Advertisement

Top court rules Conservative retroactive parole law unconstitutional

A pedestrian walks past the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, Oct. 18, 2013.
A pedestrian walks past the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, Oct. 18, 2013. A pedestrian walks past the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, Oct. 18, 2013.

OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that retroactive changes to parole eligibility brought in by the Harper government are unconstitutional.

The top court was the third successive court to find that the March 2011 legislation was in clear breach of the Charter of Rights because it imposed new punishment on people who had already been tried and sentenced.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Feds want to throw away key for ‘most heinous’ offenders: MacKay

The retroactive changes – which lengthened the amount of time a non-violent, first-time offender had to spend behind bars before being eligible for parole – were deemed by the court to be a form of double jeopardy.

The ruling means dozens or more prisoners may be locked up illegally under the Conservatives’ Abolition of Early Parole Act.

Story continues below advertisement

The Supreme Court ruling is just one of a number of constitutional challenges being launched against the Harper government’s tough-on-crime legislative agenda.

It comes after a Justice department lawyer blew the whistle on what he says is lax vetting of new federal laws for their ability to withstand Charter challenges.

Sponsored content

AdChoices