On Monday, Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, became law.
In October, I joined Prime Minister Mark Carney in Etobicoke to announce this legislation to strengthen the Criminal Code, introduce stricter bail laws, and increase sentences for serious criminal offences.
This legislation targets repeat and violent offenders, including those accused of serious crimes such as auto theft, breaking and entering, human trafficking, sexual assault, and violent assault.
Let me be clear: public safety is a shared responsibility. The federal government is responsible for the Criminal Code and bail laws, but provinces are responsible for administering the justice system, including courts, prosecutors, correctional facilities, and jails.
That means these changes will only be fully effective if the Ontario government takes the necessary steps to properly resource the justice system and ensure these laws are enforced.
I will continue working with all levels of government to reduce crime, strengthen public safety, and keep our community safe.
