44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsMarch 22, 2024441-02273441-02273 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABMarch 22, 2024February 26, 2024Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:For over eight years, the Liberal government has put the privileges of criminals ahead of the rights of victims;Frequent parole hearings often revictimize and retraumatize the families of victims of murder;The Liberal government has failed to respond to the Bissonnette decision, disregarding the impact that this decision will have on the families of victims of some of Canada's most heinous murderers; andBill S-281, Brian's Bill, is a modest response to Bissonnette that puts victims first by preventing convicted murderers from applying for parole every year after serving their minimum sentence.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge Parliament to swiftly pass Brian's Bill.Conditional releaseS-281. An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Act (parole review)Victims of violence44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 18, 2024441-02050441-02050 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABFebruary 1, 2024March 18, 2024December 12, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledFebruary 28, 2024e-3956e-3956 (Justice)SoniaRobinsonPamDamoffOakville North—BurlingtonLiberalONMarch 30, 2022, at 10:54 a.m. (EDT)July 28, 2022, at 10:54 a.m. (EDT)January 29, 2024February 28, 2024August 8, 2022Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Violence against women is a Canadian public health crisis that demands urgent action;The current Canadian court system is not equipped to protect women; One in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime;One woman or girl is killed every other day, on average, somewhere in our country;Similarly, children are being killed by abusive parents at increasing rates, after judges ignore red flags and warning signs and put the children directly in danger;Children are not merely exposed to domestic violence, they experience it; In worst case scenarios, children are killed by a violent parent; Each year in Canada, about 30 children are killed by a parent; Mothers are responsible about 40% of the time, often due to postpartum depression or mental illness;In the 60% of cases where fathers are the murderers, anger, jealousy, or post-separation retaliatory revenge are the usual motivations;Judges need education on what constitutes domestic violence or coercive control;A formal education program would ensure another line of defense for victims, as well as preventing violence and abuse before it happens;Keira’s Law is named after Keira Kagan, who was killed by her father when she was four years old in 2020; andVoting in favour of Keira’s Law, contained in Bill C-233, will not only protect victims of violence and children, it will save lives.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to support Member of Parliament Anju Dhillon's Private Member’s Bill C-233, that will raise the level of education on domestic violence and coercive control for federally appointed judges.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyPrivate Member’s Bill C-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Judges Act (violence against an intimate partner), received Royal Assent on April 27, 2023. The Government was proud to support this important bill and pleased to see it receive Royal Assent.
C-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Judges Act (violence against an intimate partner)Conditional releaseDomestic violence
44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsFebruary 26, 2024441-02211441-02211 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABFebruary 26, 2024February 26, 2024Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:For over eight years, the Liberal government has put the privileges of criminals ahead of the rights of victims;Frequent parole hearings often revictimize and retraumatize the families of victims of murder;The Liberal government has failed to respond to the Bissonnette decision, disregarding the impact that this decision will have on the families of victims of some of Canada's most heinous murderers; andBill S-281, Brian's Bill, is a modest response to Bissonnette that puts victims first by preventing convicted murderers from applying for parole every year after serving their minimum sentence.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge Parliament to swiftly pass Brian's Bill.Conditional releaseS-281. An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Act (parole review)Victims of violence44th Parliament207Open for signatureDecember 19, 2023e-4725e-4725 (Justice)DianneIlesicMichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABDecember 19, 2023, at 4:41 p.m. (EDT)April 17, 2024, at 4:41 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:For over eight years, the Liberal government has put the privileges of criminals ahead of the rights of victims;Frequent parole hearings often revictimize and retraumatize the families of victims of murder;The Liberal government has failed to respond to the Bissonnette decision, disregarding the impact that this decision will have on the families of victims of some of Canada’s most heinous murderers; andBill S-281, Brian’s Bill, is a modest response to Bissonnette that puts victims first by preventing convicted murderers from applying for parole every year after serving their minimum sentence.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to swiftly pass Brian's Bill (Bill S-281).Conditional releaseS-281. An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Act (parole review)Victims of violence44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 7, 2023441-01802441-01802 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABOctober 24, 2023December 7, 2023November 4, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 7, 2023441-01811441-01811 (Justice)GlenMotzMedicine Hat—Cardston—WarnerConservativeABOctober 24, 2023December 7, 2023November 29, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 7, 2023441-01813441-01813 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABOctober 24, 2023December 7, 2023November 4, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 3, 2023441-01635441-01635 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservativeABSeptember 20, 2023November 3, 2023November 4, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 3, 2023441-01633441-01633 (Justice)KarenVecchioElgin—Middlesex—LondonConservativeONSeptember 20, 2023November 3, 2023November 4, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 3, 2023441-01630441-01630 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABSeptember 20, 2023November 3, 2023November 4, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 1, 2023441-01606441-01606 (Justice)LarryBrockBrantford—BrantConservativeONSeptember 18, 2023November 1, 2023November 4, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 1, 2023441-01603441-01603 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABSeptember 18, 2023November 1, 2023November 4, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 20, 2023441-01467441-01467 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABMay 17, 2023June 20, 2023October 21, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 20, 2023441-01466441-01466 (Justice)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKMay 17, 2023June 20, 2023October 21, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 20, 2023441-01465441-01465 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservativeABMay 17, 2023June 20, 2023November 4, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2023441-01406441-01406 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABMay 2, 2023June 15, 2023April 25, 2023Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2023441-01345441-01345 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABApril 26, 2023June 9, 2023April 25, 2023Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 8, 2023441-01331441-01331 (Justice)JohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservativeONApril 25, 2023June 8, 2023October 21, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 8, 2023441-01330441-01330 (Justice)GlenMotzMedicine Hat—Cardston—WarnerConservativeABApril 25, 2023June 8, 2023October 21, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 8, 2023441-01329441-01329 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABApril 25, 2023June 8, 2023September 27, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2023441-01327441-01327 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 24, 2023June 7, 2023October 21, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledApril 24, 2023441-01183441-01183 (Justice)MarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservativeBCMarch 9, 2023April 24, 2023September 23, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledApril 24, 2023441-01179441-01179 (Justice)GlenMotzMedicine Hat—Cardston—WarnerConservativeABMarch 9, 2023April 24, 2023September 23, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2023441-01172441-01172 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABMarch 8, 2023April 21, 2023September 27, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledApril 17, 2023e-4124e-4124 (Justice)DianneIlesicMichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABSeptember 15, 2022, at 5:57 p.m. (EDT)January 13, 2023, at 5:57 p.m. (EDT)February 16, 2023April 17, 2023January 17, 2023Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="245291" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Justice</Addressee>Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada’s most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada’s worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Justice to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 18, 2022441-00742441-00742 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABOctober 5, 2022November 18, 2022September 27, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 14, 2022441-00701441-00701 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABSeptember 26, 2022November 14, 2022September 23, 2022Petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to the following:Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Bissonnette struck down section 745.51 of the Criminal Code, which allowed parole ineligibility periods to be applied consecutively for mass murderers;As a result of Bissonnette, some of Canada's most heinous mass murderers will have their parole ineligibility period reduced, now being eligible to apply for parole after only 25 years;Bissonnette is an unjust decision, putting the interests of some of Canada's worst criminals ahead of the rights of their victims;Recurring parole hearings can retraumatize the families of victims of mass murderers; andThe Government of Canada has tools at its disposal to respond to Bissonnette, including invoking the Notwithstanding Clause.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause and override Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Conditional releaseConsecutive sentencesMultiple murdersNotwithstanding clause