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

    Whales grace B.C.'s marine mammal riches

    Whales grace B.C.'s marine mammal riches
    VICTORIA - Whale research in British Columbia has come a long way from the days when the Department of Fisheries and Oceans mounted a 50-calibre machine gun at Seymour Narrows north of Campbell River with the aim of shooting Killer whales to save more salmon for anglers.

    Whales grace B.C.'s marine mammal riches

    BCIT celebrates 50-year anniversary starting with 'Fab 50' event at first campus

    BCIT celebrates 50-year anniversary starting with 'Fab 50' event at first campus
    BURNABY, B.C. - It's been 50 years since then-premier W.A.C. Bennett officially opened the doors of the B.C. Institute of Technology in Burnaby, and that milestone is being celebrated at the school that now has five campuses.

    BCIT celebrates 50-year anniversary starting with 'Fab 50' event at first campus

    Government should do more to help Canada's troubled police officers

    Government should do more to help Canada's troubled police officers
    TORONTO - Some recent suicides among Canada's police officers have mental health advocates redoubling calls for more aggressive government action and greater public sympathy for the emotional well-being of law enforcement professionals.

    Government should do more to help Canada's troubled police officers

    Call growing louder for national prescription drug plan in Canada

    Call growing louder for national prescription drug plan in Canada
    OTTAWA - It's a buzzword in the medical community, although one that hasn't quite caught fire yet with Canadians at large: pharmacare, a national program that would see prescription drugs covered through a publicly funded system rather than out of pocket.

    Call growing louder for national prescription drug plan in Canada

    Rob Ford to return to hospital Tuesday for second round of chemotherapy

    Rob Ford to return to hospital Tuesday for second round of chemotherapy
    TORONTO - Rob Ford's brother says the ailing Toronto mayor will begin a second round of chemotherapy on Tuesday. Doug Ford says he will back in hospital then for the cancer treatment.

    Rob Ford to return to hospital Tuesday for second round of chemotherapy

    Vancouver Fire Crews Battle Large Blaze At Granville Gardens Building

    Vancouver Fire Crews Battle Large Blaze At Granville Gardens Building
    VANCOUVER - Vancouver's assistant fire chief says it's too early to confirm whether a blaze that ripped through an unoccupied assisted-living facility was suspicious.

    Vancouver Fire Crews Battle Large Blaze At Granville Gardens Building