Kevin Sorenson - Member of Parliament

Camrose, Alberta– Member of Parliament Kevin Sorenson is pleased with last-minute fast-tracking through the Commons by unanimous consent from all parties, measures that ban serious offenders from applying for a Pardon for 10 years, up from the current five. Sorenson says, “Technically, the compromise on Bill C-23, legislation our Conservative government already tabled does not bar offenders convicted of manslaughter -- including Karla Homolka -- from applying for Pardons, but it allows the National Parole Board to reject applications that would bring ‘the administration of justice into disrepute’. Therefore, it will be impossible for Ms. Homolka to be Pardoned this summer.”

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews assures Canadians that he will revive in the fall proposals regarding pardons in the original Bill C-23 that the Conservative government tabled a few weeks ago. These details were set aside in exchange for speedy passage of the measures to block next month’s anticipated application by Homolka for a formal Pardon.

“Many of my constituents spoke up against the possibility of ‘forgiving’ the brutal torture and sex-slaying of two young women. Homolka received a 12 year prison sentence - the infamous, “deal with the devil” - from an Ontario Court in exchange for evidence that led to the conviction of her then husband and co-perpetrator, Paul Bernardo. Canadians were outraged and have not forgotten the lenient treatment she negotiated. Under current law, she could apply for a Pardon July 4 this year,” Sorenson explains.

“Prime Minister Harper spoke firmly and with resolve when he first alerted Canadians that our government would commence working on fixing Canada’s Pardon system. Canadians were outraged that sex offender Graham James, a former hockey coach, had been Pardoned and Canadians wanted to stop the possibility of a Pardon for Homolka. Last night all Members of Parliament agreed and took action before the House of Commons rose for the summer recess. In the next two weeks, the Senate is expected to support the decision of the House - No Pardon for Homolka from Parliament,” Sorenson concludes.