Lovelace Released; Government Grudgingly Acknowledges Error

For Immediate Release

The release of Bob Lovelace, after serving more than half of an unprecedented sentence, was well received by Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington MP Scott Reid and MPP Randy Hillier. The combination of imprisonment and fines set out by a previous court ruling were stayed by Justice Marc Rosenberg and Mr. Lovelace found himself at last a free man again.

In a joint letter to Mr. Lovelace drafted upon his release, Reid and Hillier remarked “While justice was slow to come, we are relieved that your overly harsh sentence has been overturned at last.”

At the time of Mr. Lovelace’s sentencing, both elected officials were quick to publicly criticize the original judge’s decision, arguing that in their combined opinions the sentence was a violation of Lovelace’s rights under Section 12 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, “not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment.”

In their letter, the Reid and Hillier commended Mr. Lovelace’s courage. “You have demonstrated strength of character, steadfastness and commitment to your principles. Holding true to your convictions against powerful opposition, and sacrificing your own freedom in that challenge, requires courage that is regretfully rare in these times… democracy is well-served and improved upon when individuals hold true to their convictions.”

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