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Government introduces bill to end early parole for murderers
June 5, 2009 -- Ottawa, Ontario -- MP Rob Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, today welcomed legislation to repeal the "faint hope" clause. This would mean that criminals who commit first- or second-degree murder will no longer be able to apply for early parole.
"This legislation will ensure that the families of victims will no longer have to endure the pain of attending repeated parole hearings," said Mr. Moore. "Those who commit the most serious crime of murder must serve serious time. We will put an end to these so-called 'faint hope' reviews."
Currently, first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence with no eligibility for parole for 25 years. Second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence with no eligibility for parole for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 25 years. Under Section 745.6 of the Criminal Code—the "faint hope" clause—an offender sentenced to life imprisonment can apply, at the 15-year mark in their sentence, for an earlier parole date.
"Here is another example of how this government puts the rights of victims and the rights of law-abiding citizens ahead of the rights of criminals," said Mr. Moore. "We are continuing to follow through on our tackling crime agenda. We are getting the job done."
Rob Moore is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and the MP for Fundy Royal.
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William van Geest
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of Rob Moore, M.P. Fundy Royal
(613) 996-2316
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