Wednesday, June 17, 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

    First international study on continental pollution trends released

    First international study on continental pollution trends released
    A new international study has attempted for the first time to understand changing patterns of industrial pollution across the North American continent.

    First international study on continental pollution trends released

    Ontario premier announces trade mission to China

    Ontario premier announces trade mission to China
    TORONTO - Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has announced she will be going on a trade mission to China later this month.

    Ontario premier announces trade mission to China

    Google's Eric Schmidt talks about hiring Canadian talent, loving BlackBerry

    Google's Eric Schmidt talks about hiring Canadian talent, loving BlackBerry
    TORONTO - Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt made a rare visit to Canada on Wednesday, to help announce a $1.5 million grant to support the educational charity Actua and speak at an event promoting his new book "How Google Works," written with Jonathan Rosenberg, an adviser to CEO Larry Page.

    Google's Eric Schmidt talks about hiring Canadian talent, loving BlackBerry

    Abbotsford Police Search Man Spotted Carrying Girl Into Bushes

    Abbotsford Police Search Man Spotted Carrying Girl Into Bushes
    ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - Police in Abbotsford, B.C., are searching for a young girl who was last seen lying on the side of a road and being carried off by a man into the bushes.

    Abbotsford Police Search Man Spotted Carrying Girl Into Bushes

    Coffee Club sues rival Keurig, alleges unfair competition over coffee pods

    Coffee Club sues rival Keurig, alleges unfair competition over coffee pods
    TORONTO - A Canadian coffee roaster is suing Keurig Green Mountain, which makes single-serving pods for use in its own brand of brewing machines.

    Coffee Club sues rival Keurig, alleges unfair competition over coffee pods

    Emissions and LNG Tax set for B.C. Fall Sitting

    Emissions and LNG Tax set for B.C. Fall Sitting
    VICTORIA - The issue of a liquefied natural gas tax is set to heat up debate during British Columbia's fall legislative session, but the potentially controversial issue of emissions controls on LNG are also part of the package.

    Emissions and LNG Tax set for B.C. Fall Sitting