Contest the new pardon laws

Comments

51 Responses to “Contest the new pardon laws”

1. 

   Jay

   31 July 2012

   Hi Michael,

   Is it ‘Paulina.Ayala.C1B@parl.gc.ca’ the email we should direct our concerns too? Also can I type it up in a word format and attach it to an email?

   Reply
2. 

   CV

   2 August 2012

   Hello,

   I’m all for backing this initiative but will my personal information be made public or be released in a news conference/meeting for all to see?

   I don’t mind leaving my story, my concern is that my record and name will be connected. This will not be good for future employment opportunities. I’m just wondering how is my personal info going to be used or released.

   The jist of how the delay has affected my life has been posted on the following link. It is the 12th comment.

   http://www.nationalpardon.org/good-news-i-hope-for-pardons

   Reply
3. 

   CV

   2 August 2012

   …I meant the 13th comment.

   Reply
4. 

   Sad2Bcanadian

   7 August 2012

   Actually I had the same concern as the person above. I am all for fighting these unjust changes to an already working system, but also am hesitant to have my name attached to this if there is no sort of confidentiality. Eg. I would hate to get a pardon 10 years later, only to find that after expungement of my record, my name/record is still around for employers/immigration to see because of a letter I wrote.

   Hopefully we’re just being over-cautious, but some reassurances as to how/whether confidentiality applies (in this case) would be much appreciated by all considering this, I’m sure.

   Reply
   1. 

      Sad2bCanadian

      5 June 2015

      I guess I hit the refresh button or my posts didn’t make it up. Anyways, here goes a second time.

      So I have been lurking and checking in on the blog from time to time, and thought that I would post this, as it is relevant to the topic at hand. I’m not sure if the contact person from the original post in this thread ever gained enough momentum for his cause, but if not, here is something related that is of interest to us…

      The person mentioned in the below link, was affected (just like the rest of us) by these ridiculous changes to an already working system. He has come forth and is looking into fighting it himself, with the law firm he has retained spearheading the “campaign”. From what I understand, they have raised 1k towards an eventual goal of 20k in the course of just a few days. I will be donating $250 at least, myself.

      Here is the link to law firms blog that started the campaign.

      http://www.michaelspratt.com/law-blog/

      And here is the link to their “GoFundMe” campaign that is looking to raise funds for research and perhaps an eventual charter challenge:

      http://www.gofundme.com/pardon

      Another law on probation eligibility has also been struck down, check these guys out and help their cause!

      Reply
      1. 

         Michael Ashby

         5 June 2015

         Hi Sadsb,

         We get too much spam to be posting comments without moderating first. I have gone and included them even though they include links (some of the stuff people try to slip in here is hard to describe).Anyway seeing as they are actually perfectly relevant to the site and the topic seems like they are good ones to have in there.

         Best regards,

         Michael

         Reply
5. 

   Nicole

   7 August 2012

   Sad2Bcanadian + CV,

   We can only assume that an Assistant to Citizen’s Relations will understand and keep your information confidential, since it is not our office I do not know how their systems of collecting information will work. i can tell you that once the pardon is granted the pardoned cannot be used against you but i fully understand your concerns. I would suggest you contact them directly for their procedures.

   Reply
6. 

   Sad2Bcanadian

   7 August 2012

   Btw, I commend the efforts of the national pardon center and all involved in fighting these unconstitutional changes. I’m sure many of the countless Canadians affected by this, would like to voice their indignation and utter disgust, and it’s about time that someone “Led the charge”. I hope the above-mentioned letters have some influence on how our “great leaders” see the will of the people done, but I personally think it will need MUCH more. Hopefully someone more experienced with the processes involved in passing/challenging of legislature will chime in with further suggestions.

   As others have said, and I’m sure countless others feel, I am willing to do whatever is in my power to get this done. Perhaps we need an informative, well-written website, dedicated to this cause (with links to the old briefs/statistics recommending AGAINST bill c-10, links to e-mail complaints to local MP’s, information about the relevent clauses of the Canadian charter, info re: charter challenges and perhaps a petition of some sort).

   Someone more informed will correct me I’m sure, but from my (albeit limited) understanding of the Canadian judicial system, it seems a successful charter challenge to set “precedent” is what we’ll need. On what basis could the challenge be filed? That I do not know. But with strength in our numbers, and the possibility of using the law to challenge this ridiculous change, at least we have some hope.

   In my case I plead guilty to some trafficking related charges, under advisement that after fulfilling all conditions of my fond. Sentence, and being of good behavior for 5 years, I would be eligible for a pardon and able to obtain employment/ travel again. I am not sure if a criminal record is technically considered part of one’s “punishment” or an indirect result of the application of justice. If it IS considered (in the context of law) as part of ones punishment/sentence for their crime, perhaps a good constitutional lawyer could argue that varying one’s “sentence” after being imposed by a judge and being agreed to (and signed) by all parties, is in breach of the charter which I believe prohibits variance of one’s sentence between the time of sentencing and the application of sentence.

   Anyone with ANY real knowledge of these potential charter challenge points, should really chime in, as well as anyone who knows of any filed or pending charter challenges related to bill c-10 pardon changes. United together, perhaps we might have a real chance to contest these changes, the time to fight is NOW.

   Reply
7. 

   Jay

   7 August 2012

   I completely agree with the above mentioned comments. I suggest everyone affected by this bill contact the NDP MP from Quebec that Mr. Ashby has provided the contact information for. I have emailed them and they have informed me that there are several people for this Quebec riding that have taken steps to challenge this bill and more specifically this bill affecting those who have been sentenced before the passing of this bill.

   I suggest everyone email or contact this MP somehow to atleast stay updated with the progress of the constituitional challenge. It is also noteworthy that a resident from this riding has also contacted a lawyer to challenge this bill on their behalf. If anyone is serious and knows any lawyer that specializes in criminal law or even constituitional law, I suggest they contact them to challenge this bill. Most lawyers would take this case on as a pro bono meaning we do not have to pay as many people are affected by this bill and the lawyer would ultimately receive some sort of recognition through media thus ‘getting their name out there’.

   Do not wait and take action if you want to see any sort of change. If not then don’t react and let the stigmatization of a criminal persists.

   Reply
8. 

   Sad2Bcanadian

   8 August 2012

   Well, that’s something at least. I’m sure we all knew there would be tremendous outrage from the >12% of previously-convicted Canadians and their families/friends. It’s good to know that several others are contesting this in Quebec (and elsewhere). Although through my limited digging around I’ve yet to Find anything on a charter challenge being filed YET, I’m sure an undertaking of this magnitude will take some
   time before it finds it’s way in court. Hopefully the person you mention Jay, will have his lawyer file this charter challenge sooner than later. It is my understanding that although charter challenges can take a loo-oong time, when they are filed in response to new (potentially unconstitutional) legislation, the process is somewhat expedited into court… Meaning hopefully, an initial court date within a year.

   I will be contacting the representative at the above-provided e-mail myself shortly, and suggest that anybody reading this (lurker or contributor) should do the same. I don’t think the fact that we have strength in our numbers, has been stressed NEARLY enough. I know we are all disheartened by these changes, and by the utterly ridiculous electoral system that brought the Harpinator into power… But funnily enough I remember hearing about a concept that said “the majority” had some sort influence in these government matters. I guess it must have been a dream…

   Which brings me to the one thing that no-one has really touched on in detail yet; strength in numbers and by sticking together. We already know that the National Pardon Center and (previous to passing of c-10) the John Howard Society support the fight against this bill. However, I have yet to see any sort of website dedicated EXCLUSIVELY to this fight and to gathering support (in numbers, and through media) for the changes that must made, and made NOW. Since yesterday, I have spoken with a close friend and expert web designer/graphic artist about putting together a basic website dedicated to this fight. My feeling is that if we can come with an excellent website, and get it on the search engines with certain keywords like “pardon, changes, c-23b charter challenge, etc”, the (likely) thousands of Canadians of searching for info on pardon changes will have a place to learn more, join the battle or “sharpen their swords before the war”. As I mentioned earlier, I would like to include a link to this and all other related blogs, as well as e-mail links for local MP’s, perhaps a standardized complaint letter format or two (for the lazy who wouldn’t otherwise e-mail), a petition if it would help and as much info about related sections of charter, application thereof and previous charter challenges that have won against unconstitutional legislation.

   I really want some feedback on this website idea, as my graphic designer associate has agreed to design the site free of charge, and host it at no cost, providing that I compose the text myself. He has proposed that if I can get all the necessary text and info together, we can have this site up and running by August End. I also intend to contact the John Howard society and see if they can in any way support this cause (again). Perhaps with a widely publicized website and cause, we can turn the tides here. I’m sure most of you have read of the young Nova Scotia man, convicted at 19 of trafficking and losing 10 functional years of his life to this utter mess, the outrage reverberated across Canada when his story aired on national news. Although I have never been an advocate of being a media wh0-e, perha

   Reply
9. 

   Jay

   8 August 2012

   Hi all,

   The lawyer that is taking on the case in Quebec is Julius Grey. If you google his name, you can find out more information on him. I should also note that this lawyer is well known throughout Canada for using the media to fight unconstituitional laws. I have yet to get in touch with him but I am intending on working with him to file a charter challenge.

   I am also keeping in touch with the office of the Quebec MP as they are keeping me updated with the progress of this challenge. I strongly suggest everyone get in touch with this lawyer or the MP’s office to help them in any way.

   I should also note that this lawyer specializes in constituitional law.

   Let’s hope for the best and let the fight begin!!! Please get in touch with the office of Mr. Grey to see how you can help.

   Reply
10. 

    Sad2Bcanadian

    8 August 2012

    perhaps having an organized group of supporters, A widely publicized website, and then some serious outrage, emphasizing the same well-researched briefs, statistics and suggestions against this bill are JUST what we need spilling into the media to progress this fight. If all of this pans out (and likely even if it doesn’t), perhaps some media attention will bring about the backing of some of the other ~85% of Canadians who weren’t directly affected by this.

    I mean after all, just because they don’t have a criminal record, doesn’t mean that they won’t have other issues with these changes and their negative results on society including:

    1) forcing Canadians (otherwise eligible to work) to instead collect welfare/ EI or drain further taxpayer resources, due to an inability to find gainful employment as a 
    result of their past.  The sad thing is 95% of these guys are hard workers who WANT to work and WANT to pay taxes.

    2) An estimated cost by critics (I could be wrong) of triple or more the initial proposed cost to enact the changes in C-10

    3) The negative effect of losing 10 (TEN!!) functional years of ones LIFE… (This may seem like an exaggeration but anyone unable to find employment as a qualified professional with a criminal record will surely share these sentiments.)

    The time to UNITE and FIGHT these changes is here. Although there’s been SOME fighting and opposition, SOME media attention and a little bit of unity, now its time to take it to the next level. We may have lost the battle, but the war has not begun. We can begin with the support of the pardon companies, the Quebec ndp, john howard society and some charter challenges. We can strengthen our position with the vast supportive and informative power of the internet, a UNITED and UNIFIED cause and finally the media when we have a strong enough foundation built.

    We are Canadians. WE HAVE RIGHTS. We are intelligent, informed individuals who are fighting to regain the ability to live (10 years; a large portion of) our lives like everyone else. We will not bow down and retreat in the face of injustice!

    Reply
11. 

    Nicole G.

    9 August 2012

    Jay: I commend your proactivity in the matter and thank you for sharing this vital information with us. We can only go forward with this matter, and hopefully once this thing gains momentum, we will actually be able to change things.

    Sad2Bcanadian: I agree with your view that not only those with criminal records will support the cause. We all know someone with a criminal record, so this affects a lot of people, both first and second hand. Not only that, but as you said, taking these otherwise well-abled people out of the workforce costs taxpayers an exorbant amount of money every year. As we have come together in the past to face injustices, we can only hope that this time will prove equally as successful.

    Reply
    1. 

       Sad2bCanadian

       4 June 2015

       Two Links to check out!

       So I have been lurking and checking in on the blog from time to time, and thought that I would post this, as it is relevant to the topic at hand. I’m not sure if the contact person from the original post in this thread ever gained enough momentum for his cause, but if not, here is something related that is of interest to us…

       The person mentioned in the below link, was affected (just like the rest of us) by these ridiculous changes to an already working system. He has come forth and is looking into fighting it himself, with the law firm he has retained spearheading the “campaign”. From what I understand, they have raised 1k towards an eventual goal of 20k in the course of just a few days. I will be donating $250 at least, myself.

       Here is the link to law firms blog that started the campaign.

       http://www.michaelspratt.com/law-blog/

       And here is the link to their “GoFundMe” campaign that is looking to raise funds for research and perhaps an eventual charter challenge:

       http://www.gofundme.com/pardon

       Let’s all root for these guys, and give me whatever help we can!!

       Reply
       1. 

          Sad2bCanadian

          4 June 2015

          Addendum

          Interestingly enough after quickly skimming through the attached link to a recent appeal case, it appears that a law preventing “grandfathering” of those convicted being eligible for early parole when sentenced after the enactment of the new parole changes law… was overturned in an Ontario appeal court!!

          Although it’s not quite the same as our issue, it shows that unconstitutional laws will not stand up to scrutiny…and that it is very feasibly possible to fight them, probably without hundreds of thousands of dollars or other exorbitant amounts.

          We need to spread the word and get it out there. These guys doing something about an issue we all face, need our help. And we should give it to ’em.

          Reply
12. 

    Itsme

    15 August 2012

    Hi, i’m fully against the new system. My papers are in the hands of the Commission des libérations conditionnel since 1st week of july 2011. Now i’m being said when i call them that the $150 fees i’ve payed for their service is not reimbursed nor credided on the new fees of $631 that it now cost. Come on. Its written black on white on the Canadian website that they reimburse the $150 if you whant your file to be treated as the new law in feb 2012.

    Now, i would like to know why they keep my $150? Where is the money going then? Someone explain me the logic of this. Should’nt i just pay $481 missing to reach the new price. Hello, dont rob me.

    Reply
13. 

    Itsme

    15 August 2012

    Oh, i forgot, i was asked by the parole board to get an new application form filled out from my local police station because since the last year my situation could have changed and my application could be denied if i dont produce a new paper. I payed for that already, do i have to do this every year i wait for them to give me my (pardon)? Wow, if i havent called, i never would of knowed this. I would of waited for nothing and also, i thought the the Canadian National Pardon, that i payed to assist me in the process never told me this information.

    At this point i dont know what to think, to expect and to do.

    Reply
14. 

    Michael

    15 August 2012

    Hi itsme,

    I am afraid I am unable to explain the “logic” of this. It is quite senseless in my opinion and contrary to Canadian values as well as basic social justice. I hate to be so cyncial but all of this is the result of our Conservative government gaining a majority. I wish we could change things but unfortunately it is all out of our hands.

    Michael.

    Reply
15. 

    desperate for work

    17 August 2012

    I could tell all you guys a story that would make everyone of you cry. But this is the reality, including for myself. When a person breaks the law/ or does time, it is better for that person to continue breaking the law. At least in jail you get 3 meals a day. I for one, have resorted to looking through dumpsters for scraps of food because my fridge is empty. My only mistake is deciding to NOT break the law anymore. Oh and for the ones saying get a pardon, time wise, I’m not eligible until the latter half of 2014.

    Reply
16. 

    Sad2BCanadian

    5 April 2013

    I take it there is no further news on this topic? With charter challenges being filed for all kinds of reasons, I find it difficult to believe that no-one has attempted fighting the pardon system changes… I keep reading about charter challenges on topics ranging from quality of life issues in jail to the rights of sex-workers… But how about the people who have paid their debt society? Or does “society” represented by our “elected” leaders have the right to change and extend our puishments both after the fact and as they see fit?

    Anyone heard anything more about whether constitutional lawyer Julius grey is still pursuing this?

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       7 April 2013

       The problem is two fold. One is that there is no pro bono offer to take on this case. The second is that most people are not particularly inclined to put their name on this kind of challenge. We are still hoping it will happen but so far there is not a lot of momentum. No offence but you yourself will not even put your name on a blog comment. So imagine how people with a criminal record feel about letting the whole country know about their criminal record when all they want is for it to go away.

       Kind regards,

       Michael

       Reply
17. 

    Jay

    9 April 2013

    Hey Michael,

    I spoke to Louise Trudel who is working out of Paula’s office, she said the names put forward will not be released and noone will know.

    She said it would defeat the purpose and the names will be kept confidential. I hope more are willing to do something about this because there are a whole lot of people affected.

    Reply
18. 

    Keri

    10 April 2013

    Hi Jay,

    I agree, we hope with a push from the effected individuals our government will consider some due changes to this crime bill.

    Keri

    Reply
19. 

    Jay

    18 April 2013

    Hi Michael,

    Is it possible to coordinate a challenge to the pardon laws with the collaboration of all the pardon service providers, the individuals affected and the office of Paulina Ayala?

    I think through a collaborative effort, we can accomplish much more and do something about this bill. Perhaps even splitting the cost amongst the affected stakeholders would be great.

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       19 April 2013

       HI Jay,

       It is certainly possible. I’m no lawyer but I’ve spoken with Julius Grey and we are both confident that the law will not hold up to a charter challenge. So here is the dilemma. 1. No one wants to put their name on this. When you are trying to remove the stigma of a criminal record you don’t go around shouting and making noise about it. Consider that you are not even comfortable enough to put your last name on this blog. This is a very sensible position to take. Unfortunately it doesn’t help our cause. 2. Money: Challenging the laws comes down to money and I can tell you that our accounts have been depleted over the past 3 years fighting this bill. A charter challenge would put us out of business as there is exactly zero chance the Tories would ever back down. On the contrary they would use tax payer money to bleed us dry. 3. A lot of the other pardon services are run by people I wouldn’t trust to walk my dog down the street. They aren’t all bad but most are out there to make a buck and nothing else. I’m not preaching here. I am in this business to make money as well as I do have a family to feed but I also care about the program, I care about people’s lives and I take a lot of pride in running a business I can be proud of. I also like sleeping at night.

       So that is it. If you have a few hundred thousand dollars to throw at a team of lawyers by all means we can strike this down. It will likely take the better half of a decade but then again it might get pushed through rather quickly. You never know.

       I wish I could have given you a different answer there but I like to tell it like it is. Any more questions just let me know.

       Michael Ashby
       514.842.2411 x 227

       Reply
20. 

    Jay

    21 April 2013

    Hey Michael,

    Let’s assume that in the next federal election the Liberals or the NDP come into power and their stance on this matter is different. Let’s say they oppose this bill, do we still need to do a challenge in order to strike down the bill or can we contact one of the parties to do it on our behalf?

    I am suggesting this to avoid the costs associated with the challenge.

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       22 April 2013

       HI Jay,

       Well I can offer my opinion but I am no more a political analyst than I am a lawyer although I have gotten something of a crash course in the past few years. So here is my take. The law is the law at this point and even with a Liberal majority I doubt the law will be changed or repealed (the NDP voted in favour of many parts of this bill, even some of the more senseless ones, so count them out of the conversation).

       There is simply no political traction to be gained from this issue. Remember that the Cons won their majority on a tough on crime campaign so for Justin Trudeau or whoever to waste breath on a soft on crime initiative would be political suicide. The Tories would capitalize on this ad nauseum.

       That is not to say that I will not be seeking meetings with whoever the new justice minister is, or the safety minister, when the administration finally changes guard. But even then I doubt it is an issue that anyone will want to touch. I hope I’m wrong.

       Michael

       Reply
21. 

    Jay

    24 April 2013

    Hey Michael,

    The issue is can they make a crime bill like this retroactive? From the common folks to professionals in the field of the justice system seem to agree that if you were convicted based on the old laws, the old rules apply.

    It doesn’t quite make sense to me that the new laws apply to people who have already been sentenced under the old laws. I think based solely on my case, I would be able to challenge this bill as unconstituitional based on my charter of rights. Unfair and Unjust treatment.

    Let’s say I apply for a pardon and it gets denied, is there an appeal process whereby it can lead to a challenge of the law? Perhaps this is a easier and more cost efficient route to take?

    I am just incredibly fustrated over this bill and how they past in the house. There is simply no logic for this bill being retroactive and the individuals who were convicted prior to the new pardon laws not being ‘grandfathered’.

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       24 April 2013

       Hi Jay,

       I quite agree with you and frankly the law is so poorly written that i’m confident a challenge would be successful. However the court challenge route is uber expensvie. You can bet the Tories will bleed anyone dry to tries to fight it and they will do it with tax payer money. If you have the courage to take this on I will help anyway I can but I’ve already emptied our cash reserves fighting this over the past three years.

       I wish you the best luck. If I could change this for you I certainly would.

       kind regards,

       Michael

       Reply
22. 

    Jay

    24 April 2013

    Hi Michael,

    Is it the actual applications or the fees for the lawyer that are expensive? I have several people in my extended family who are lawyers and who I do not mind speaking to if I know where the expenses fall.

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       25 April 2013

       Hi Jay,

       If you were going to challenge the law in federal court it would certainly be the lawyers fees that would pile up. In comparison the fees to process a pardon application the normal route are almost non-existent.

       Michael

       Reply
23. 

    Jay

    24 April 2013

    Also, let’s say in the next election the Liberals come into power and I decide to challenge these laws then. Let’s also assume that the Liberals are opposed to the fact that this bill is retroactive.

    It is much easier to win a battle if the Liberals are in power than the Tories, correct? And is it not ultimately the judges that make the decision whether a law is constituitonal or not ?

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       25 April 2013

       Hi Again,

       Well I am no lawyer but I am pretty sure that if the law is challenged in court the party in power has no bearing on the law being upheld or not. The court is independent of the government and (theoretically anyway) the government has no bearing on its decisions whatsoever.

       I don’t think there is much ground to be gained on the retroactive angle. My feeling is that the bill should be challenged on the fact that there was no evidence at all provided to justify the changes, therefore the government was making arbitrary decisions that are not in the best interest of Canadians.

       But again, I’m not a lawyer and a federal court challenge, although interesting, is quite out of my range of expertise.

       Michael

       Reply
24. 

    Jay

    11 May 2013

    Hi Michael,

    Do you guys do applications for Royal Prerrogative Mercy ? If so, How much do you charge?

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       13 May 2013

       Hi jay,

       I am afraid we do not handle those as they are next to impossible to obtain.

       Kind regards,

       Michael

       Reply
25. 

    Lee

    15 May 2013

    Hi, folks

    I am one of those people who were affected (severely) by the new pardon law.
    I find it very unreasonable and unfair that the new pardon law is retroactive.
    I would like to join the fight against the law, but even after reading all the comments above, I am not sure what to do…
    It seems to me that the fight, despite its good cause, is a difficult one.

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       16 May 2013

       Hi Lee,

       The Tories picked the right battle on this one for sure. For the most part people applying for pardons are trying to find work so most don’t have the money to fight this. Furthermore most people do not want their name associated with a criminal record anymore so they are reluctant to join for that reason as well. This administration is particularly heartless. It’s a leftover from the old reform party I suppose.

       Kind regards,

       Michael

       Reply
26. 

    Mike

    17 May 2013

    I have been researching this “class action lawsuit” for a while now and am more than willing to pay a lawyer in Toronto, ON on at least my behalf to fight this. I was supposed to wait until oct 2014 (my 5 years) but now its oct 2019. I missed my beau friend’s wedding (I was supposed to be the best man) and now its just ridiculous. It affects my work choices, my schooling choices and I want to be able to travel unrestricted. I admit I made a mistake when I was younger and lived with it. My lawyer at the time told me to plead guilty to one charge (all others dropped) and to wait out my 5 years for a pardon. I find it ludicrous that a law can be changed and not grandfather in previous people waiting on a pardon. This was all done because Karla Holmolka was up for a pardon and now all of us are being penalized for her heinous crime.

    I am willing to put my name on a lawsuit against the government in this case. Does there only have to be one name on a class action suit? I’ll do it.

    Any one have a suggestion of a (Toronto based) lawyer that can handle (and potentially win) this type of suit in a time sensitive manner? If its gonna take 5 years to fight, in my situation I may as well save my $ and wait it out. Anyone out there? It seems like there are thousands willing to fight this for their own personal reasons – but I would be WILLING to pay (my share) and publicize my name if it were feasible to win this fight.

    Any ideas or suggestions out there?

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       21 May 2013

       Hi Mike,

       A class action suit just means a group of people filing one claim on behalf of the group. So if you wanted to hire a lawyer and fight it on your own you would just take the federal government to court on your own initiative. I strongly suggest you do this and if you do please let me know. I am very familiar with these laws and would be happy to act as an advisor.

       Kind regards,

       Michael

       Reply
27. 

    Mike

    28 May 2013

    Michael Ashbey – how do I contact you outside of these comments to act as an advisor?
    Are you a lawyer / can you refer me to one you believe would be the best to fight the government on this one?

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       28 May 2013

       Hi Mike,

       I am away in Calgary at the moment so cannot give you a direct extension but normally I am at 514.842.2411 x 227. If you call through and get someone else they can probably find me and transfer the call. Otherwise just give me a ring early next week.

       Michael

       Reply
28. 

    Lee

    8 July 2013

    Hi, all

    After reading the above comment posted by “Mike”, I would like to know whether a law suit been filed against the government yet.

    Regards,

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       8 July 2013

       I am afraid there hasn’t been anything done yet. However Vic Toews, author of Bill C23 just announced his retirement. So we’re all pretty happy about that.

       Michael

       Reply
29. 

    Jay

    21 July 2013

    Does Vic Toew’s retirement affect the possibility of the new pardon laws being reversed?

    Reply
    1. 

       Michael Ashby

       22 July 2013

       I wish. Unfortunately he will probably end up a judge in Manitoba.

       If anything changes regarding Mr. Toews you can be sure I will be writing about it in this blog so feel free to follow the feed.

       Best regards,

       Michael

       Reply
30. 

    Jay

    1 August 2013

    Hi Mike,

    Do you do clemancy applications as well?

    Reply
31. 

    Keri

    5 August 2013

    Hi Jay,

    We have filed clemency applications in the past but I will be honest they are very difficult to obtain.

    You may reach me directly at 514-842-2411 x225 to discuss your file further.

    Keri

    Reply
32. 

    Sad2BCanadian

    22 June 2016

    Just received confirmation by email that a charter challenge is set to be heard on this in November. That is if Ralph Goodale doesnt reverse all this bs by then.

    I donated to the crowd funding campaign for the gentleman to fight this with his lawyer who wanted to lead the charter challenge. He was trying to raise 20k, but made it $1k. I received a confirmation in my inbox as i had been subscribed to updates from that campaign, confirming this challenge is set to be heard in november. CONGRATS ALL! We have 2 big shots at this now!

    Reply
    1. 

       Sad2BCanadian

       22 June 2016

       I forgot to cite my source 🙂 Click and scroll down to updates for some good news FINALLY!!!!

       https://www.gofundme.com/pardon?viewupdates=1&utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cta_button&utm_campaign=upd_n

       Reply
       1. 

          Michael Ashby

          23 June 2016

          Hi Sad2B.

          As much as I support this I don’t see any actual information on the challenge. Is there anything more than just this gofundme page? If so we’d love for you to share it.

          Best regards,

          Michael

          Reply
          1. 

             Sad2BCanadian

             23 June 2016

             Hi Michael,

             If you are interested, id speak to Michael Spratt as he is spearheading the campaign. The website link i posted was well publicized a few months ago, in fact a quick google search on the lawyers name will pull up the relevant press articles and his legal blog. I had posted the link once before on this site when the crowd funding for the charter challenge had first started. My understanding is the lawyer is representing an individual who is self and crowd funding his challenge. Hopefully Mr. Goodale eliminates this nonsense before the challenge in November so that this all becomes a moot point 🙂

             Reply