TORONTO—Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a new bill Wednesday to deny parole to certain criminals, but the stiffer penalties could face a constitutional challenge because the only way left to get out of jail would be with the approval of the public safety minister.
The new law will apply to those convicted of first-degree murder involving: the killing of police officers or correctional officers; terrorism; kidnapping or sexual assault; and crimes “of a particularly brutal nature.” It would also apply to those who commit high treason.
“Next week, our government will introduce legislation to ensure that for the most heinous offenders and the most horrific crimes a life sentence in Canada will henceforth mean exactly that—a sentence for life,” Harper announced in front of a crowd that included families of murder victims.
Currently, those who are convicted of first-degree murder face an automatic sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
