Statement from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta - STATEMENT ON BILODEAU APPEAL
Posted on: May 07, 2024
Our government acknowledges the dismissal of appeals filed by lawyers for Roger Bilodeau and Anthony Bilodeau with a mix of emotions.
While we find solace that the sentences for either men will not be reduced, our hearts remain heavy for the families and communities affected. As Roger and Anthony Bilodeau contemplate their futures, we cannot overlook the irreparable loss suffered by the families of Maurice Cardinal and Jacob Sansom.
“While the dismissal of the appeals offers a small sense of relief, we cannot ignore the ongoing injustice for the Sansom and Cardinal families,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “The recent grant of day parole to Roger Bilodeau by the Parole Board of Canada further highlights the systemic challenges Métis victims encounter within the criminal justice system, profoundly impacting our community’s core sense of justice, safety, and security.”
“Every time that there is a new hearing, or parole hearing, we are brought right back to day one,” said Gina Levasseur, sister of Jacob Sansom and Maurice Cardinal’s niece. “That day, our family, and the Métis community lost two incredible human beings that were important to us. Maurice and Jacob’s deaths cannot be appealed, their deaths cannot be undone. It hurts that the system has given the Bilodeaus ample opportunity to continually de-humanize my brother and uncle as if their senseless murders were justified. The system needs to change, and we need action, more than ever, now.”
Our government and citizens continue to grieve with the families and community, and we continue to respectfully request that the public respect the families’ privacy during this difficult time.