Laila Goodridge, MP Fort McMurray - Cold Lake Official Photo
Victims’ families, police associations voice support for tougher conditions on violent offenders
OTTAWA — Fort McMurray–Cold Lake MP Laila Goodridge says “enough is enough” as Conservatives table legislation they argue will toughen bail laws and restore confidence in public safety.
“Enough is enough. The Liberals’ easy bail laws have fueled a crime surge—violent crime up 55 per cent, firearms crime up 130 per cent,” Goodridge said. “Conservatives have introduced the Jail Not Bail Act to protect Canadians and put public safety first. We need to stop repeat offenders from walking free.”
The Jail Not Bail Act, announced Thursday by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and MP Arpan Khanna, would repeal and replace the Liberal government’s “principle of restraint” on bail, introduce a new category of “major offences” with stricter conditions, and strengthen risk assessments for violent offenders.
Poilievre was joined in Ottawa by victims of crime, their families and police representatives. Supporters included women’s advocates, the Toronto Police Association and individuals who say they have been permanently affected by violent crime.
Christina Trang, whose father Hung Trang was murdered by an offender on probation, said her family lives with a “permanent hole in our hearts” and called the bill a lifeline for future victims.
The Liberals have defended recent changes to bail law as consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, while critics say the reforms have contributed to a revolving door of violent repeat offenders.
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