The Carney government has announced intentions to reform bail policies, specifically targeting violent repeat offenders. This announcement follows a meeting between key cabinet ministers and the president of the Toronto Police Association, Clayton Campbell, who represents the largest municipal police union in Canada. In an hour-long discussion held in Toronto, Campbell addressed several pressing issues impinging on public safety, including gun violence, organized crime, and youth-related violence.
During the meeting, Campbell emphasized the need for citizens to feel secure in their daily lives. "The citizens deserve better; they deserve to go about their daily lives without the fear for their safety or, God forbid, being shot in the streets of Toronto," he stated. His conversation with the ministers was described as candid and direct, reflecting the gravity of the concerns that were raised.
This discussion occurred shortly after an incident where an innocent bystander fell victim to a gunfight in the west end of Toronto, close to a high school. In a troubling development that underscores the issues at hand, a 12-year-old boy from Toronto who was arrested in connection with a shooting in Markham was reportedly out on bail for prior violent offenses when he was charged again with attempted murder.
Campbell noted that previous administrations, specifically under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, did not engage in consultations with the Toronto Police Association. "In the past, we were never consulted by the Liberal government. This is a complete 180 turn. We had the ministers responsible for these files, Toronto ministers actually showing up and asking, 'What do we need?'" he explained. This shift in approach appears to signal a willingness by the current government to address police concerns more directly.
Despite some decreases in overall crime statistics, Campbell pointed out a significant rise in youth violence, noting that there has been a 31 percent increase in incidents in the city. He stressed the necessity for tougher sentencing policies for a small faction of violent offenders, particularly among youth, as a stepping stone towards combatting this escalating trend.
The meeting also addressed the pressing issue of illegal firearms. Campbell reported that nearly 700 illegal guns were seized in Toronto last year, highlighting the urgent need for Ottawa to address the influx of firearms crossing the border. "They are aware of that," he stated, expressing cautious optimism that the ministers are taking these concerns seriously. Campbell noted that while they await potential legislative measures, he felt that their voices were heard during this meeting.
In addition to bail reforms, Pierre Pollliervre, the federal Conservative leader, has called for changes to self-defense laws in light of rising home invasion rates. Campbell supported these calls, aligning with growing concerns around personal safety and property rights. While the timeline for introducing this legislation remains uncertain, it is expected to materialize sometime this fall, indicating a period of significant dialogue surrounding public safety in Canada.
