Close X
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
ADVT 
National

Robert Latimer appeals parole board decision restricting international travel

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Jan, 2015 03:55 PM

    The lawyer for Robert Latimer says his client is appealing a parole board decision that prevents him from travelling freely outside Canada.

    A Federal Court judge ruled in September that there was nothing to indicate the 60-year-old Saskatchewan farmer is a danger and should be prevented from travelling internationally.

    The judge ordered the Parole Board of Canada's appeal division to reconsider the case.

    But in November, the board said it wouldn't lift the restriction, ruling Latimer has yet to show that he is capable of reporting to authorities with complete transparency.

    Lawyer Jason Gratl said Monday his client is being deprived of reasonable parole conditions.

    "I'm deeply troubled by the pattern that's emerging of the Parole Board of Canada ignoring what judges have had to say about Mr. Latimer and the fact that he doesn't pose a risk to society," Gratl said.

    Latimer was given a life sentence for the 1993 second-degree murder of his 12-year-old daughter, Tracy, who had severe cerebral palsy. He put her in the cab of his truck on his family's farm near Wilkie, Sask., and piped exhaust inside.

    Latimer has always said he wanted to end his child's chronic, excruciating pain.

    He was released on full parole, with some conditions, in 2010.

    The board denied Latimer's request in 2013 to leave Canada without first applying for a limited-time passport. He appealed that ruling and it was upheld by the board's appeal division. He then took his case to the Federal Court in Vancouver.

    "(Judge Michael Manson) found there was no evidence sufficient to deprive Mr. Latimer of the right to travel internationally," Gratl said. "What has occurred, though, is on reconsideration, perhaps failing to take into account Mr. Justice Manson's reasons for judgment, the Parole Board of Canada has again refused to lift the international travel restriction for Mr. Latimer's terms of release."

    In its decision, the board said that although Latimer is a low risk to society, "a level of risk continues to be present."

    "It is concerning to the board ... that we read on file that there has been no change in your thinking and level of rationalization which led to the offence," the board wrote in November.

    "You continue to deny this was a murder and believe what you did was the right thing to do. This represents a level of risk."

    Gratl said the appeal was submitted Dec. 29 and it could take several weeks for a decision. He added that his client will continue to appeal the travel restriction if the latest attempt is unsuccessful.

    "I think we're approaching the point where it might be fair for a reasonable observer to conclude that the Parole Board of Canada has something of a vendetta against Mr. Latimer," Gratl said. "They continue to deprive him of reasonable conditions of parole on the basis of no evidence, or flimsy evidence."

    Gratl has said that if the travel restriction were lifted, Latimer would still inform his parole officer of travel plans and maintain contact by phone while abroad.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Six-term New Democrat MP Libby Davies says she won't run again in 2015 election

    Six-term New Democrat MP Libby Davies says she won't run again in 2015 election
    VANCOUVER — Federal New Democrat Libby Davies says being elected to her Vancouver riding six times is enough and that she won't be running in next year's election.

    Six-term New Democrat MP Libby Davies says she won't run again in 2015 election

    Key recommendations from the Ashley Smith jury and CSC responses

    Key recommendations from the Ashley Smith jury and CSC responses
    TORONTO — Some key recommendations from the Ashley Smith jury and responses from Correctional Service of Canada:

    Key recommendations from the Ashley Smith jury and CSC responses

    Lawyer for journalist imprisoned in Cairo call on Canada to secure his release

    Lawyer for journalist imprisoned in Cairo call on Canada to secure his release
    TORONTO — Lawyers for an Egyptian-Canadian journalist imprisoned in Cairo have written to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, imploring him to take action that would help secure the man's release.

    Lawyer for journalist imprisoned in Cairo call on Canada to secure his release

    Senators find mistakes in bill, but decide to go ahead and pass it anyway

    Senators find mistakes in bill, but decide to go ahead and pass it anyway
    OTTAWA — The Conservative-dominated Senate is poised to pass a bill targeting labour unions, despite discovering it contains inadvertent drafting errors that must be fixed.

    Senators find mistakes in bill, but decide to go ahead and pass it anyway

    Veteran NDP MP, deputy leader Libby Davies bows out of federal politics

    Veteran NDP MP, deputy leader Libby Davies bows out of federal politics
    OTTAWA — NDP stalwart Libby Davies will not seek re-election next year.

    Veteran NDP MP, deputy leader Libby Davies bows out of federal politics

    RCMP investigates off-base death of a soldier in New Brunswick

    RCMP investigates off-base death of a soldier in New Brunswick
    OROMOCTO, N.B. — A military spokesman says the RCMP has informed the Canadian Forces that the death of a soldier in New Brunswick was not the result of foul play.

    RCMP investigates off-base death of a soldier in New Brunswick