Welland mayor calls on province, feds for reform in wake of child sexual assault

The Mayor of Welland is calling on the province of Ontario and the federal government for reform and support in the wake of the brutal sexual assault of a minor by a repeat sex offender at the end of August.

A girl under the age of five suffered serious injuries in a sexual attack after Daniel Senecal, age 25, broke into her family home during the night of Aug. 30.

He has since been charged in the assault.

READ MORE: Accused in Welland toddler sexual assault a registered sex offender

In an open letter from the City of Welland penned to the Welland community, Mayor Frank Campion said that he wrote directly to the prime minister of Canada and the premier of Ontario demanding urgent reforms including:

“– Stronger bail and sentencing laws, so that those charged with violent sexual crimes face the full weight of consequences, with no chance of early release in cases of extreme brutality.
— The complete elimination of parole for crimes of this nature, ensuring offenders serve their entire sentences—without exception.
— Stricter enforcement of the National Sex Offender Registry, so that no community is left unaware of who lives in their midst.”

Campion began the letter by communicating his own grief.

“This past week, our city has been shaken in the most painful way imaginable. The brutal sexual assault of a young child has left us horrified, heartbroken, and deeply angry. I know the emotions running through our community right now—rage, grief, disbelief, and an overwhelming demand for justice—are rampant. I share those emotions with you,” he wrote.

“I made this appeal because Welland — and every Canadian community — deserves more than outrage and grief. We deserve action. While municipalities do not control bail, parole, or sentencing, we do have a duty to speak with force, and I will not stop pressing for change at both the federal and provincial levels of government,” said Campion.

The mayor added that Welland is “not standing still” at the local level and that the city will continue to work with police, community safety partners and support agencies to protect children and families.

“This is about more than politics. It is about protecting children. It is about standing together as a community. And it is about making sure that out of our grief and anger comes real, lasting change,” emphasized Campion.

READ MORE: Welland comes together for vigil for young sexual assault victim