Killer of Métis Hunters Given Life Sentence
Posted on: Jan 07, 2023
The Alberta Court of King’s Bench on Friday, January 6, 2023 sentenced one of the two men who shot and killed Métis hunters Maurice Cardinal and Jake Sansom to a life sentence in prison.
Justice Eric Macklin gave Anthony Bilodeau, the younger of the two killers, the life sentence with a minimum parole eligibility period of 13 years for the murder of Maurice Cardinal. He also received an 8-year sentence for a manslaughter charge for his role in the killing of fellow Métis hunter Jake Sansom. He was found guilty of these charges after a jury trial last year.
The manslaughter sentence is to be served at the same time as the second-degree murder conviction, which means that Anthony Bilodeau will become eligible for release after serving 13 years of the murder sentence. It will be up to the Parole Board of Canada to decide at that time whether he is determined to be fit for conditional release on parole.
Whenever the killer is released after a minimum of 13 years, he will remain on release conditions including supervision. If he breaches any of the conditions set by the Parole Board, he can be required to serve additional time in jail.
The Métis Nation of Alberta supports the families and communities of the Métis hunters, as well as all Alberta Métis, and extends thanks to all of our supporters who brought to public attention the need to reduce racism for Métis and all Indigenous people, including respect for their culture and traditions. It is important the Alberta Courts continue to make anyone guilty of all forms of violence against our people, culture, and ways of life, accountable for their crimes.
The remaining killer, Roger Bilodeau, was previously sentenced to 10 years in jail for manslaughter.