Monday, June 15, 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

    Lights on but still nobody home in parts of Calgary after major power outage

    Lights on but still nobody home in parts of Calgary after major power outage
    CALGARY - Street and traffic lights in downtown Calgary were back on Tuesday morning, but thousands of residents remain out of their homes after a major power outage in the city Saturday night.

    Lights on but still nobody home in parts of Calgary after major power outage

    Vancouver Police Rescue German Man And His Dog From Sinking Car At Park

    Vancouver Police Rescue German Man And His Dog From Sinking Car At Park
    VANCOUVER - Vancouver police have rescued an elderly driver and his dog from the waters of a park after the man visiting from Germany drove down a boat launch ramp.

    Vancouver Police Rescue German Man And His Dog From Sinking Car At Park

    Plain packaging for tobacco a 'logical next step,' says Canadian Cancer Society

    Plain packaging for tobacco a 'logical next step,' says Canadian Cancer Society
    TORONTO - The Canadian Cancer Society says plain packaging for tobacco products is a ‘‘logical next step‘‘ to curb tobacco marketing and save lives.

    Plain packaging for tobacco a 'logical next step,' says Canadian Cancer Society

    Harper and Quebec announce plans for Gulf of St. Lawrence

    Harper and Quebec announce plans for Gulf of St. Lawrence
    SEPT-ILES, Que. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Ottawa and Quebec are both expected to table legislation by the end of the year to jointly manage the petroleum resources in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

    Harper and Quebec announce plans for Gulf of St. Lawrence

    More businesses positive about finances, but still don't plan on expanding: poll

    More businesses positive about finances, but still don't plan on expanding: poll
    TORONTO - The majority of Canadian business owners recently polled say they are optimistic about the future, but have no plans on growing their businesses.

    More businesses positive about finances, but still don't plan on expanding: poll

    Forensic biologist testifies as Luka Rocco Magnotta murder trial hits Day 10

    Forensic biologist testifies as Luka Rocco Magnotta murder trial hits Day 10
    MONTREAL - The jury in Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial is hearing from a forensic biologist who examined stains found inside the accused's apartment and other exhibits gathered at the crime scene.

    Forensic biologist testifies as Luka Rocco Magnotta murder trial hits Day 10