View From the Legislature

For Manitobans of a certain age, the name Candace Derksen is an immediate and emotional reminder of the young 13-year-old Winnipeg girl who went missing in November 1984 on her way home from school. Her disappearance sparked one of the largest missing person searches in Manitoba history and ended tragically when she was discovered in a shack, not far from her home. She had died from exposure to the cold Manitoba winter after being tied up and left in the shack.

For her parents, Cliff and Wilma Derksen, it was a nightmare that few can imagine. It also began a decade’s long journey of trying to find justice for Candace and navigating their way through a justice system that can be both complicated and a times feel very detached from the victims within it. The Derksen’s have, over the many years since, offered a very public look into their experiences both in the justice system and in walking in grief.

Like many Manitobans, my wife and I have, had several opportunities to hear Wilma speak at various events. We have always been amazed at both the Derksen’s desire to leave a positive legacy from this very personal tragedy, and their remarkable journey towards forgiveness. Along the way, Wilma often spoke of her desire to create a safe space, near the courts, that victims of crime could go during a trial to find support and comfort.

In the spring of 2017 that space was found on Kennedy Street in Winnipeg, just a block away from the law courts building. Since then, it has been renovated into a homelike environment and has been welcoming the families of victims who are involved in the legal system. Appropriately, this space to serve families is called Candace House.

Last week, I was honoured to be at Candace House to announce funding of $100,000 as it looks to expand its facility and increase the programing it can offer. I was joined by Wilma Derksen, Cecilly Hildebrand, the Executive Director of Candace House, and Cindy Guimond who shared her own personal story of how Candace House supported her and her family as they walked though the justice system as the family of a victim. The funding was provided by the Criminal Property Forfeiture Branch which liquidates criminal assets and then provides the funds back to projects that enhance public safety and support victims of crime.

The story of Candace Derksen is one that many Manitobans will always remember. The efforts of Cliff and Wilma Derksen also makes it the story of Manitobans who have walked through a tragedy and created a legacy to help others.