Sunday, June 21, 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

    Canada Sending Several Dozen Military Advisers To Iraq As NATO Ramps Up Defences

    Canada Sending Several Dozen Military Advisers To Iraq As NATO Ramps Up Defences
    Prime Minister Stephen Harper quietly bowed out of the NATO Summit on Friday, announcing a commitment of military advisers for Iraq but skipping a photo-op meant as a display of solidarity in the face of growing international threats in eastern Europe and the Middle East.

    Canada Sending Several Dozen Military Advisers To Iraq As NATO Ramps Up Defences

    DFO mapping ocean floor of B.C. to prep for potential tanker spills

    DFO mapping ocean floor of B.C. to prep for potential tanker spills
    VANCOUVER - Fisheries and Oceans Canada is looking for someone to map the ocean floor near the British Columbia coast, an area it says could be affected by spills with the expected increase in tanker traffic.

    DFO mapping ocean floor of B.C. to prep for potential tanker spills

    NATO approves new rapid response force aimed at deterring Russian aggression

    NATO approves new rapid response force aimed at deterring Russian aggression
    NEWPORT, Wales - Seeking to counter Russian aggression, NATO leaders approved plans Friday to create a rapid response force with a headquarters in Eastern Europe that could quickly mobilize if an alliance country in the region were to come under attack.

    NATO approves new rapid response force aimed at deterring Russian aggression

    Tony Accurso says he helped former Montreal police chief after failed election bid

    Tony Accurso says he helped former Montreal police chief after failed election bid
    MONTREAL - Former construction magnate Tony Accurso says he gave $250,000 to help Jacques Duchesneau because the ex-Montreal police chief was in debt after a failed bid to become mayor.

    Tony Accurso says he helped former Montreal police chief after failed election bid

    Jury Selection In Luka Rocco Magnotta's Long-awaited Murder Trial Set To Begin

    Jury Selection In Luka Rocco Magnotta's Long-awaited Murder Trial Set To Begin
    MONTREAL - One of Canada's most publicized and shocking criminal cases resumes Monday when jury selection begins in the first-degree murder trial of Luka Rocco Magnotta.

    Jury Selection In Luka Rocco Magnotta's Long-awaited Murder Trial Set To Begin

    NATO Allies Deem Islamic State A Significant Threat, Agree On Coalition To Take On Militants

    NATO Allies Deem Islamic State A Significant Threat, Agree On Coalition To Take On Militants
    NEWPORT, Wales - The U.S. and 10 of its key allies agreed Friday that the Islamic State group is a significant threat to NATO countries and that they will take on the militants by squeezing their financial resources and going after them with military might.

    NATO Allies Deem Islamic State A Significant Threat, Agree On Coalition To Take On Militants