MP MacKenzie Introduces Private Member’s Bill

Ottawa, ON- Today Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Commons. This bill seeks to amend the Corrections and Constitutional Release Act by transferring the authority to authorize the escorted temporary absence of an offender of first and second degree murder, within three years of full parole eligibility, from the prison warden to the Parole Board of Canada.

“I am pleased to introduce a Private Member’s Bill today and to support the families of victims,” said MP MacKenzie.

The decision-making powers of prison wardens to grant escorted temporary absences to those convicted of first and second degree murder has been a matter of great concern for the families of victims in Canada. This is due to the fact that there is no public accountability or administrative process for the warden’s decision; as there would be if the decision was made by the Parole Board of Canada.

Kim Hancox-Spencer, whose husband Detective-Constable William (Billy) Hancox, was stabbed to death while on a routine stakeout in Scarborough, is extremely supportive of this bill. One of the two women convicted of killing her husband has been granted several escorted temporary absences by the prison warden, even though it had previously been denied by the Parole Board.

“I am very pleased to see the introduction of this bill today and the support it has received,” said Ms. Hancox-Spencer. “This is a real significant step forward not only for myself, but also for the family members of victims across Canada. I look forward to seeing this bill successfully through the parliamentary process and enacted into legislation in the near future.”

 

For More Information Contact:
Clarissa Langdon
Executive Assistant
Dave MacKenzie, MP for Oxford
613-995-4432