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The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is calling for Parole Board of Canada members to step down over a decision to release convicted killer Kenneth MacKay.
The demand comes after Victoria police confirmed to 650 CKOM that MacKay was arrested Friday. The 49-year-old’s return to custody comes after he was granted day parole on Jan. 13 and released to a community residential facility on Vancouver Island.
The FSIN condemned the decision that led to his release, stating the organization must be held accountable.
“The Parole Board of Canada is facing legitimacy and credibility concerns,” the FSIN stated in a release.
“The recent case of releasing killer Kenneth Mackay back into public to re-offend has exposed the flaws and biases of the board’s decision-making process. The board has failed to protect the public and to uphold the principles of justice and reconciliation.”
MacKay was found guilty of first-degree murder for the brutal killing of 21-year-old Crystal Paskemin in 2000.
In December of that year, MacKay met Paskemin at a Saskatoon bar and offered to drive her home. Instead, MacKay drove her to a different area and violently sexually assaulted Paskemin in his truck.
Paskemin was briefly able to escape, but MacKay attacked her and broke her jaw, then drove over her before setting her body on fire and dragging it behind his truck. He dug a shallow grave and buried Paskemin in the snow.
He received an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years until the Parole Board of Canada approved MacKay for day parole. It was extended in July by another six months.
The board’s decision notes the parole was granted against the advice of the Correctional Service of Canada, which considered him a high risk for violent reoffending and wanted a more gradual release.
“The board has failed to protect the public and to uphold the principles of justice and reconciliation,” said the FSIN. “Therefore, the board members should all resign immediately.”
The FSIN said the overhaul of the parole board is needed to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the prison system, requesting the board appoint more First Nations.
“This would ensure that the board is more accountable, transparent, and responsive to the realities and challenges of the First Nation communities,” the federation wrote.
“It would also foster a more respectful and collaborative relationship between the board and the First Nation people, historically marginalized and oppressed by the colonial system. The Parole Board of Canada needs a radical change to restore its trust and integrity.”