Friday, June 12, 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

    Saskatchewan smart meter fires: Report says customer safety wasn't priority

    Saskatchewan smart meter fires: Report says customer safety wasn't priority
    REGINA - An investigation into a smart-meter program linked to at least eight fires in Saskatchewan says customer safety wasn't enough of a priority for SaskPower.

    Saskatchewan smart meter fires: Report says customer safety wasn't priority

    Canadian task force advises against screening for prostate cancer using PSA test

    Canadian task force advises against screening for prostate cancer using PSA test
    TORONTO - A national task force that issues guidelines for doctors says PSA testing should not be used to screen men for possible prostate cancer because it can lead to more harms than benefit.

    Canadian task force advises against screening for prostate cancer using PSA test

    Quebec premier says direct Montreal-China flights could be coming

    Quebec premier says direct Montreal-China flights could be coming
    SHANGHAI - Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard is hinting there could be direct flights between Montreal and Beijing within the next year.

    Quebec premier says direct Montreal-China flights could be coming

    Manitoba premier Greg Selinger facing internal dissent as NDP popularity sags

    Manitoba premier Greg Selinger facing internal dissent as NDP popularity sags
    WINNIPEG - Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger is facing questions about his future from within his own party.

    Manitoba premier Greg Selinger facing internal dissent as NDP popularity sags

    CSIS obstructed spy watchdog's efforts to obtain timely information, report says

    CSIS obstructed spy watchdog's efforts to obtain timely information, report says
    OTTAWA - Just as the federal government is poised to boost the powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the national spy watchdog says it has had to push CSIS to hand over crucial information.

    CSIS obstructed spy watchdog's efforts to obtain timely information, report says

    Powder sent to consulates in Turkey tests negative; Canadian consulate closed

    Powder sent to consulates in Turkey tests negative; Canadian consulate closed
    ANKARA, Turkey - Turkish officials say initial tests indicate suspicious packages sent to five consulates in Istanbul — including Canada's — did not contain bioterrorism agents.

    Powder sent to consulates in Turkey tests negative; Canadian consulate closed