WINNIPEG — Colin Thatcher, the former Saskatchewan politician serving a life sentence for murdering his ex-wife, is hoping the National Parole Board will finally grant him a limited taste of freedom Friday.

Thatcher seeks to be let out of prison on unescorted 72-hour passes. He will make his pitch to a three-member panel in a hearing at the Rockwood Institution, north of Winnipeg.

The 67-year-old has spend more than 21 years behind bars.

The board has rejected Thatcher's previous requests for a temporary absence to visit family in December 2004 and for full parole nine months earlier, saying he remains a threat to the community.

A parole board spokeswoman said public safety will again be the key factor for the panel.

"It is essentially an interview,'' said Janina Ewart. "By law, the board has to consider whether the offender poses any kind of undue risk to the community while he's on the passes requested.''

Thatcher, a former cabinet minister in the provincial Conservative government, was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in November 1984.

JoAnn Wilson was found beaten and shot in the head in the garage of her Regina home in January 1983 after a lengthy child custody and divorce battle with Thatcher.

Thatcher, the son of former Liberal premier Ross Thatcher, has always maintained his innocence.

At his last hearing, he accused police of framing him.

Thatcher has said his refusal to admit guilt is making it difficult for him to get any kind of parole.

But Ewart said Thatcher doesn't have to admit guilt to be granted temporary absences.

Thatcher and Wilson had three children together.

Son Regan, a lawyer now living in Winnipeg, declined to comment on his father's case.

However, he said he won't be at Friday's hearing due to a previous work commitment.

Ewart would not disclose who, if anyone, was scheduled to offer testimony at the hearing.

Two of Wilson's sisters have travelled from their homes in the United States to attend past hearings.

Nancy Geiger and Carolyn Thiesen both expressed their frustration that Thatcher has refused to express remorse or sorrow.

Geiger added she's afraid of her former brother-in-law and is plagued by the thought of being shot at her front door or garage.

Regardless of the outcome of Friday's hearing, Thatcher will appear before a parole board panel again in May to request day parole and to address a review date for full parole.

If he is granted temporary absences, he could be allowed to leave prison as often as once a month, said Ewart.

But it's unlikely he would be allowed to leave immediately and would need to work out the details with the warden, she added.