Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes concluded debate at second reading on his Private Members’ Bill C-587 to amend the Criminal Code (to increase parole ineligibility) this week in the House of Commons
Bill C-587 seeks to extend the parole eligibility period for those convicted of the abduction, heinous acts of sexual assault and murder of an individual from the current 25 years, up to a maximum of 40 years.
“My bill has merit and will provide guidance and accommodation to our judiciary to further protect victims of violent crimes,” said Mayes. “This is about victims and their families, not the offenders. Once a parole hearing has been given and denied, the whole process starts over again. Making murderers ineligible for parole for up to a maximum of 40 years could save families approximately eight unnecessary parole hearings.”
“My bill would empower the courts with the ability to increase parole ineligibility when sentencing individuals who abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed our loved ones from the current 25 years up to a maximum of 40 years.
“I am hopeful that my bill will pass second reading and be sent to the Justice Committee for further comment and study,” said Mayes.
