Thatcher's invitation draws different messages from Sask. government MLA, minister, premier

Saskatchewan Party MLA Lyle Stewart's decision to invite his "longtime friend," convicted murderer Colin Thatcher, to this week's throne speech resulted in varying messages from Stewart, Minister of Corrections Christine Tell and Premier Scott Moe.

On Wednesday, Thatcher sat on the assembly floor while Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty, the former commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, delivered the government's speech to open the fall sitting of the legislature.

Thatcher, 84, sat in a brown jacket and bolo tie. He is no stranger to the assembly, having been elected as an MLA in 1975 and serving in cabinet until 1983.

In 1983, four days after Thatcher stepped down from cabinet, his ex-wife JoAnn Wilson was found beaten and shot to death in the garage of her Regina home.

Thatcher was found guilty the next year of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was released on parole in 2006 after 22 years behind bars and has maintained his innocence.

The speech Thatcher and the hundreds of other guests and dignitaries heard Wednesday included a tough-on-crime message. The government said it plans to create a Saskatchewan Marshals Service and add to existing policing teams.

It also took time to criticize the federal government's treatment of violent criminals.

"Many Saskatchewan residents see the federal government as too lenient on violent offenders who commit gun crimes and too focused on punishing law-abiding gun owners," Mirasty read.

"This session, my government will take significant action to crack down on the illegal and violent use of firearms in the commission of crimes to ensure families feel safe in their communities. We will do this while also defending the rights of lawful and responsible firearms owners."

After the speech Mickey Djuric, a reporter with The Canadian Press, caught up with Thatcher and Stewart at a reception held for guests.

"Colin was a longtime MLA, and he's a constituent of mine and a friend of mine and that's why I [invited him] and I'm happy that I did," Stewart told Djuric.

"If anybody has a right to be here, it's Colin Thatcher."

Stewart said Thatcher was "a fine individual" and has had a tough life because of his time in prison. 

After the speech on Wednesday, Minister of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety Christine Tell was asked about Thatcher's presence.