Minister to Raise Parole and Day Pass Issue with Federal Counterparts

Justice Minister Murray Scott has contacted federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day regarding early parole for violent offenders.

Mr. Scott wants to draw their attention to the difficulties early release places on victim's families.

"Here in Nova Scotia we have recently witnessed the trauma that is revisited on families when offenders receive early parole," said Mr. Scott. "There are undoubtably circumstances when early parole makes sense, but there are certainly others when it does not."

Mr. Scott noted that the federal government has made several commitments to strengthen sentencing to ensure that serious crime results in real punishment. This includes introducing mandatory minimum prison sentences for designated crimes, repealing the faint hope clause, and replacing statutory release with earned parole.

Mr. Scott has asked for an update on the status of these commitments and also indicated that he will raise this issue with his provincial and federal counterparts at their next meeting in the fall.

"Nova Scotians want to know that criminals who commit serious, violent crimes will serve an appropriate amount of time in jail, including a full sentence when circumstances warrant," said Mr. Scott. "We need to make sure perpetrators are held accountable."