According to the Government of Canada's Just Facts website, in 2014, the majority (83%) of sexual assaults went unreported to police, with only five percent being reported. Justice Canada's three studies with survivors of sexual assault revealed that over two-thirds of the male sample (68%), the Northern sample (67%), and 64% of the female sample did not report the child sexual abuse/assaults to the police, nor was it reported by another individual.

Sexual assault in Canada increased from 27,909 police-reported incidents in 2018 and 30,335 in 2019 to 33,521 in 2021. The continuation of Justice Cameron Watson's blatantly biased treatment only serves to further deter victims from coming forward, prompting calls for his removal from the bench by the Governor General.

• "His life has taken an irreparable downward spiral. He is no longer the man he once was," Watson wrote....Justices generally wait until after the hearing to consider the arguments of both sides before making a decision on sentencing. But LaCombe's "immense amount of emotional strain" compelled Watson to put the former cop's mind at ease that no jail time was necessary, he said. 
• No jail time for Hamilton police officer who sexually assaulted woman he was mentoring, judge rules - Samantha Beattie · CBC News

The entrenched mentality that places women's safety below the tarnished reputation of an offender must end. The recent sentencing in the Michael Lacombe case by Justice Cameron Watson has distressingly highlighted this issue. In Ontario, Canada, there is an expectation for the judicial system to enforce the law and protect all citizens equally. Yet, in this case, Justice Watson exhibited a clear lack of impartiality and a readiness to act in bad faith. It is a reasonable expectation that committing an assault, particularly in a position of power over the victim, could have repercussions for one's reputation.

Such an excuse cannot be used to justify any form of harm or violence against women. This behaviour is disheartening for a judge and a law officer. Both men, in positions of power, have demonstrated a willingness to abuse their authority.

We must not allow them further opportunities. The time has come to cease tolerating such behaviours. It propagates a dangerous narrative that fosters gender inequality and negates responsibility for harmful actions. This mindset was apparent in Justice Watson's handling of the Michael Lacombe case.

Statistics Canada reveals that one in three Canadian women will experience sexual violence during their lifetime (Statistics Canada). This alarming rate calls for an urgent need to address such issues seriously within our judicial system.

Justice Cameron Watson's continued presence on the bench threatens not only my sense of safety but also that of countless other women who deserve fair and unbiased treatment under law enforcement agencies. 

We must demand accountability from those who are supposed to enforce justice and protect us all equally. We call upon you to join us in demanding the removal of Justice Cameron Watson from his position due to his demonstrated lack of impartiality. Please sign this petition today.