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

    Climate change forcing fish stocks north: study

    Climate change forcing fish stocks north: study
    A study has found that climate change is forcing hundreds of commercially valuable fish stocks north.

    Climate change forcing fish stocks north: study

    Conrad Black testifies he's had 'no alternative' but to fight to clear his name

    Conrad Black testifies he's had 'no alternative' but to fight to clear his name
    TORONTO - Conrad Black told Canada's largest securities regulator Friday that he's had "no alternative" but to fight to clear his name of allegations and U.S. criminal convictions that he considers illegitimate.

    Conrad Black testifies he's had 'no alternative' but to fight to clear his name

    Canada and the world losing out because of global trade stalemate: WTO director

    TORONTO - The head of the powerful World Trade Organization says countries around the planet, including Canada, are missing out on the benefits of a stalled global deal to boost international trade.

    Canada and the world losing out because of global trade stalemate: WTO director

    Canadians volunteering for Ebola response; veterans warn it's not for all

    Canadians volunteering for Ebola response; veterans warn it's not for all
    TORONTO - Paul Gully wanted to make a contribution. Eilish Cleary had worked before in West Africa and knew what it takes to work effectively there. And as West Africa's Ebola epidemic continues to evade control, other Canadian health-care workers are assessing the overwhelming need and thinking about whether they too should step forward.

    Canadians volunteering for Ebola response; veterans warn it's not for all

    Manitoba politician says he'll donate controversial severance to charity

    Manitoba politician says he'll donate controversial severance to charity
    WINNIPEG - A member of Parliament who received a severance package when he left provincial politics says he has decided to donate it all to charity.

    Manitoba politician says he'll donate controversial severance to charity

    Canadian Ebola vaccine to be shipped to Geneva next week, WHO says

    Canadian Ebola vaccine to be shipped to Geneva next week, WHO says
    TORONTO - Experimental Ebola vaccine that Canada has donated to the World Health Organization will be shipped to Geneva next week, the global health agency said Thursday.

    Canadian Ebola vaccine to be shipped to Geneva next week, WHO says