- Man who killed Bianca Leduc to be tried as an adult (September 30/08)
Charlie Fidelman
The Gazette
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Hundreds of strangers joined friends and family in Ile Perrot today for a solemn walk for Bianca Leduc, the 3-year-old girl who was killed while putting up Halloween decorations on her daycare's front lawn.
"Lest we forget the sacrifice of Bianca and her family," said a wide, hand-made banner heading the procession just west of Montreal Island.
Nadine Leduc and Sebastien Lariviere, the toddler's parents, came next, surrounded by relatives holding a bunch of pink balloons.
The anti-speeding rally held in Bianca's memory was planned to coincide with Remembrance Day honouring Canada's war dead.
Bianca's short life was sacrificed in a [freak car accident] on a ''battlefield'' no bigger than a front yard, marchers said. That ''battlefield'' is now covered with flowers, cards, candles and gifts in memory of the girl.
"This should never have happened," said Bianca's grandfather Jean-Pierre Jasmin, his eyes welling with tears.
An estimated 1,500 people met at Ecole La Perdriolle and marched past suburban homes to Boischatel Park carrying banners warning against the dangers of reckless driving.
"Please slow down for Bianca," read another.
They stopped for a moment at the [crash site where two teenagers lost control of their cars] and plowed into the front yard of the daycare on Giffard St. Some people dropped to their knees as if at a shrine.
[Brandon Pardi], 18, and a youth, 17, driving separate cars, face charges of [criminal negligence causing death] and dangerous driving causing death. Both were [released on bail].
"We decided to mobilize and do something so (her death) didn't happen for nothing," co-ordinator Joanne McIntyre said. "Everyone is touched by this."
Bianca's funeral Wednesday was carried live on an all-news television channel. Supporters today came from beyond Ile Perrot, including Montreal, the South Shore and St. Jerome.
"This could have happened in any other suburb," said Lucie Dufresne of Pincourt.
"We're here to encourage (Bianca's) parents, to help them. They are inconsolable," said Dufresne's partner, Claude Bessette.
As marchers signed petitions calling for stricter driving regulations, Quebec Transport Minister Julie Boulet said at a news conference in Montreal yesterday she is seeking legislation with tougher penalties for safety violations including speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. She is also seeking obligatory driving lessons for new drivers.
Organizers also sought donations to [help Bianca's parents pay for her funeral].
"The family didn't have enough money to bury the child," McIntyre said.
To donate, visit the Facebook Group and contact the person organizing the effort [click here] for a direct link.
At the park, politicians offered condolences and Bianca's family released the balloons.
"Thank you for being here," said Nadine Leduc, the child's mother as she wept.
Godmother Chantal Pelchat said the family is overwhelmed by the show of support.
"This goes straight to the heart," Pelchat said.
The family is having a hard time dealing with the tragedy, Pelchat said.
"It's the way it happened. She didn't deserve to die like that, unexpectedly, gone from one day to the next."
Chantal Cartier, Bianca's aunt, said there will always be accidents, unless governments change the rules of the road.
The justice system is too lenient, Cartier said.
cfidelman @ thegazette.canwest.com
Copyright 2007
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2 comments:
merci
for posting this.
<3
Thank you Nadine and Sebastian for your strength and grace and for saving the lives of our children with your courage. You are an inspiration!!!! <3
Bianca we will never forget your love!!!
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