The recent murder of 20-year-old Edmonton security guard Harshandeep Singh has reignited debate over Canada’s justice system and rising violent crime under the federal Liberal government. Singh was fatally shot while working at a central Edmonton apartment building early Saturday morning.Edmonton police have charged two individuals, 30-year-old Evan Rain and 30-year-old Judith Saulteaux, with first-degree murder in connection with Singh’s death. Rain’s criminal history includes prior violent charges, raising questions about his release and the effectiveness of Canada’s justice system.Rain, previously charged in a violent 2018 kidnapping and a 2022 armed robbery, faced multiple firearms-related counts, including 16 charges of possession while prohibited. Critics argue the justice system failed Singh by allowing repeat violent offenders to remain free.Tim Uppal, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, extended condolences to Singh’s family and condemned what he described as systemic failures in public safety. “Harshandeep Singh’s murder cannot be accepted as just an unfortunate, unavoidable reality,” Uppal said. “Our so-called ‘justice’ system terribly failed him — just as it has failed so many others.”Violent crime in Canada has risen significantly in recent years, with a 50% increase since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office in 2015. Critics link the rise to Liberal policies, including Bill C-75 and Bill C-5, which prioritize the release of offenders and eliminate mandatory jail time for certain crimes.The Fraser Institute recently reported that Canada’s violent crime rate is now 14% higher than that of the United States. Gun crime has surged by 116% since the Liberals came to power. Uppal criticized the government for targeting law-abiding firearm owners instead of addressing violent offenders.“Enough is enough,” Uppal stated. “Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities. Common Sense Conservatives will end Justin Trudeau’s catch-and-release justice system and ensure jail, not bail, for repeat violent offenders.”
