QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Crime Prevention
October 24, 2024
Leader, after nine long years of this NDP-Liberal government, car theft is up 34% across Canada. In fact, it is up 100% both here in the Ottawa-Gatineau area and Montreal, and in Toronto it is up a massive 300%. In May, Peel Regional Police recovered 369 stolen vehicles through a seven-month investigation that resulted in 322 charges amongst 26 suspects. Of the 26 individuals facing charges, 14 were already on a form of release or bail for auto theft-related charges at the time of offence.
Leader, doesn’t this show that it is time to end catch-and-release bail for repeat car thieves?
Absolutely. Good question.
Car theft is a serious problem which the government has addressed with additional resources to police and border services and so on. With the greatest of respect, senator, and I’ve said this many times, it is incorrect to characterize it — though, perhaps it is very catchy — catch-and-release. It belittles and demeans the independence of the judiciary and those other independent institutions in our criminal justice system that have the responsibility for balancing a risk and assessing the appropriateness of how time is served and people can be reintegrated. They will continue to do that. This government has a different view on criminal justice than your party —
Again, 300% is an astronomical rise in theft. We need to do something. Last month, the NDP-Liberals voted against common-sense legislation in the other place which would have implemented a mandatory minimum of three years in jail for those who steal a motor vehicle three times. Leader, why was this bill not supported? Why not help Canadians protect their property and bring home safe streets to our communities?
This government cares as much as your government in the past cared and your party cares about the safety and security of Canadians. Respectfully, it takes a very different view as to what is effective. It has studied and rejects the efficacy and indeed often the constitutionality of mandatory measures. It has introduced measures to bring the law more in conformity with the Charter and to make a more effective —
