QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Parole Board of Canada
December 11, 2024
Senator Gold, my question is a follow-up to what Senator Carignan asked you last week about an individual arrested in Toronto. He was caught on video attempting to carjack several vehicles and shooting at drivers. The Toronto Police Association says that, at the time of his arrest, he was on probation, out on bail and was facing multiple lifetime firearms bans. In response to that incident, the Toronto Police Association recently asked, “When will the federal government take accountability for the consequences of its weak bail policies?”
Senator Gold, what is your response to this question from the police officers in Toronto?
Thank you. I have enormous respect for the work that police officers do, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect Canadians and their families. The laws in the Criminal Code and the laws governing bail are well-established. They grant a certain degree of discretion to our independent judiciary, to prosecutors, and there is an entire process that involves both federal and provincial jurisdiction in this regard.
It is simply not the case, despite Conservative Party talking points, that the federal government is responsible for the crimes regrettably and horribly committed by those who manage to find themselves on the streets as a result of the application of the laws of this country.
Senator Gold, you told Senator Carignan last week, “. . . it’s not legislation, nor the courts, nor independent commissions that are to blame for all this.”
Who is to blame then, Senator Gold? Police in Toronto say the federal government must take accountability. Why do you think they are wrong?
Thank you for your question. The federal government does take responsibility for matters within its jurisdiction. The Criminal Code and the approach that this government has taken to crime have struck a balance between the protection of Canadians and the respect for our constitutional rights and privileges. It is a partnership with law enforcement, a partnership with our courts and a partnership with our correctional sources, and we all have a job to do to keep Canadians safe.
