Parents of security guard killed in Edmonton robbery push for parole law changes

The parents of an Edmonton security guard gunned down in an armed robbery are pushing for legislative changes that would limit parole eligibility for their son’s killer and other convicted murderers in Canada.

If passed, Bill C-243, known as "Brian’s Bill," would mandate offenders convicted of first-or second-degree murder who are denied parole to wait five years before applying again. Currently, many offenders are eligible to reapply annually after their initial denial.

Dianne and Mike Ilesic are advocating for the changes to federal parole eligibility laws in honour of their son, Brian Ilesic.

The 35-year-old was murdered in June 2012 when Travis Baumgartner opened fire on his fellow armoured vehicle security guards as they serviced an ATM machine at HUB Mall on the University of Alberta campus.

Three of the guards were killed in the ambush and a fourth was left with life-altering brain injuries. 

Brian Ilesic had taken the job with G4S Security in hopes of eventually transferring to the West Coast to be near the ocean the Illesics say he loved. 

His mother recalls he was incredibly particular about his uniform, often smiling at himself in the mirror, straightening his badge and ensuring his coat was perfectly pressed. 

His parents remain haunted by his on-duty death.

The Ilesics say Brian's Bill would shield grieving families from the trauma of facing a killer repeatedly. 

"We don't really feel like victim families have a true voice," Dianne Ilesic said. "It's always about the perpetrator. We think this is just the beginning of changing that."

If passed, the private member’s bill would amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. 

Currently, after an initial parole denial, many eligible offenders can reapply for parole annually. Brian’s Bill would instead mandate a five-year waiting period between applications for those convicted of first-and second-degree murder.

The bill, introduced by Conservative MP for Edmonton Griesbach Kerry Diotte, is scheduled for debate in the House of Commons this week. Diotte argues the current system fails to protect grieving families.

“This is a bill that will mean murderers can not continue to go before the parole board, year after year after year, traumatizing the families of murder victims.”