Mayor Roy Statement on Motion to Review Federal Correctional and Parole Policies

The recent release of a dangerous offender on a 72-hour unescorted temporary absence in Durham Region is deeply troubling, and I share the concerns raised by residents across our community.

At tonight’s Committee of the Whole meeting, a member of Whitby Council brought forward a motion requesting that the Government of Canada review and reform federal correctional and parole policies, including measures to ensure municipalities are notified when high-risk offenders are released in our community.

While I appreciate the intent behind the motion, the Town has received legal information from the Town Solicitor confirming that this matter falls outside the jurisdiction of municipal government.

The motion was forwarded to Durham Regional Police Service for action.

It should be noted that DRPS already has robust communications strategies in place to notify the public and the media when high-risk offenders are present in our community.

I am in daily contact with DRPS and have a strong working relationship with Chief Peter Moreira. I’m encouraged that the chief has a meeting scheduled with Correctional Service Canada in April, where he will formally advocate on behalf of our community and raise concerns about this recent incident.

This is the most appropriate and effective channel for advancing these concerns and I appreciate the chief’s partnership on this issue.  

For media inquiries please contact:

Office of the Mayor

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca

Corporate Communications

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca