Ottawa - Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo asked the following question today to the Minister of Public Safety:

“Mr. Speaker, the NDP refused to support the speedy passage of Bill C-23, meaning notorious criminals would remain eligible for pardons. Neither victims nor law-abiding Canadians think it is acceptable for notorious criminals to be pardoned; while the Opposition plays political games in Ottawa. Can the Minister of Public Safety update this House on this critical issue?”

Mrs. McLeod’s question came on the heels of a report today that convicted murderer Karla Homolka plans to apply for a pardon and will be eligible to do so as early as July 5th. Homolka received a 12 year manslaughter sentence in a plea bargain deal for taking part in the rape and murder of teens Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French. Homolka may successfully receive a pardon unless the government passes legislation that is now before the House of Commons.

Bill C-23, An Act to amend the Criminals Records Act, would deny pardons to violent offenders, including murderers and some sex offenders.

“The Conservative Government is prepared to sit around the clock to see this legislation become law, but that would require unanimous consent. It’s absolutely abhorrent that the NDP would hold this legislation up. Canadians have been demanding this action since it was reported that convicted sex offender Graham James was granted a pardon,” stated McLeod.

“It is well known that the vast majority of convicts who apply for a pardon are presently granted one. This legislation would finally reform the pardon system in Canada, and give victims and law-abiding Canadians the respect they so deserve,” concluded McLeod.