Leader, last month in Victoria, B.C., an individual was arrested and charged with attempting to steal an occupied vehicle. He was released later that day. The next day, he was arrested for stealing a woman’s car, crashing into two other cars and then attempting to steal another vehicle. He was released the next day. Later that night, for the third day in a row, he was arrested for breaking and entering and trying to steal another car. In a press release, the Victoria Police Department said that this person was released because of Bill C-75.

Leader, does the Trudeau government understand its catch‑and-release Bill C-75 has made Canada less safe?

Thank you for your question. The Criminal Code is a federal statute. The administration of justice is a provincial responsibility. Decisions that the courts make on bail or conditional release are within the administration of justice and the independence of the courts.

The position of this government is that its measures are, in fact, appropriate and Charter-compliant to ensure that we strike the right balance between preserving and protecting the safety of Canadians — which is the primary responsibility of any government — and also respecting the constitutionally protected rights of those who are charged with or arrested for alleged criminal offences.

The Prime Minister himself has admitted to the failure of Bill C-75 because at a summit he convened on February 8, the Prime Minister said his government is looking at strengthening penalties for anyone who participates in auto theft. Three months later, no action has been taken.

Leader, when will the Trudeau government finally put an end to house arrests for repeat car thieves and ensure they get jail and not bail?

This government will continue to focus on evidence-based, research-based solutions to the issue of crime. It will continue to take the lessons from other jurisdictions, including our own, of failed measures — however attractive they are in slogans — that do not do anything to protect Canadians, that do not do anything to make our streets safe. The government is committed to doing the right thing — the Charter-compliant thing — to keep Canadians safe.