MP Diotte Introduces Bill to Stop Convicted Murderers from Re-Victimizing Families at Parole Hearings
Ottawa, ON – Kerry Diotte, Conservative Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach, introduced Private Members’ Bill C-243 to put an end to convicted murderers re-victimizing the loved ones of their victims at parole hearings.
The Bill seeks to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act so that, once the Parole Board denies their initial parole application, criminals convicted of first or second-degree murder cannot re-apply yearly for day or full parole after serving their minimum sentence.
Instead, they will only be able to apply for parole once every five years.
“Currently, convicted murderers can apply for parole each and every year after having served their minimum sentence,” said Diotte. “This causes significant trauma and harm to victims’ families.”
This Bill was introduced in honour of the late Brian Ilesic. He, along with three colleagues, was brutally murdered at Edmonton’s University of Alberta by co-worker Travis Baumgartner while they worked as armoured guards for G4S Cash Solutions. Brian’s murderer was sentenced to life in prison.
“With C-243, Brian’s parents Mike and Dianne Ilesic will not have to face the monster who killed their son every year. The current process makes a mockery of justice,” Diotte concluded. “This Bill takes common sense action to protect them and countless victimized families.”