By The Canadian Press

Court

Former Justice Minister accused of interfering in de Grood case

Feb 3, 2023 | 5:30 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta’s high court is being asked to overturn a review board decision relating to the stabbing deaths of five Calgary young people on the grounds that a former provincial justice minister interfered.

The lawyer for Matthew de Grood, in a filing to Alberta’s Court of Appeal, says de Grood was denied a fair review board hearing last fall and argues former minister Doug Schweitzer’s statements and actions played a role.

Lawyer Jacqueline Petrie says Schweitzer openly questioning a previous board decision coupled with changes he made to the board’s membership combined to deny de Grood fairness at his most recent review board review.

De Grood was put on trial in 2016 for the deaths but found not criminally responsible because of mental illness.

He now has regular hearings with the review board to assess his progress and see if he’s ready for steps to safely reintegrate into the community.

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He is currently under supervision at an Edmonton group home.

Schweitzer, who is now out of politics, did not immediately return a request for comment.

(The Canadian Press)