Tori Stafford rally sidetracked by political issues

Rally for Tori Stafford takes Parliament Hill From CTV Kitchener's Krista Simpson: People from as far as Oxford County joined the rally in Ottawa over Terri-Lynne McClintic’s transfer.

OTTAWA -- A rally on Parliament Hill meant to protest the controversial transfer of Tori Stafford's killer from a prison to an Indigenous healing lodge was sidetracked by complaints over a carbon tax, veterans benefits and federal deficits.

Veteran Colin Saunders raised a number of political issues that seemed to fire up the crowd of about 50 protesters, including calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the "anti-Robin Hood."

Saunders told the crowd the protest isn't just about Tori, but about justice for all Canadians.

Tori Stafford's father Rodney says he didn't want the transfer of Terri-Lynne McClintic from a prison to a healing lodge to be mired in partisan politics, but believes the issue has to become political to affect change.

Demonstrators at today's protest wore purple and chanted "justice for Tori" and "send her back," as Stafford's family looked on.

McClintic pleaded guilty in 2010 to first-degree murder in the killing of Victoria (Tori) Stafford and sentenced to life in prison.