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May 3rd, 2012

Government must seek clemency for Canadian on death row in U.S.

Conservatives must be clear: death penalty is unacceptable in all circumstances

OTTAWA — The Canadian government must seek clemency for Ronald Allen Smith, the only Canadian citizen on death row in the United States, according to NDP MPs Françoise Boivin (Gatineau) and Wayne Marston (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek).

The Canadian government had planned to send a representative to the tribunal to read a statement seeking clemency for Ronald Smith last week. But at the last minute, the Conservatives did an about-face and decided to let Smith’s lawyer read the statement instead. This gives the impression that Ottawa has given up its
efforts in this matter.

“It’s shameful that a country like Canada can’t respect its own position on the death penalty,” said Boivin, Official Opposition Justice Critic. “The Conservative government must seek clemency without ambiguity, as required by its international commitments and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”

“The rules are clear: Canada has the moral and legal obligation to seek clemency in this situation,” added Marston, Human Rights Critic. “The Conservatives must stop denying reality and act according to their mandate, which is to respect Canadian laws and values.”