OPINION: The names of murder victims should be public

Multiple times this year, reporters with the Edmonton Journal were unable to obtain the names of Albertan murder victims. RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Josee Valiquette told the Journal that their policy is to reveal the names of victims "only after the immediate family has no objection."

According to reporters at the Journal, this is a recent practice-- previously, victim's names were always released.

Paula Simons is a columnist with the Journal. She says the practice gives too much consideration to the victim's family, and not enough to the victims themselves: "If I were ever murdered, I would certainly want people to know about it. Do we want the state to hush that up? Do we want that to be kept secret? I think that when somebody dies the duty of care we owe is to them and their memory."

Simons says police stand to gain from publicizing the names of victims. For example, there's the possibility that witnesses or acquaintances will come forward with information. As well, she says a victim's family can also gain, by having the media tell the story of their loved one.

When we don't know who in our community is dying in this way, it dehumanizes them, and it breaks down our relationships that inform our community and connects us to one another. I don't think I just have the right to know when someone is murdered, I think I have a responsibility to pay attention.- Paula Simons

The 180 asked both the Alberta RCMP and national RCMP office for an explanation of this policy, but both offices have declined to comment.