Close X
Wednesday, January 15, 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

    Vancouver Places 30,000 Sandbags Along Waterfront In Anticipation Of King Tide

    Vancouver Places 30,000 Sandbags Along Waterfront In Anticipation Of King Tide
    VANCOUVER — Some 30,000 sandbags line a stretch of low-lying waterfront land in Vancouver, placed by city workers in a bid to protect local homes from an anticipated king tide.

    Vancouver Places 30,000 Sandbags Along Waterfront In Anticipation Of King Tide

    Critics ask why Canada hasn't blocked international trade in 76 endangered species

    Critics ask why Canada hasn't blocked international trade in 76 endangered species
    Recently released documents indicate the federal government has reservations about restricting international trade in endangered species — more of them than almost any other government on Earth.

    Critics ask why Canada hasn't blocked international trade in 76 endangered species

    Premier Jim Prentice says low oil prices punch $6B-$7B hole in Alberta budget

    Premier Jim Prentice says low oil prices punch $6B-$7B hole in Alberta budget
    EDMONTON — Premier Jim Prentice says if oil prices continue to remain low, they will blow a $6 billion to $7 billion hole in the $40-billion provincial budget and no Albertan will be spared the pain.

    Premier Jim Prentice says low oil prices punch $6B-$7B hole in Alberta budget

    Safety Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

    Safety Tips for a Safe Holiday Season
    Surrey Fire Service is reminding residents to take extra safety precautions this winter in the wake of new data that shows fires are more likely to occur when the weather is cold.

    Safety Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

    Slain Vancouver-Born VH1 Star Asked Dance Teacher Not To Judge Rapper Husband

    Slain Vancouver-Born VH1 Star Asked Dance Teacher Not To Judge Rapper Husband
    Rachael Poirier says she asked Stephanie Moseley about her engagement ring when the actress on VH1's "Hit the Floor" drama series dropped by her old studio in Burnaby, B.C., three years ago.

    Slain Vancouver-Born VH1 Star Asked Dance Teacher Not To Judge Rapper Husband

    Harper partially disowns veterans charter as Opposition demands Fantino resign

    Harper partially disowns veterans charter as Opposition demands Fantino resign
    OTTAWA — The new veterans charter, a marquee deal defended and championed by Stephen Harper's Conservatives since 2006, suddenly became a "Liberal policy" Tuesday as the government weathered more demands for Julian Fantino's resignation.

    Harper partially disowns veterans charter as Opposition demands Fantino resign