The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) stands in solidarity with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the Sansom and Cardinal families in their condemnation of the Parole Board of Canada’s decision to grant Roger Bilodeau unescorted temporary absences.
In August 2022, Roger Bilodeau was convicted of manslaughter for the deaths of Métis hunters Maurice Cardinal and Jacob Sansom in March 2020. Despite strong opposition from the RCMP and the affected families, who view this decision as a grave injustice to the victims and further trauma to their families, Bilodeau was granted unescorted temporary absences on February 21, 2024, less than two years after being sentenced.
The MNO supports the families and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government in their calls for the justice system to prioritize the voices and experiences of victims’ families.
Additionally, we stand with all Métis citizens across the homeland in advocating for fairness and respect for all victims and their families. We hope that decisions are made with a greater understanding of their impact on the community’s sense of justice and security.
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