Feds plan to crack down on criminal pardons
Posted May 10, 2010 7:06 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Conservative government is taking action to prevent repeat offenders from getting a pardon.
Legislation is expected to be introduced in the House of Commons Tuesday.
The move comes after public outrage earlier this year, when it was learned that former junior hockey coach Graham James was given a pardon in 2007.
James sexually assaulted two of his teen players, including Sheldon Kennedy, who went on to play in the NHL.
Former Calgary Flame Theoren Fleury has filed a complaint against James with Winnipeg Police, alleging he was also sexually abused by James.
In an internal memo obtained by the Canadian Press, the Public Safety Minister says the legislation will direct the National Parole Board to deny pardons to those guilty of multiple serious offences.
This isn’t pleasing everyone.
“When you start taking away discretion from people like the parole board or judges, that’s when there’s going to be fallout. There’s going to be fallout for people who should get a break but can’t,” Criminal Lawyer Balfour Der tells 660News.
He adds the legislation is a knee jerk reaction to public opinion and not a well thought out plan.
The government argues Canadians will have more confidence in our justice system if the bill is passed.
