The National Parole Board owes much to Canada's MPs right now.

The MPs just spared the parole board from being forced to grant another embarrassing pardon.

Canada's MPs set aside their bickering and their frequent immature behaviour in the House of Commons to fast-track legislation that will make it impossible for Homolka, and other offenders of her ilk, to receive a pardon for their violent crimes.

Homolka would have been eligible to apply for a pardon on July 5, five years after she completed her sentence for her role in the death of two teenage girls, one of whom was her sister, in the early 1990s.

Canada's pardon system was exposed earlier this year when it was revealed that convicted sex offender Graham James – who spent time in prison for sexually molesting two teenaged hockey players – was granted a pardon. James' pardon was actually granted in 2007, and the National Parole Board probably wasn't eager to announce his pardon to the public.

A pardon for Homolka would have been an even greater embarrassment than the one for James.

After James' pardon became public, the government announced legislation that would prevent offenders like James and Homolka from receiving a pardon. But the legislation wouldn't have been voted on until the fall.

Thankfully the media found out that Homolka could receive a pardon this summer. The public was understandably outraged. Parliament knew they had to act. The square wheels of democracy were soon spinning at a rate of speed rarely seen in Canada, especially when minority governments are in power.

The MPs from all four parties rarely agree on anything, so their stance on this issue should be a clear message to Canadians that Homolka doesn't deserve a pardon.

Pardons are a good tool to have in the justice system, but the process was flubbed. Pardons should not have simply been rubber-stamped for criminals who have been living a law-abiding life for five years after their sentences were complete.

Pardons should be granted to criminals who have not only completed their sentence and managed to follow the laws of the country; pardons should be reserved for those who have made a commitment to improve society, by working with young people and letting the public know about the importance of living a law-abiding life.

Saskatchewan MLA Serge LeClerc, who is a motivational speaker and a reformed drug dealer, deserved his pardon. James and Homolka deserved stiffer sentences.

Canadians should be asking how a previous government could have ever approved such a flimsy law when it comes to pardons, and they should also be asking how the National Parole Board could have ever supported this legislation.