SASKATOON — Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers are promising to tighten bail rules and speed up justice reforms after the First Ministers Meeting in Saskatoon, where community safety and bail reform was one of the big issues affecting Canada.Carney called it an “urgent duty” to protect residents from violent offenders while still helping people struggling with addiction. “We will act to combat crime, protect Canadians, and build communities that are safe, secure, and resilient,” said Carney.The leaders pledged to “maintain safe and secure communities” by pressing forward with meaningful bail and sentencing changes, increasing police resources, and going after the illicit fentanyl trade..They also asked federal-provincial-territorial attorneys general and public safety ministers to deliver an action plan aimed at cutting court delays and reviewing risk assessment tools used for repeat sex offenders and those charged with intimate partner or gender based violence.Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the public expects concrete results.“It’s absolutely critical we keep our communities safe. It’s each and every one of our jobs to protect communities, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Ford told the media.“We’re going to make sure the real bad guys, these violent criminals, go to jail, and people may have a drug addiction, we’re going to support them. I’m not worried about them committing crimes as much as I am the criminals that are coming in from all over the country, all over the world, flying in and causing chaos in neighborhoods.”.The premiers endorsed tougher “reverse-onus” provisions, which would require people accused of violent or gang related crimes, home invasion, car theft, or human trafficking to prove why they should be released before trial. Several premiers argued the measure is essential to curb repeat offences that erode public confidence in the justice system.Carney agreed the criminal justice system has to move faster. Carney pointed out that Ottawa will work with provinces to streamline bail hearings, invest in modern court technology, and give police more tools to track high risk suspects.
