On Saturday April 7, 2007
Stephanie Rae Butler of Edmonton
passed away suddenly at the age of 25 years

She leaves to mourn her loss, her loving husband, Michael William Butler;
her loving parents, Doug and Sue Mah Poy; and her faithful puppy, Mylo.

A funeral service to commemorate her life was held at
3:00 p.m. Saturday April 21, 2007 at
Mill Woods United Church, 15 Grand Meadow Crescent.

Flowers were gratefully declined, but donations to the "Stephanie Mah Poy-Butler Memorial Fund" are graciously accepted.
(more details below)

Welcome to butlerpetition.com

If this is your first visit, we hope you will find information that is both interesting and provocative. 

For returning visitors, thank-you for your loyalty and your patience while we continually work on improvements and upgrades to our site.  Please forgive any glaring errors or omissions, as this website is still very much a work in progress, and all of us who are involved are still grieving for Stephanie.

As the first anniversary of Stephanie’s death approaches, we are reminded of not only our profound grief and loss, but also our responsibility to all of you who have donated to the Stephanie Mah Poy-Butler Memorial Fund.  We have been remiss in not having sent out thank-you notes and failing to keep you informed about how the funds will be used.  Please accept our apologies.  We have found certain tasks to be emotionally overwhelming and difficult to accomplish.

First, please accept our deepest thanks for your gifts of flowers, food, prayers, companionship, and helping out in so many ways during our time of grief.  Every kind gesture, large or small, is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generous donations which, to date, total just over $7,400.00.  This figure does not include approximately $1200.00 more in cheques that were not written with the correct information and, therefore, were rejected by the bank.  We plan to return those cheques by mail and request that new cheques be issued, payable to:

Michael Butler #559 6294458

Donations continue to be accepted at any branch of TD Canada Trust.

 We are now accepting electronic donations as well. Please click the donate button to donate now.

The initial funds have been held in a regular chequing account held jointly by Michael Butler and Sue Mah Poy because this type of account offers the greatest flexibility.  Unlike a “donation account” or trust account, which is bound by strict guidelines, we can withdraw all or any portion of our funds to make a donation or move from one type of investment to another.  This flexibility is important because we wanted to set aside money for a number of different causes with funds to be donated at various times, including a scholarship to be awarded every year in Stephanie’s name.  This scholarship fund could be self-sustaining if invested wisely.

We have decided that the Memorial Fund will support three separate causes:

1.                  Annual Scholarship – To honour Stephanie’s scholastic excellence and, in particular, her writing ability.

2.                  Charitable Donations

a.)                Plan Canada – Stephanie and her mother have had a sponsored child for many years and continue to support the work done worldwide by Plan Canada (formerly known as Foster Parents Plan).

b.)                Caps Against Cataracts – Having been extremely myopic from a young age, Stephanie experienced eye problems first-hand.  This project aims to help protect the eyes of children in Nepal who develop cataracts due to long-term exposure to the sun’s rays.

3.                  Public Safety – We have not yet decided which program(s) to support and welcome any suggestions.

Scholarship Fund

A $300 scholarship will be awarded annually to a grade 12 student who graduates from J. Percy Page Composite High School with honours standing in grades 10, 11 and 12 based on four core subjects and who gives proof of acceptance for study at any post-secondary institution and whose short essay is considered superior by Stephanie’s family.  We have designated $5,000 for the scholarship fund and, in fact, that money is presently invested in a high-yield financial instrument which currently pays over eight percent interest.  As mentioned, we anticipate that investment interest alone may cover the annual $300 scholarship, thus providing an enduring memorial of Stephanie’s life for years to come.  The first scholarship will be awarded in October 2008 during the school’s annual Awards Ceremony.

Charitable Donations

a.)        Plan Canada - On or about April 7, 2008 a one-time donation of $1300.00 will be made to support two projects from Plan Canada’s 2007 – 2008 “Gifts of Hope” catalogue:

$300                Cows in Zambia / Ghana.  A dairy cow provides a lasting supply of milk to drink and enables families to sell the surplus milk and use the income for education and health care.

$1000              Share in a Well in Benin.  This gift frees children from walking as far as 10 kilometers for water, supplies an entire community with water and provides proper well maintenance training for community members.

b.)                Caps Against Cataracts - $500 - Wanda Vivequin, a freelance writer who owns a small trekking and travel company in Edmonton, visited a remote district in Nepal in 2007 where she discovered that cataracts was a major problem for the local people due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation that is intensified at high altitudes.  Cataracts often lead to blindness.  Shielding the eyes with sunglasses or visors may not prevent the condition, but will offer some protection and delay the onset of cataracts.  Since most of the people are poor and have limited access to medical care, Wanda’s idea to distribute caps in Nepal seems to be a simple but elegant solution.  So far, she has collected over 7,000 donated caps which will be transported by yak to the mountainous region of Humla.  It costs $500 to hire and feed each of eight yaks needed for the 3-week return trip.  Wanda leaves for Nepal on May 2, 2008.  The Stephanie Mah Poy-Butler Memorial Fund will be sponsoring one yak to help Wanda achieve her goals.  We were deeply moved by this beautiful campaign and in awe of what one caring person can accomplish to help those in need.  If Stephanie were here today, she would surely concur.  (Note:  Wanda’s story has been covered twice in Nick Lees’ column in the Edmonton Journal – February 3, 2008 and March 30, 2008.)

Public Safety Program

Stephanie lost her life because of inadequacies in our social service and criminal justice systems.  A malicious, manipulative offender was allowed to remain at large to perpetrate senseless violence upon two innocent people on the night of April 6, 2007.  This scenario must not be allowed to re-occur. We call out for change, but we also want our actions to have an impact.   With such a daunting task, we have yet to determine what our focus will be.  Should we contribute to a treatment program for drug addicts?  Should we support a program like the Guardian Angels, whose volunteer members patrol neighbourhood streets?  Perhaps we could ask the EPS (Edmonton Police Services) if our donation can be used for equipment (i.e. computerized network) upgrades or specific officer training to ensure that, the next time someone calls to report that a loved one may be in danger because a restraining order has been ignored, this citizen will get the protection he deserves.  Please feel free to offer suggestions on how we might direct these funds.  There is about $600 earmarked for the public safety component, but this amount will grow as re-written cheques are returned and investment interest and future donations flow in.

Since Stephanie’s death, Michael has seized every opportunity to speak out on the preventable tragedy that occurred.  He ran as the NDP candidate for Edmonton-Rutherford in the recent provincial election.  Door-knocking and meeting his electorate provided many opportunities to promote awareness and garner support for changes to our legal and mental health systems.  While he did not win his seat, Michael ran his campaign with a lot of heart, driven by his dedication to honour Stephanie’s memory through public service.

Finally, we would like to say that we, as a family, have not yet come to a decision regarding where or how to erect a permanent monument to mark Stephanie’s passing.  As you know, Stephanie was cremated and there is presently no physical location at which to visit her.  With the trial unlikely to proceed until late 2008 or early 2009, we are “in limbo” and unable to make decisions related to bringing closure.  We ask for your patience and understanding, and will let you know as soon as Stephanie’s final resting place has been chosen. In the meantime, please feel free to visit  the memorial website, www.inmemoryofstephanie.com to express your condolences or leave comments.    

With love and gratitude,

Sue, Doug & Michael

Recent News and Updates

May 1, 2008

'It's just so hard to forgive, to move on'

Families share their stories at first Victims of Homicide conference

EDMONTON - His funeral was over. The flowers drooped and were thrown out. His bed, upstairs, lay empty. Read more

April 15, 2008

Trial

Trial is scheduled for:

Nov 3 - Dec 19, 2008 at 10:00 am in Queen's Bench, Law Courts Edmonton.

Regina vs. Kenneth Butler

Docket #070547849P1

April 5, 2008

Widower Crusades for Change

EDMONTON - With his wife dead and his brother in police custody waiting to be charged, Michael Butler sat down with a friend's phone book to call every MLA listed. Read more

April 5, 2008

Persons at risk now contacted when bail granted

EDMONTON - Michael Butler's efforts to get more support for victims of crime have already led to at least one change. Read more

February 11-15, 2008: Preliminary Hearing

Several friends and family members were called to testify at the Preliminary Hearing. It was a harrowing experience to be asked to "re-live" the circumstances surrounding Stephanie's death.

May 18, 2007

"Supervisory Review" ordered by EPS Chief of Police Mike Boyd

In a letter dated May 10, 2007 EPS Chief of Police Mike Boyd stated that, after reviewing Michael Butler's formal complaint against the EPS (see letter dated April 13, 2007) he has "directed that an internal Supervisory Review be initiated for the purpose of reviewing policy and recommending any changes as it pertains to the areas of your concern".  Chief Boyd goes on to state that "at the conclusion of the Supervisory Review process, it is my intention to forward the file in its entirety to an outside Police Agency for review and recommendations".
While this news brings some initial optimism (at least, the acknowledgment that police policies and / or delivery of police services may be deficient), we could not help but notice that Chief Boyd has directed an internal review be initiated, but only states his "intent" to proceed with an outside investigation.  We hope this subtle difference in wording is not intentional, and that Chief Boyd is a man of his word.  We will keep you posted as the investigation proceeds.

May 10, 2007

City man faces murder charge in death of his sister-in-law

An Edmonton man was charged Wednesday with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his sister-in-law on Easter weekend.

Kenneth Butler, 24, is also charged with aggravated assault in connection with the severe beating of an Edmonton cab driver the same weekend.

He will undergo a 30-day psychological assessment at Alberta Hospital before entering a plea to the charges against him next month.

"It is essentially to assess his state of mind," Crown prosecutor Anne Schutte said Wednesday.

"Criminal responsibility is an issue here."

On April 4, Butler tried to visit his brother Michael at his southeast Edmonton home. Michael and his wife, Stephanie, were aware of Kenneth's violent past and called police.

Butler was arrested but released the following morning on $300 bail. He was ordered to stay away from Michael and Stephanie's home.

One day after his release, police were called to the same area to investigate the beating of 61-year-old cab driver Pavan Chohan. Shortly after police arrived, Kenneth Butler approached officers and allegedly explained that he was somehow involved.

Police believe that Stephanie Butler was attacked and killed in her home while officers were outside investigating the assault on the cab driver.

Stephanie's parents found her body the following day.

Kenneth Butler's family later said he had a long history of violent, erratic behaviour, mental-health problems and drug addiction.

"Everyone is heartbroken -- there are no words to express how my family is feeling right now," Michael Butler said Wednesday.

"This should never have happened. My brother was let down, my wife was let down, I've been let down and there are a lot of people out there who are still being let down," Michael Butler said.

Butler is currently travelling in Ottawa and Toronto to campaign for better treatment for drug addicted and mentally ill Canadians, along with changes to the justice system.

Kenneth Butler will make his next appearance in court on June 8.

 The Edmonton Journal 2007

April 27, 2007

On April 13, 2007 Michael Butler received two phone calls from the accused killer.  These calls originated from Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, where the accused is undergoing a 30-day psychiatric evaluation.  Michael was shocked and traumatized by these calls.  He immediately notified the hospital and they assured him this would not happen again.

On April 25, 2007 Michael received a third call from the accused, even after so-called "measures" were put in place to prevent this re-occurrence.  This was the fourth breach of the Restraining Order placed by a judge upon the accused, forbidding him to have contact with Michael or Stephanie. (First breach: attacking and killing Stephanie; second and third breaches: two phone calls made on April 13th; fourth breach: phone call on April 25th).  Alberta Hospital, being the accused's custodian, has an obligation to uphold this court-ordered Restraining Order, and they have failed.

This is wrong, unjust, and unacceptable, for Alberta Hospital to allow the accused to re-victimize those they have hurt.  Is this another example of how our justice system defends the rights of the accused, at the expense of protecting the rights of the victim?  If there are certain individuals at Alberta Hospital who failed in their job (i.e. not watching the accused carefully during his phone time and allowing him to re-dial) these individuals must answer for their mistakes.  Policy makers and senior management  at Alberta Hospital must also be held accountable.  We demand real change - not tomorrow, not next year, but immediately.

April 17, 2007

Improving Albertans' quality of life

New approach aims to improve treatment of mental illness in the community

Edmonton... Amendments to Alberta's Mental Health Act and accompanying measures to enhance community-based mental health services will help Albertans living with mental illness and their families to access early intervention services, prevent deterioration, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Tony Abbott, MLA Drayton Valley-Calmar, introduced Bill 31, Mental Health Amendment Act, 2007 on April 17 in the legislature. If passed, the legislation will require physicians to provide treatment recommendations to a patient's family physician when that patient is discharged from care.

"I am proud to support Bill 31 as these amendments to the Mental Health Act will help get earlier treatment for Albertans suffering from mental illness," said Abbott.  "Changes to the Act will provide valuable assistance to these individuals, their families and their communities and will be an important component of mental health care in our province."

Another proposed amendment will allow community treatment orders (CTOs). CTOs must be issued by two physicians, one of whom must be a psychiatrist. CTOs encourage treatment in the community and provide a less intrusive alternative to hospital admission. Each case will be addressed on an individual basis to ensure resources are in place to support treatment.

Health regions are responsible for delivery of mental health services and operate a network of more than 85 community mental health clinics across the province. Provincial and regional health plans also promote community options, and enhanced community services are encouraged through the Mental Health Innovation Fund.

"Treatment in the community will translate into a better quality of life for Albertans battling mental illness," said Dave Hancock, Minister of Health and Wellness. "While community treatment orders are an important tool that will help to encourage compliance with prescribed treatment, they should be viewed as an extreme measure. Our immediate priority is to ensure availability of the support services required for Albertans suffering from serious mental illness to lead full, independent and productive lives. In a well-functioning mental health system, CTOs should rarely be necessary."

If passed, a steering committee with appropriate representatives from stakeholder groups will be established to assist in implementation of the bill and to provide feedback on essential community services. The committee will work with government in the development of options for a province-wide approach to assertive community treatment of mental illness.

"The goal is to ensure we reach out and provide the necessary assistance to those in need before their condition deteriorates to the point where they require re-hospitalization," Hancock said. "In addition, we will assist community-based organizations and consumer groups in providing education, information and support to patients and their families."

Strengthening treatment of mental illness in the community supports Premier Stelmach's plan to improve Albertans' quality of life.

2007

Click here to view Bill 31 - Mental Health Amendment Act, 2007

Changes for a Safer Community

Stephanie Butler was attacked and killed in her home by a repeat offender.  Her tragic death could, and should, have been prevented.  Both the mental health system and the criminal justice system failed Stephanie.  Her senseless death has spurred her family and friends to stand up and demand change.

Persons suffering from severe drug additions and / or mental illness need early intervention and access to support services to prevent the eventual deterioration of their mental state.  However, should they continue to exhibit violent or dangerous anti-social behaviour on a regular or repeat basis, these individuals should be compelled to remain in long-term treatment facilities.

Stephanie's killer was well-known to the police.  He had been in and out of jail numerous times.  After being locked up two days before Stephanie's murder, he was released on $300 cash bail, with a Restraining Order directing him to stay away from Michael and Stephanie.  This person was released from custody without the victims' knowledge, even though Michael had asked to be notified prior to the release of this dangerous offender, in order to take steps to protect his family.

The entire chain of events resulting in Stephanie's death includes other troubling details, and raises these questions:

• What went wrong?

• What needs to change, to prevent similar tragedies in the future?

• Was human error a factor, or should we focus on systemic deficiencies, i.e. laws governing the tracking, arrest, detainment, and incarceration or rehabilitation of offenders?

• What improvements can be made now without having to change existing laws or enact new ones? For example, should there be more stringent guidelines regarding Restraining Orders (RO's), and mandatory assessment and tracking of repeat offenders?

We need to promote better information-sharing and cooperation between our mental health system and the criminal justice system.

EPS Chief, Mike Boyd, stated on April 10, 2007:  "I believe our officers did what they could do with the information they had at that time".  If that is the case, the EPS needs to overhaul their information system to ensure quicker access and provide automatic links to a suspect's criminal history, including details of recent Restraining Orders.

We, the people, need to work with our leaders to produce positive change for the safety of our community.  We are in the process of researching and talking to people who can:

• Help us understand the current laws and regulations pertaining to Alberta's Mental Health Act and the Canadian criminal justice system.

• Help us identify areas where change is needed.

• Assist us in drafting a petition outlining our recommendations.

Once the petition is complete, we will be asking for your signatures to show support for our cause.  In the interim, we ask that you contact individuals (see list below) who can help effect change.

The following list has not been updated since the recent elections. Please refer to government websites and the phone book for contact information.

Federal

Prime Minister Stephen Harper
pm@pm.gc.ca     
Fax:  (613) 941-6900

Hon. Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety  
http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/abt/electronic-en.asp
(780) 427-3441

Peter Goldring  
MP Edmonton East
goldrp1@parl.gc.ca
 (780) 495-3261

Hon. Mike Lake   
MP Edmonton Mill Woods Beaumont
LakeM1@parl.gc.ca
(780) 495-2149

Hon. Robert Douglas Nicholson 
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
webadmin@justice.gc.ca
(613) 957-4222

Provincial

Ed Stelmach   
Premier of Alberta
http://premier.alberta.ca/contact/
(780) 427-2251

Harvey Cenaiko
MLA for Calgary-Buffalo
calgary.buffalo@assembly.ab.ca
(780) 422-1818
Constituency Office:  (403) 244-7737

Mo Elsalhy   
MLA for Edmonton-McClung
edmonton.mcclung@assembly.ab.ca
(780) 408-1860

Hon. Ron Stevens
MLA for Calgary-Glenmore
calgary.glenmore@assembly.ab.ca
(780) 427-2339
Constituency Office: (403) 216-5421
 

City

Mike Boyd    
Chief of Police
eps@police.edmonton.ab.ca
(780) 423-3474 or (780) 421-2676

Mayor Stephen Mandel 
Contact Mayor Mandel
 (780) 496-8100

Councillor Dave Thiele
Contact Councillor Thiele
 (780) 496-8142

Councillor Terry Cavanagh
Contact Councillor Cavanagh
 (780) 496-8148

Edmonton Police Commission
info@edmontonpolicecommission.com
(780) 414-7510

Media

C.R. Nichols   
630 CHED
Contact C.R. Nichols
(780) 440-6300

Leslie Primeau   
630 CHED
Contact Lesley Primeau
(780) 440-6300

Dave Rutherford   
AM 770 CHQR
Contact Dave Rutherford
(403) 716-6500

Comments

We welcome your suggestions and comments regarding the ideas we have put forth.  Please email us at:  comments@butlerpetition.com. 

To leave personal comments and tributes to Stephanie, please visit www.inmemoryofstephanie.com.

Memorial Fund

The Stephanie Mah Poy-Butler Memorial Fund has been set up to assist programs that promote public safety, as well as other endeavours that celebrate Stephanie's compassionate nature and talents.  Donations are gratefully accepted at any TD Bank.

We will be making an announcement very soon regarding the allocation of funds. Electronic donations will be made available in the near future.

Stephanie's family and friends have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of compassion and offers of help.

We wish to express our deepest gratitude.