Tuesday, June 9, 2026
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

    Fire co-ordinator discusses chaos at scene of Quebec fire that killed 32 people

    Fire co-ordinator discusses chaos at scene of Quebec fire that killed 32 people
    RIVIERE-DU-LOUP, Que. — A regional fire-safety co-ordinator has described a scene of chaos when he arrived early one morning last January at a Quebec seniors' home where 32 people died.

    Fire co-ordinator discusses chaos at scene of Quebec fire that killed 32 people

    Magnotta trial hears psychiatrist unable to track down accused's acquaintances

    Magnotta trial hears psychiatrist unable to track down accused's acquaintances
    MONTREAL — A psychiatrist who assessed Luka Rocco Magnotta for criminal responsibility says he wasn't able to interview two people the accused said had a major presence in his life.

    Magnotta trial hears psychiatrist unable to track down accused's acquaintances

    Residential school lawsuits in Newfoundland and Labrador could face delay

    Residential school lawsuits in Newfoundland and Labrador could face delay
    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Former Newfoundland and Labrador residential school students suing for an apology and compensation listened today as a federal application was argued that could delay the case for months.

    Residential school lawsuits in Newfoundland and Labrador could face delay

    Jury sees damaged boat at murder trial of lobster fisherman in Cape Breton

    Jury sees damaged boat at murder trial of lobster fisherman in Cape Breton
    PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. — The damaged boat that Phillip Boudreau was on before he disappeared in a Cape Breton harbour was shown to the jury on Tuesday at the second-degree murder trial of a man who has pleaded not guilty in his slaying.

    Jury sees damaged boat at murder trial of lobster fisherman in Cape Breton

    Manitoba moves to get children under government care out of hotels

    Manitoba moves to get children under government care out of hotels
    WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is taking steps to reduce the number of children in care housed in hotels.

    Manitoba moves to get children under government care out of hotels

    Alberta RCMP say natural gas pipeline intentionally shot with high-powered rifle

    Alberta RCMP say natural gas pipeline intentionally shot with high-powered rifle
    HINTON, Alta. — RCMP in Alberta say they are looking for a person who intentionally shot a natural gas pipeline.

    Alberta RCMP say natural gas pipeline intentionally shot with high-powered rifle