Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that his Liberal government will be unveiling new legislation next week aimed at combatting crime through tougher sentencing measures and stricter bail regulations. As part of his law enforcement agenda outlined during the spring election campaign, Carney also pledged to recruit 1,000 additional RCMP officers.
Highlighting the need to remove violent criminals and repeat offenders from society, Carney emphasized the significance of the upcoming legislative reforms on bail and sentencing. The proposed changes will require individuals accused of 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 defendants.
Carney further stated that the new government intends to impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders involved in auto theft, organized crime, and home invasions, aiming to prevent ongoing victimization within communities. The forthcoming legislation will enable courts to enforce consecutive sentencing for individuals with a history of violent offenses.
Addressing concerns regarding the legality of consecutive sentencing, Carney assured that his government had consulted constitutional experts, law enforcement agencies, and justice ministers nationwide to ensure the proposed legislation aligns with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Additionally, the prime minister disclosed plans to eliminate conditional sentencing for individuals convicted of sexual offenses, preventing them from serving their sentences outside of prison settings.
In response to Carney’s announcement, the Conservatives criticized the government’s approach, advocating for the passage of their own proposed legislation, the Jail Not Bail Act (Bill C-242), which was introduced in September. They expressed a commitment to repealing what they referred to as “hug-a-thug policies” and prioritizing the safety of Canadians by implementing a justice system that prioritizes victims’ rights.
Carney’s initiative to recruit 1,000 new RCMP personnel over a four-year period is estimated to cost $1.8 billion. The recruitment drive will also involve increasing the RCMP cadet recruitment allowance to $1,000 per week and allocating resources for the hiring of 150 additional RCMP personnel dedicated to combating financial crimes such as money laundering, online fraud, and the recovery of illicitly obtained assets.