Statement From The Otipemisiwak Métis Government: Justice Upheld In Parole Decision For Roger Bilodeau
Posted on: Jul 22, 2025
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government acknowledges the recent decision by the Parole Board of Canada to deny full parole for Roger Bilodeau, who was convicted in 2022 of two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of Maurice Cardinal and Jacob Sansom.
Bilodeau was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the 2020 killings of Mr. Cardinal, 57, and his nephew Mr. Sansom, 39, two proud Métis men who were deeply loved by their families and communities.
The Board’s decision followed the submission of recent victim impact statements that raised significant concerns about Bilodeau’s lack of remorse and the continued emotional toll on the victims’ families. These concerns underscore the profound and lasting impact of this loss on the Métis community.
While the denial of full parole is a step toward justice, we are concerned by the Board’s decision to allow Bilodeau to continue on day parole until January 2026. This extension sends a conflicting message to victims’ families and raises serious questions about accountability and the true weight of his sentence. Allowing ongoing access to day parole undermines the very impact statements the Board relied on in denying full parole.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government remains committed to advocating for Métis security, dignity, and justice. We honour the lives of Maurice Cardinal and Jacob Sansom by standing with their families and continuing to push for real change.
President Andrea Sandmaier offered the following comment:
“We stand firmly with the Sansom and Cardinal families. The Board’s denial of full parole affirms the gravity of this case, but the continued access to day parole is difficult to reconcile. Maurice and Jacob were taken far too soon, and their families are left carrying the weight of this loss every single day. Our government will continue to press for a justice system that fully recognizes the lasting harm caused by violence and centres the voices of victims and Indigenous families.”