QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Repeat Offenders
October 22, 2026
Government leader, recent reports from British Columbia have highlighted the anguish of the family of Arnold and Joanne De Jong, a couple in their seventies who were brutally murdered during a home invasion in 2022. After a court ruling delayed the sentencing of the three men convicted of their murders and opened the door for arguments for earlier parole eligibility, the family has voiced deep frustration that the justice system appears more focused on the rights of convicted offenders than on providing timely justice for victims and their loved ones.
Leader, what is the government’s response to the De Jong family? What concrete measures is it taking to ensure that victims are not subjected to lengthy delays and repeated setbacks in their pursuit of justice?
The safety of all Canadians matters to the government. It is, obviously, a very sad situation that you’re describing. It moved me just as it moved you. It has moved all members of the government, but the government is acting on these things. We’re strengthening conditions for bail for violent crime, and we have tabled many bills to ensure that we’re tougher on crime. That’s the reality.
Some of those measures have even been backed by you here in the Senate when we have tabled bills. So we have to work together and not accuse each other on each side of this chamber of not caring for Canadians when they live through a horrible situation, like the couple you mentioned in your question.
I think it is a matter of dignity, and the government is there to help Canadians and to make them feel secure.
I do agree that we must work together. There, in fact, is a Conservative bill, Bill C-293, the safe at home act, which would create a stand-alone offence for violent home invasion and strengthen bail and sentencing consequences.
Leader, will the government support this legislation and put victims ahead of violent repeat offenders? Would you support it when it comes to this chamber?
With all due respect, Senator Martin, the government is not waiting for the Conservatives to make suggestions. The government introduced over 80 changes to the Criminal Code that make bail laws stricter and sentencing laws tougher for repeat and violent offenders under the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, Bill C-14, adopted here in the Senate as well. I think that we are doing a pretty good job.
