Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at combating crime by implementing stricter sentencing guidelines and making it more difficult to obtain bail. These measures are part of Carney’s law enforcement agenda, which was a key focus during his spring election campaign and includes a commitment to recruit 1,000 additional RCMP officers.
Carney stated, “The minister of justice will be presenting legislation next week that includes significant reforms to the bail and sentencing processes. Our goal is to remove violent criminals and repeat offenders from our streets.” The proposed legislation will require repeat offenders facing charges for serious crimes such as home invasions, violent car theft, assault, sexual assault, extortion, or human trafficking to demonstrate their eligibility for bail, shifting the burden of proof onto the accused.
Additionally, Carney emphasized that the new government intends to impose tougher penalties on repeat offenders involved in auto theft, organized crime, and home invasions to prevent them from re-victimizing communities. The upcoming legislation will allow courts to impose consecutive sentencing on violent and repeat offenders.
Regarding the legal aspect of consecutive sentencing, Carney assured that the government consulted with constitutional experts, law enforcement agencies, and justice ministers nationwide to ensure the legislation complies with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He highlighted that the proposed laws would eliminate conditional sentencing for sexual offenders, preventing them from serving their sentences under house arrest or in the vicinity of their crimes.
In response to Carney’s announcement, the Conservatives criticized the government’s approach and advocated for their own proposed legislation, the Jail Not Bail Act (Bill C-242), which they argue should take precedence to enhance public safety and prioritize victims’ rights. Carney also pledged to recruit 1,000 new RCMP personnel over a four-year period, with an estimated cost of $1.8 billion. The recruitment drive will include funding for 150 new RCMP officers dedicated to combating financial crimes such as money laundering, online fraud, and the recovery of illicitly acquired assets.
