Conservative and Liberal Members of Parliament clashed on Thursday in the House of Commons regarding proposed changes to Canada’s bail system, with the Official Opposition highlighting crime as a key focus early in the fall session. The Conservatives presented a private member’s bill urging the Liberal government to enact a “three-strikes-and-you’re-out” law, designed to prevent individuals convicted of serious crimes from being granted bail, probation, parole, or house arrest. This move precedes anticipated Liberal legislation aimed at tightening bail regulations, as announced by Justice Minister Sean Fraser.
The Conservative bill advocates for bail adjustments that would keep violent offenders incarcerated for a minimum of 10 years. Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, speaking in the House following his recent victory in the Battle River-Crowfoot by-election, expressed concerns about community safety, citing instances nationwide where individuals committed severe crimes while on release. Poilievre criticized the current Liberal justice system, attributing such incidents to laws that he claims enable criminals to roam freely without facing repercussions for their actions.
The focus also turned to the 2019 Liberal crime bill C-75, particularly scrutinizing the “principle of restraint” within the legislation, which prioritizes early release over detention and mandates reasonable bail terms. Recent calls from premiers and mayors for an overhaul of bail laws have added pressure on the government to address these concerns. Poilievre highlighted feedback from law enforcement officers who are frustrated with repeatedly apprehending the same offenders.
Conservative public safety critic Frank Caputo revealed that the bill would introduce a new Criminal Code offense for assaulting an intimate partner. In response, Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux assured that the government plans to introduce its own bail reform legislation in the current session, emphasizing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment to this cause. Lamoureux criticized the Conservatives for allegedly exploiting crime-related issues for fundraising purposes, labeling it a “cash cow.”
Liberal MP Kody Blois stressed the importance of bail reform to the government, announcing plans for stricter bail conditions and enhanced sentencing measures for violent, repeat offenders. He outlined differences in approach between the Liberals and Conservatives, highlighting the Liberal strategy to work closely with provincial authorities to ensure efficient court resources. Blois also pointed out the need for a broader perspective on crime statistics, noting a decline in violent crimes in the Greater Toronto Area.