Oland bail appeal could set legal precedent on release of convicted murderers
FREDERICTON — Convicted murderer Dennis Oland’s bid for bail at the Supreme Court of Canada could set an important legal precedent nationally, and several provinces are arguing such releases may not be in the public interest.
Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have filed motions for leave to intervene in Oland’s appeal to the top court.
Ontario’s Attorney General says Canadians expect sentences for murder and other serious crimes to be enforced, and bail should only be considered when there are “very strong” grounds of appeal.
“It will be Ontario’s position that reasonable members of the public expect that sentences imposed for all crimes, but particularly for more serious offences, will be enforced when handed down,” wrote Gregory Tweney, acting director of the Attorney General’s criminal law office.