Poilievre promises tougher sentences with ‘three-strikes-and-you’re-out’ law

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he will tackle what he calls a Liberal-driven wave of violent crime by passing a “Three-Strikes-And-You’re-Out” law.

Poilievre announced on Wednesday that this legislation would keep repeat offenders behind bars longer, aiming to restore safety to Canadian streets.

Under the proposed law, criminals found guilty of three serious offences would face a minimum prison term of 10 years and could be designated as Dangerous Offenders. 

They would not be released unless they prove they are no longer a threat to society. 

According to Poilievre, the only path to freedom for these offenders would involve perfect behaviour, clean drug tests, and active self-improvement, such as learning a trade or furthering their education.

“We will lock up the worst violent offenders longer and make sure they are not released as long as they pose a danger to our society,” said Poilievre in a statement. 

“Hug-a-thug, catch-and-release policies have destroyed our once-safe towns and cities. Only Conservatives will take violent crime seriously and do what it takes to get it under control.”

Violent crime has jumped by 50% in the past decade, according to Conservative figures, while gun crime has risen by 116%. 

Gang homicides have surged 78%, and extortion has gone up 357%. 

Poilievre blames what he calls the “Lost Liberal Decade” for these increases, pointing to legislation like Bill C-5 and Bill C-75, which he claims allow criminals to serve sentences at home or go free.

He highlighted the case of Myles Sanderson, who had 59 prior convictions before a 2022 rampage in Saskatchewan left 11 people dead and 17 injured. 

Poilievre argues that if Sanderson had been kept in custody, lives would have been saved.

“Not only will Common Sense Conservatives repeal the Liberal catch-and-release laws, we will carry out the biggest crackdown on crime in Canadian history,” said Poilievre. 

He also criticized newly elected Liberal Leader Mark Carney, accusing him of continuing the Liberals soft on crime policies. 

Carney’s appointment of David Lametti as a senior advisor and the selection of a Victoria candidate who wants to “defund” and “disarm” the police were singled out as evidence that Carney would not bring the necessary changes.

Poilievre insists that only a new Conservative government can end the current crime wave and restore safe streets for law-abiding Canadians. 

Poilievre pledged to keep violent criminals behind bars and ensure repeat offenders receive “jail, not bail.”