Province creates own Alberta Parole Board

EDMONTON – Alberta’s justice minister says a provincial parole board is to start work Monday and will be chaired by former Calgary police chief Rick Hanson.

Justice Minister Kaycee Madu says the board is expected to reflect community safety concerns, particularly in rural areas, and address the “revolving door” of justice for repeat offenders.

“Given the lack of action by the federal government in addressing Alberta’s request for a fair deal in Confederation, the Alberta government must continue to assert its jurisdictional authority where it can, like a provincial parole board,” said Madu.

Alberta joins Quebec and Ontario with parole boards for provincial offenders, who are convicted of offences that draw less than two years in prison.