This fall, the Liberal government plans to present a bill aimed at enforcing stricter bail requirements and harsher penalties for certain crimes, especially those linked to organized crime, human trafficking, home burglaries, and vehicle theft, as stated by Justice Minister Sean Fraser in a recent interview.
“Given the current discussions surrounding the criminal justice system, it’s clear that reforms are necessary,” Fraser shared with The Canadian Press.
The government is open to exploring additional reforms but will, “at minimum,” uphold the crime policies that the Liberals committed to during the spring federal election, according to Fraser.
Fraser was appointed as justice minister by Prime Minister Mark Carney in May, after an election campaign where Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberals for a rise in violent crime.
In their campaign, the Liberals vowed to tighten bail access for certain offenses, including violent vehicle thefts, home invasions, and various human trafficking and smuggling cases.
They also committed to implementing stricter sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders involved in vehicle theft, violence, and organized crime, allowing for consecutive sentences in serious cases.
Fraser pointed out that some regions have witnessed a rise in specific criminal activities.
“While auto thefts may have decreased in the Greater Toronto Area this year compared to last, we have noticed a trend where it was becoming a growing issue,” he explained, attributing some of this to organized crime.
The upcoming legal revisions are intended to create a stronger deterrent, Fraser remarked.
“This isn’t merely a response to headlines we’ve seen,” he said. “It’s designed to convey a message aimed at deterring undesirable behaviors, helping to enhance public safety.”
Fraser mentioned that the government will seek input on its plans and is receptive to recommendations backed by expertise and data.
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This latest bail reform initiative follows the Liberals’ previous introduction of bail-reform legislation in 2023, spurred by requests from provincial leaders and numerous police chiefs to restrict bail access for repeat violent offenders.
The earlier measure, effective January 2024, adjusted bail regulations concerning certain firearm and weapon offenses and specific circumstances involving intimate partner violence.
The initiative for tougher regulations arises after years of Conservatives accusing the Liberals of being too lenient on crime.
When asked if this forthcoming legislation was an acknowledgment that the Conservatives had a valid point, Fraser expressed his perspective differently.
“We recognize widespread concerns from Canadians about challenges in the criminal justice system,” he stated. “There are indeed issues with the bail system.”
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