Our son's murderer was the first offender in Canada to be sentenced under the consecutive sentencing law. He was given a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 40 years. There was a sense of relief in knowing that we would not have to attend a parole hearing for 40 years.
Forty years would mean that we would never have to go, in all likelihood, to a parole hearing. Now with the Supreme Court's decision, the murderer has applied to have his 40-year sentence reduced to 25 years. That means the murderer could be eligible to apply for parole in just 15 years from now.
To call this possibility distressing is an understatement. When we discussed this decision with family and friends and our MP Michael Cooper, we recognized that the majority of people do not support the Supreme Court's decision. The Liberal government should have invoked the notwithstanding clause to override the decision of the Supreme Court.
Please listen to the people of Canada. As a victim, I am mystified and terribly disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision and the government's lack of response. Jail is not cruel and unjust, but murder is.
Recommendation number one is that the government should have invoked the notwithstanding clause to override the Bissonnette decision. I'm disappointed that there has been no response from Minister of Justice David Lametti other than he respects the decision by the Supreme Court.
Recommendation number two is to please not allow mass murderers, like our son's murderer, a chance to get parole after 25 years.
Recommendation number three is that parliamentarians should visit penitentiaries and learn. Jail is not a cruel place to reside. Inmates enjoy many benefits for which taxpayers pay. All their meals are free. There's no fee for room and board. Inmates are offered education. They could possibly end up with a bachelor's degree or a master's degree, but what about the victims left behind?
As to recommendation number four, when this incident occurred, I happened to be in a deep amount of sorrow and grief. I recognized that I needed counselling. Could counselling sessions be paid for by the government? In 2012, the fee for counselling was $185 an hour. Who can afford that?
Recommendation number five is to please sponsor a way for victims to navigate the justice system. A victims' advocate should be established to help victims navigate the system and arm them with all the information they need and deserve.
In closing, we want to let you know that we have registered for victim notification through Corrections Canada, but we are not receiving updated notifications as promised. The updates would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We have been through the journey and we're still going through it too.