The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed the appeal of Anthony Michael Bilodeau, who was convicted of killing Maurice Cardinal and Jacob Sansom in 2020.
The decision marks a critical step toward justice for the families of Cardinal and Sansom, and for the Métis Nation, which has felt the reverberations of this tragedy deeply.
Bilodeau was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Jacob Sansom and second-degree murder in the death of Maurice Cardinal. He was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole after 13 years. His appeal sought to overturn his conviction, a bid now definitively rejected by Canada’s highest court.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the family of Maurice Cardinal and Jacob Sansom issued a joint statement in response to the ruling, underscoring the pain the case has caused and the importance of standing against violence targeting Métis people.
President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Andrea Sandmaier, acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision as a step forward in the pursuit of justice.
She emphasized that the dismissal of Bilodeau’s appeal sends a strong message that violence against Métis individuals will not be tolerated. She noted that the pain caused by the tragedy remains raw for the families and the community.
The family of Jacob Sansom and Maurice Cardinal, the Supreme Court’s decision offers some closure but no true solace. Gina Levasseur, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed the ongoing pain of losing her brother and uncle under such violent circumstances.
“There can be no solace, no justice, nor any punishment that will rectify the harm the Bilodeau family has caused by stealing our boys, lives based on their assumptions and fear,” Levasseur said.
She recounted the events of March 27, 2020, when Jacob Sansom and Maurice Cardinal were killed while practicing traditional Métis harvesting – a way of life tied deeply to their community’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Levasseur called attention to systemic inequities in Canada’s justice system and emphasized the importance of rallying as a community to prevent similar tragedies.
“We must ensure that Métis voices are heard and that no other family must endure such horrific crimes alone. Our lives matter; Jake and Maurice’s lives mattered. We matter,” she stated.
The dismissal of Bilodeau’s appeal reaffirms the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s advocacy for justice and reform. Both the family and the Métis government highlighted the need for systemic change within Canada’s legal framework to ensure that the rights, safety, and dignity of Métis people are respected.
For the Métis community, this decision is not just about closure but about continuing the work of addressing discrimination and violence. As Sandmaier and Levasseur emphasized, the fight for justice is far from over, but resilience of the Métis Nation remains unwavering.
