Tuesday, June 16, 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

    Trial dates for Nelson Hart expected to be set next month in prison incident

    Trial dates for Nelson Hart expected to be set next month in prison incident
    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The case of a Newfoundland man released from prison after murder charges were dropped will return to court next month to set trial dates on separate charges.

    Trial dates for Nelson Hart expected to be set next month in prison incident

    Activists plan court challenge to 'anti-democratic' Fair Elections Act

    Activists plan court challenge to 'anti-democratic' Fair Elections Act
    OTTAWA - The Council of Canadians and the Canadian Federation of Students will ask the courts to overturn parts of the Harper government's Fair Elections Act.

    Activists plan court challenge to 'anti-democratic' Fair Elections Act

    Conservative changes to EI could cost Canada jobs, Budget watchdog warns

    Conservative changes to EI could cost Canada jobs, Budget watchdog warns
    OTTAWA - The Harper government's $550-million small-business job credit will create just 800 net new jobs in 2015-16, while a freeze in employment insurance premiums could cost the economy 10,000 jobs over the same period, Canada's parliamentary budget office says.

    Conservative changes to EI could cost Canada jobs, Budget watchdog warns

    RCMP investigating suspected extremists heading abroad, returning from fights

    RCMP investigating suspected extremists heading abroad, returning from fights
    OTTAWA - The RCMP has about 63 active security investigations on 90 suspected extremists who intend to join fights abroad or who have returned to Canada, said Bob Paulson, commissioner of the national police force.

    RCMP investigating suspected extremists heading abroad, returning from fights

    Ex-premier Danny Williams sues newspaper alleging he was defamed in editorial

    Ex-premier Danny Williams sues newspaper alleging he was defamed in editorial
    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Former Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams is suing the Telegram daily newspaper in St. John's for defamation.

    Ex-premier Danny Williams sues newspaper alleging he was defamed in editorial

    Canada to step up border checks for Ebola; will use targeted temperature screens

    Canada to step up border checks for Ebola; will use targeted temperature screens
    TORONTO - Canada will step up border screening to try to prevent an Ebola importation to this country, federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose said Wednesday.

    Canada to step up border checks for Ebola; will use targeted temperature screens