Canadian Life

From G & M:
"Ottawa to introduce life sentences without parole under new legislation"

 

The Conservative government will introduce life without parole for some killers, in what would be the biggest change to the Criminal Code since the abolition of capital punishment in 1976. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that, because of constitutional concerns, those sentenced to life without parole would have the right to petition the public safety minister, but not before 35 years have elapsed. The policy would revive a routine role for cabinet in release decisions that had ended in 1959 with the creation of the National Parole Board.  Life without parole, if approved by Parliament, would cap eight years of tougher crime laws that have contributed to record levels of federal prisoners, even as the murder rate has fallen to levels not seen since 1966. The policy would give a focal point to the national debate on crime and punishment as the country heads toward an election expected in October. Under current law, the first chance at full parole for first-degree murder is at 25 years. Mr. Harper, speaking in Toronto, said the government would remove parole for those who commit “especially brutal murders,” those who kill during a sex assault, kidnapping or act of terrorism, and those who kill prison guards or police officers. The government will table the legislation in the House of Commons next week. In the United States, roughly 40,000 prisoners are serving life without parole, including thousands sentenced as youths. The sentence applies to a variety of crimes, not just murder.

 

 

 ^ There has always been a belief outside of Canada that the Canadian penal system was too lenient. That their prisons are more like resorts than jails. It is good to see that the Federal Government in Ottawa is going to try and change part of their lenient system. It is one thing to not have the death penalty (although I believe it should be in place and used for multiple murders and terrorism) and another to not keep murders and terrorists in jail for the rest of their life. That is a loop-hole that needs to be quickly closed. ^

 

 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/new-law-will-take-away-parole-for-some-life-sentences-harper-says/article23281657/