Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to introduce life sentences for human traffickers, gun smugglers, and fentanyl traffickers if elected Prime Minister, saying he will "put the safety of Canadians first — for a change."
Speaking later Friday morning in Nanaimo, Poilievre announced that under his government, anyone convicted of five or more counts of human trafficking, importing or exporting ten or more illegal firearms, or fentanyl trafficking will face life in prison.
“For too long, radical Liberals have let crime spiral out of control,” Poilievre said. “The choice for Canadians is clear: a fourth Liberal term while dangerous predators and vile monsters continue to walk free, or a strong, new Conservative government that will lock up those who commit the very worst crimes for life.”
Poilievre blamed Liberal policies for rising crime, citing a 50% increase in violent crime, an 84% rise in human trafficking, and over 50,000 deaths from fentanyl. He pointed to legislation such as Bill C-5, which ended mandatory jail time for certain gun and drug crimes, and Bill C-75, which he said weakened bail laws.
He also criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling him “weak and out of touch” and accusing him of standing by while Liberal policies made Canada less safe.
“Liberals made Canada weaker — on crime, on the economy, and on the world stage,” Poilievre said.
“Canadians can’t afford a fourth term of Liberal failure. It’s time for a strong, new Conservative government that will stop the crime, restore safe streets, and put Canada First — for a change.”
