Thursday, June 11, 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

    B.C. Family Haunted By Caitlin Murray's Disappearance More Than A Year Ago

    B.C. Family Haunted By Caitlin Murray's Disappearance More Than A Year Ago
    KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The mystery of what happened to a 21-year-old B.C. woman continues to haunt her family more than a year after she disappeared.

    B.C. Family Haunted By Caitlin Murray's Disappearance More Than A Year Ago

    Stickboy Opera Opens In Vancouver To Take On Bullying Based On Poet's Life

    Stickboy Opera Opens In Vancouver To Take On Bullying Based On Poet's Life
    The new work about school bullying opened to positive reviews in the city and will run until Nov. 7, with hopes of having the production tour high schools throughout British Columbia.

    Stickboy Opera Opens In Vancouver To Take On Bullying Based On Poet's Life

    Wynne on possible Doug Ford PC leadership bid: 'we are very different'

    Wynne on possible Doug Ford PC leadership bid: 'we are very different'
    BEIJING — While Premier Kathleen Wynne says she doesn't want to get involved in the Progressive Conservative leadership tilt in Ontario, she acknowledges that a Doug Ford victory would present "an exercise in contrast."

    Wynne on possible Doug Ford PC leadership bid: 'we are very different'

    BDSM not abuse but way to spice up sex life in safe, consensual way: adherents

    BDSM not abuse but way to spice up sex life in safe, consensual way: adherents
    TORONTO - Fired CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi's admission that he engages in rough sex has Canadians hearing a term that many may be unfamiliar with — BDSM, or bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism. So just what does BDSM involve and what draws adherents to this kind of sex?

    BDSM not abuse but way to spice up sex life in safe, consensual way: adherents

    Actor says she is going public with Ghomeshi allegations to help other accusers

    Actor says she is going public with Ghomeshi allegations to help other accusers
    TORONTO - "Trailer Park Boys" actor Lucy DeCoutere says she is going public with allegations of abusive behaviour by Jian Ghomeshi because she wants to help other women who are levelling more serious accusations against the ousted CBC host.

    Actor says she is going public with Ghomeshi allegations to help other accusers

    Senate still out $45K for questionable travel and living expense claims

    Senate still out $45K for questionable travel and living expense claims
    OTTAWA — The Senate is still trying to recoup tens of thousands of dollars in questionable travel and living expenses.

    Senate still out $45K for questionable travel and living expense claims