Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre unveiled his party’s anti-crime platform with a “three strike and you’re out” law that seeks to deny bail, probation, parole, and house arrest for repeat offenders.
In a video posted to X on Wednesday, Poilievre lamented the rise in crime since the Liberals formed government in 2015, blaming the crime spike on the Trudeau government’s “hug a thug” amendments to the Criminal Code which weakened punishments for criminals.
“Since the Trudeau-Carney Liberals took power, violent crime is up by half. Gun crime up 116 per cent. Gang homicides, 78 per cent. Extortion, 357 per cent. Auto theft up 46 per cent. Human trafficking and sexual assaults against kids have roughly doubled,” said Poilievre.
Poilievre pledged to pursue the “biggest crackdown on crime in Canadian history” by passing a new law that would ban criminals convicted of three prior serious offences from receiving bail, parole, probation, or house arrest.
“Instead, such offenders will get a minimum of ten years and up to a life sentence in prison and be designated ‘dangerous offenders’ so they cannot be released until they prove they are no longer a danger.”
Serious offences are defined as offences listed under section 752 of the Criminal Code, including but not limited to murder, torture, assault, human trafficking, hostage-taking, sex crimes, and more.
Poilievre said that to prove they are no longer a danger to fellow Canadians, Poilievre plans on requiring inmates to steer clear from illicit substances and either learn of trade or pursue another form of educational attainment.
“That will ensure that offenders are only released when they are ready to become law-abiding, contributing citizens,” said Poilievre.
When asked whether or not such a law would be able to stand a Charter challenge before the court, Poilievre dismissed such concerns, claiming that criminals endanger the Section 7 rights to life, liberty, and security of others.
He also said that he would repeal the Liberals’ Bill C-5, Bill C-75, and Bill C-83 to reverse many of the measures that have weakened penalties against criminals.
In a comment to True North, President of the Toronto Police Association Clayton Campbell praised the Conservatives for focusing on the issue of public safety with this announcement.
“The Toronto Police Association is pleased that these critical issues are being raised during this federal election,” said Campbell.
“We have written to Mr. Carney and Mr. Poilievre asking for their platforms on police and public safety, including bail reform and changes to the parole system, so this announcement is welcome.”
The Toronto Police Association has derided many of the legislative changes to weaken penalties against criminals in recent years.
Earlier in the week the Peel Regional Police Association endorsed the Poilievre Conservatives while the Durham Regional Police Association followed suit a few days later.
While the campaign has gone on for three weeks, the Carney Liberals have not made any policy announcements seeking to reduce crime.