole he also breached his parole several times with I believe consequences. How often does one get a second chance?
What is a second chance?
It is and opportunity to redo, finish, correct, set things straight to facilitate what should have been, but for some reason was not. There can be just one “Second Chance”, while at times the situation may demand many. Second chance does not operate in isolation, it is an important mechanism in our day to day life in the justice system. Second chance is a credible instrument toward rehabilitation.
Systemic Racism
I have been an educator all my life teaching at all levels of the education hierarchy, and over my 50 years of teaching at all levels, second chances have given new hope to minority students and workers who have experienced prejudice, discrimination, and dehumanization. In the present system we live in some of our minority students are held back and forced to repeat courses because of unfair marking system. Why should I attend school and there are no opportunities in the employment field. The system needs to be changed to become more concerned about these so-called disadvantaged students. Too many are falling between the cracks, and the circle continues.
Last November I went through an unfortunate long illness, it was like touch and go, and I’m still here. Getting back a life which many thought it would not happen.
I am still here with one thing in mind. How can I find a way to pay back for this? How can I possibly return the kindness, by doing something for someone?
I feel the urge to compensate for this miracle, what can I do?
Mr Ewert should be given as many second chances as he deserves, or even if he does not deserve it, we have a duty to help him as much as possible.
We do not know what the future will be but maybe we have to change the system and the individuals might change for the better. In cricket, when the ball is dropped the batter is given a Second Chance.
I have given second chances to many and today I stand proud of many of them.
