R v Collins

Decided: 2026-10-26. Docket: 2503-0081A. Citation: 2026 ABCA 340 (CanLII). Criminal and statutory offences — Sentencing — Parole ineligibility — Criminal Code, ss. 745(c), 745.4 — Joint submission accepted on life imprisonment and 17 years parole ineligibility — Guilty plea to second-degree murder with agreed statement of facts — Appeal seeks reduction in parole ineligibility — Sentence appeal pursued — Joint submission upheld | Procedure — Court appointed counsel — Criminal appeals — Criminal Code, s. 684 — Whether it is desirable in the interests of justice to assign counsel — Insufficient means accepted — Application assessed on merit, societal concern, and complexity — Public funding for counsel refused — Application dismissed | Procedure — Merit screening — Sentence appeals — Whether