Parole Board of Canada Petition

May 27, 2024

In the wake of a deeply troubling decision by the Parole Board of Canada, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, alongside concerned citizens and residents of Canada, are taking a stand to prioritize justice for Indigenous victims. That is why we are launching a petition addressed to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

The recent decision to grant day parole to Roger Bilodeau, convicted in connection with the deaths of Métis hunters Jacob Sansom and Maurice Cardinal, has echoed through our community, deepening wounds that are still healing. Despite ongoing appeals and the objections of the victims’ families, this decision undermines the core sense of justice and security that our community relies upon.

President Andrea Sandmaier of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government stated, “The decision to grant day parole to Roger Bilodeau is a complete disregard for the gravity of the loss suffered by their loved ones and our community. We stand in solidarity with the victims’ families and refuse to accept this injustice.”

In response, our petition calls upon government officials to prioritize the voices and experiences of Indigenous victims in decision-making processes that impact their lives. Specifically, we demand:

• Implementation of cultural safety training for all Parole Board of Canada board members.
• Reforms to Policy 2.1 of the Decision-Making Policy Manual for Board Members to consider systemic and cultural factors in cases where the victim is Indigenous or Black.
• Inclusion of the victim’s community in Parole Board of Canada hearings when the victim is Indigenous, and their Indigeneity may have been a factor in the offense.

This petition underscores our commitment to justice, accountability, and the well-being of Indigenous communities. We invite all concerned Citizens to join us in this crucial initiative by signing and sharing the petition widely.

Let us stand together to ensure that Métis victims receive the respect, support, and justice they rightfully deserve.

NT6