New Democrats push to stop Homolka pardon

OTTAWA – New Democrats are pushing the Conservative government to urgently adopt legislation that would ensure criminals like Karla Homolka never receive a pardon.

New Democrat MP Malcolm Allen (Welland) has proposed a bill allowing the National Parole Board to deny pardons that would “bring the administration of justice into disrepute.” This bill is Allen’s second attempt this week to block Karla Homolka from receiving a pardon.

“People in my community were devastated by the acts perpetrated by Karla Homolka, and I share their outrage at the very thought that she could be pardoned,” said Allen. “Homolka’s crimes were unforgivable, and we need to act now to make her legally unforgivable, too.”

Homolka will be eligible to apply for a pardon from the National Parole Board in early July, after living crime-free for five years following her release.

The government’s Bill C-23 contains a clause that would effectively bar Homolka from being pardoned. Passing C-23 through all stages before the summer requires unanimous consent from all parties.

Allen’s bill contains only the key clause to block the Homolka pardon, and he is hopeful the government will cooperate and move the legislation forward. Earlier this week, Allen presented a motion that would have allowed Parliament to act immediately, solving the C-23 deadlock and blocking Homolka’s pardon before she applies but the motion was defeated.

“My family is forced to relive the pain and horror every time that woman’s name is in the news. A pardon would be unthinkable,” said Talin French-Doyle, granddaughter of Donna French. “Forgiveness is the right of a victim, not a requirement of the State. I hope the government will do whatever it takes to stop this from happening.”

French-Doyle collected 1,700 petition signatures in a matter of days calling on the government to fast-track the portion of C-23 that would deny Homolka a pardon.

“The Conservatives know C-23 won’t make it through in time. New Democrats have offered the government a solution,” Allen said. “It’s not too late, but time is of the essence. I implore the government to consider every option and do whatever is necessary to ensure that justice is maintained.”