A Justice System That Fails the Victims: The Liberal Legacy
After years of Liberal catch-and-release policies, violent criminals continue to return to our communities. Just two weeks ago, Parliament had the chance to fast-track the Jail Not Bail Act (Bill C-242) – legislation that would have strengthened bail rules for major violent and organized crimes, required judges to consider prior criminal history, and stopped repeat offenders from vouching for other criminals.
Despite the urgency, all other parties voted against this common sense motion. Meanwhile, the Liberal government has yet to introduce its own plan to reform Canada’s broken bail system, leaving families and communities vulnerable.
The results speak for themselves.
Since the Liberals took power:
- Violent crime is up 55%
- Firearms offences are up 130%
- Extortion has skyrocketed by 330%
- Sexual assaults have risen 76%
- Homicides are up 29%
- And in Edmonton alone, gun violence has increased by 32% since 2019.
Law enforcement and advocacy groups – including the Peel Regional Police and End Violence Everywhere – have voiced strong support for Bill C-242, emphasizing that action is urgently needed. Families who have suffered the devastating consequences of violent crime know the cost of the Liberal bail system all too well.
Debbie Henderson, aunt of Bailey McCourt, said:
“We support this bill as it strengthens Canada’s bail system by ensuring that public safety is prioritized in decisions about interim release… By addressing repeat and violent offenders, it closes critical gaps that have too often placed our communities and victims at risk.”
C Trang, daughter of murder victim Hung Trang, added:
“The person who took our loved one’s life was out on probation, waiting for detox treatment – yet still free to cause irreversible harm. We support the Jail Not Bail Act because it puts victims and public safety first. This bill is not just policy – it’s a lifeline for future victims, and a promise that their lives will matter.”
The Jail Not Bail Act is more than just legislation – it’s a necessary correction to a justice system that has failed too many Canadians. It represents a concrete step toward ending the revolving door of crime and preventing more innocent lives from being lost.
Conservatives will continue to fight for stronger, safer communities – for policies that protect victims, strengthen our justice system, and hold violent offenders accountable. We will not stop until public safety is restored and Canadians can once again feel secure in their own neighbourhoods.