A push to make bail and sentencing laws more stringent is going to have direct consequences for people convicted of assaulting first responders, federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser announced in Winnipeg today.
Joined by Manitoba Justice Minister and Attorney General Matt Wiebe, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable, and Mayor Scott Gillingham of Winnipeg, Fraser outlined some of the new aspects of the newly introduced bail and sentencing reform act. Fraser said the proposed legislation introduces more than 80 clauses to Canada’s bail and sentencing framework, including some designed to protect police, firefighters, and paramedics from a rise in threats and violence.
“If you target first responders, expect zero tolerance, you should be held accountable for your conduct,” Fraser said. “Those who run toward danger to keep us safe deserve the full protection of the law, and we’re delivering it. When a firefighter answers a call, when a paramedic arrives at a scene, when a police officer steps in to stop a threat, they should never have to wonder if the system has their back. These reforms make that clear.”
Among the highlights of the legislation are new aggravating factors in sentencing for offenders who commit violent acts and other crimes against police, firefighters, and paramedics in the course of their duties, tougher bail provisions for violent and repeat offenders, including new reverse-onus provisions that make detention the starting point for certain serious offences, and crackdowns on organized crime to keep communities safe from those who repeatedly put lives at risk.
““Violence against our emergency responders is unacceptable, which is why it is encouraging to see the federal government answer Manitoba’s call to include amendments to the Criminal Code that will better protect our first responders,” said Wiebe. “These amendments will ensure that courts clearly consider crimes committed against emergency responders with the seriousness required, and that they can do their jobs without fear of harm or interference.”
In a release, the federal government said the bail and sentencing reform act is part of their broader commitment to modernize the Criminal Code and keep Canadians safe.
