The sibling of a 33-year-old single mother who was murdered over ten years ago is advocating for changes to the Criminal Code after the convicted perpetrator was permitted brief escorted leaves from prison for spiritual reasons.
Kirstin Swanson contends that Schuyler Van Wissen should not receive escorted temporary absences from the correctional facility where he is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder in the case of her sister, Gina Swanson.
Expressing her astonishment, Kirstin stated, “We anticipated that justice would bring at least 25 years of tranquility for my family and loved ones. However, learning about these escorted temporary absences feels like reopening old wounds.”
Kirstin recommended that the escorted leaves are unfair and highlight a flaw in Canadian law that she believes should be amended. She proposes that individuals convicted of first-degree murder should not be eligible for such leaves until they are eligible to apply for parole after 25 years.
Gina was discovered deceased on the floor of her residence in the Fort Garry area on May 14, 2011. During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Van Wissen assaulted Gina that morning by stabbing, strangling, and sexually assaulting her. Her father found her bound with a bag over her head after she failed to show up for work.
Van Wissen pleaded not guilty, but a jury convicted him of first-degree murder in 2016, sentencing him to life imprisonment without parole for 25 years. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offender registry for 20 years and subjected to a lifetime weapons ban.
Van Wissen’s appeal was dismissed in 2018. Recently, he was granted escorted leaves from prison for personal development and rehabilitative purposes, including attending cultural or spiritual activities, according to documents from the Parole Board of Canada.
These escorted temporary absences entitle Van Wissen to three 3½-hour absences over the next year. The decision has deeply affected Gina’s family, including her 21-year-old daughter.
Kirstin expressed her dismay, stating, “The justice system appears severely flawed.” She penned a letter to federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser criticizing the Parole Board of Canada’s decision.
In its August 2025 ruling, the parole panel recognized the severity of Van Wissen’s crime and the strong opposition from the family against any form of conditional release.
The panel’s assessment indicated that Van Wissen has made progress in rehabilitation, although further work is needed to understand the motives behind his violent actions. Despite objections, the panel approved the escorted temporary absences for Van Wissen to attend Muslim religious services for professional development and spiritual reasons, accompanied by institutional personnel.
Kirstin voiced her disbelief, stating, “I fail to comprehend how a parole board can perceive any potential for rehabilitation in someone who committed such a violent act of first-degree murder.”
The John Howard Society, which assists individuals within the criminal justice system, emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration for incarcerated individuals.
Executive director Aiden Enns empathizes with families impacted by violent crimes and underscores the dual purpose of the correctional system in safeguarding society and facilitating rehabilitation.
Enns highlights that eligibility for escorted temporary absences signifies progress in rehabilitation and reintegration, emphasizing the goal of fostering individuals who do not pose a risk to society and can lead meaningful lives.
Ultimately, the focus is on treating individuals as individuals on a path towards rehabilitation and reintegration, rather than solely as subjects of punishment and violence.
