Ottawa, ON — On June 15, 2012, Travis Baumgartner shot and killed three of his colleagues, execution-style, at the University of Alberta’s Hub Mall.
In September 2025, Kerry Diotte, Conservative Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach, introduced “Brian’s Bill” in honour of one of the victims, Brian Ilesic.
This legislation, formally C-243, would end the practice of convicted murderers applying for annual parole hearings. Instead, after their first hearing, they would be eligible to re-apply only at five-year intervals – lessening the profound trauma endured by their victims’ families, who currently must suffer through parole hearings year after year.
The bill, if passed into legislation, would stipulate that after a murderer receives his or her first parole hearing, they would only be eligible to re-apply five years following their first denied application. Currently, convicted murderers can apply for parole hearings annually.
“I cannot imagine having to face the person who killed your son or daughter every year,” said Diotte.
Brian’s parents Mike and Dianne Ilesic have been working closely with Diotte, and hope to see the legislation pass.
“The bill would mean so much for the families of murder victims,” said Dianne. “I hope all MPs support it.”
C-243 has the backing of numerous police organizations as well as victims’ support groups:
“Bill C-243 aims to strike a balance between the rights of the offenders and the rights of victims’ family by implementing a more appropriate review process for those serving sentences for the most serious offences. We support the on-going development and study of this Bill in the Committee stage to ensure it can succeed in meeting its goals of protecting victims and delivering justice.”
Commissioner Thomas Carrique, President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police
“This legislation would reduce unnecessary re-traumatization by aligning parole reviews with statutory timelines, while preserving the integrity of the parole process. It is a measured, compassionate step that recognizes justice must account for the ongoing impact of violent crime on those left behind.”
Tom Stamatakis, President of the Canadian Police Association
“The Ottawa Police Association is glad to see someone speak out about parole as it’s long overdue. The trauma these repeated hearings can inflict on the families of loved ones must be considered in decision making.”
Matthew Cox, President of the Ottawa Police Association
“Bill C-243 is a measure of basic human decency and should not be considered a partisan issue. Accountability for the most serious crimes must include consideration for the long-term impacts on victims and the workers who face these risks every day.”
François Laporte, President of Teamsters Canada
Bernard Haggarty, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 362
“The cycle of repeated trauma is not justice. It is cruelty by process. Bill C-243 provides a vital measure of relief. It recognizes that families deserve space to heal, not annual reminders of their deepest pain.”
John Orr, President of the Calgary Police Association
“Thank you to MP Kerry Diotte for taking the lead on desperately needed changes to Canada’s parole system…We look forward to the continued collaboration and we encourage all parties to send this bill to committee so work can continue.”
Toronto Police Association
Scores of Canadians have also signed MP Diotte’s petition in support of the bill, which has its second reading in the House of Commons today, with a vote expected by the end of the month.
“I know that MPs of all political stripes often hear from Canadians, who feel as if criminals have more rights than victims and their families,” Diotte concluded. “This is a chance to work together, as MPs from all parties, to get this timely legislation l passed.”