Evidence of meeting #47 for Justice and Human Rights in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was parole.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
In that period of time, this other witness for the government, for Corrections, was doing similar work in terms of getting ready for that hearing.
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
I think you've indicated this, but just to be sure, was that trial in front of the jury in the same community where the murder of which you were convicted was committed?
3:45 p.m.
NDP
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
Okay. In terms of the recommendation from the jury, did they recommend release immediately or were you extended in terms of the first time you could be released?
3:45 p.m.
As an Individual
They recommended that I be released immediately, but that wasn't the case. I still had to go through the parole board process.
3:45 p.m.
As an Individual
It took about a year before I got full parole, because you have to go through steps. I first made application to go in front of the parole board and was granted unescorted temporary absences. After that, I had to make another application for day parole. After that, I had to make another application for full parole, so at any point during that period the parole board could have said no, and I would have stayed in custody.
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
Just to do a quick summary, from the date you applied until the day you were out on full release in the community, how much time passed?
3:45 p.m.
As an Individual
When I made my application, I believe it was either at the end of 1993 or early 1994, and towards the end of 1995 I was granted full parole. I believe it was November 1995.
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
In the work you do with LifeLine and going into the prisons, have you been involved with other prisoners who have applied for early release?
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
Is the process any different now from what it was at that point? I'm asking this in terms of the length of time that it takes to go through the process.
3:45 p.m.
As an Individual
It takes longer now because, as I say, a judge determines whether or not the application has merit. If the judge determines that it has no merit, the person can't apply.
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
In your case, did any of the family members of the murdered individual appear at the trial or put in a written statement?
3:45 p.m.
As an Individual
No, they didn't. They were in court every day, but they did not.
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
While you were in prison, you obtained two university degrees.
3:45 p.m.
As an Individual
I did. I was a high-school dropout, so I finished high school. I did my BA in psychology through Queen's University, I completed my honours year in criminology, and I did most of my master's degree while I was still inside.