Statement from the Canadian Police Association on the introduction of Bill C-14
Statement from the Canadian Police Association on the introduction of Bill C-14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from the Canadian Police Association on the Introduction of Bill C-14 (45th Parliament, 1st Session) - the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act
The Canadian Police Association welcomes the introduction of Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act l, which proposes important amendments to the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act aimed at strengthening Canada’s bail and sentencing framework. This is a critical and timely step toward protecting our communities, supporting victims of crime and restoring public confidence in our justice system.
Canada’s front-line police associations have been advocating for pragmatic reforms to the bail and sentencing process for several years. We have worked with federal, provincial and municipal elected leaders to identify solutions that maintain the balance between individual rights and public safety, while addressing the persistent challenge of repeat violent offending. The provisions now set out in Bill C-14 reflect much of that collective effort and represent meaningful progress.
Of particular interest to law-enforcement are the proposed changes directing courts to consider imposing consecutive sentences for offenders with prior convictions for violent crimes, as well as the new provision recognizing assaults against first responders as an aggravating factor in sentencing. Together, these measures reinforce the principle that accountability must rise in response to repeated or targeted violence, and they help ensure our justice system responds appropriately to serious harms in our communities.
For too long, issues such as bail and sentencing reform have been mired in partisanship, even while Canadians continue to express deep concerns about safety and confidence in the justice system. We are now calling on Parliamentarians from all parties to engage in a thoughtful and productive examination of Bill C-14. Protecting Canadians should rise above political division, and this legislation presents a clear opportunity for collaboration in the national interest.
Furthermore, Canadians have consistently said they want meaningful reform that targets serious, repeat violent offenders. We urge all stakeholders, including critics of the Bill, to understand that imperative and engage not merely in opposition, but in constructive dialogue so that Bill C-14 can achieve the strongest possible outcome for public safety, fairness and accountability.
The CPA looks forward to working with all Members of Parliament and Senators as Bill C-14 proceeds through the legislative process. We encourage its timely study and passage, so that Canadians see the benefits of these changes without delay.
Together, we can ensure that Canada’s justice system remains fair, transparent and focused on keeping our communities safe.
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Michael Gendron
Government and Media Relations – Canadian Police Association
613-299-6516 / mgendron@cpa-acp.ca
