The federal government has introduced amendments to the Criminal Code to strengthen bail requirements for violent repeat offenders.
Government is introducing bail changes for criminals charged with a serious violent offence involving a weapon and who have been convicted of a similar offence within the last five year to face reverse onus in order to get bail. That means they have to prove to the court why they should be released.
Minister of Public Safety, Marco Mendicino made the announcement today along with Justice Minister David Lametti.
Pierre Poilievre
Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is not impressed. He repeated his criticism of the federal government’s so-called “catch and release policies” but prickled when questioned by a reporter about the factors contributing to criminal behavior.
“Are you honestly saying that it’s society’s fault if a repeat violent offender commits 60 or 70 offences?” Poilievre fired back. “I think that criminal is to blame.”
Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino responded to the Conservatives in a news conference a short time later.
He accused the Conservatives of being “happy to mouth empty slogans and tout failed policies.”
