Ottawa – Canada’s Conservative Party has called on Mark Carney to “immediately” scrap what they describe as the “Liberal bail” system and support their motion to pass the Jail Not Bail Act, escalating their campaign to push for tougher laws on repeat and violent offenders.
The Conservatives argue that the current bail system, implemented under Liberal leadership, has led to a rise in violent crime by allowing dangerous offenders to return to the streets too easily. Conservative MPs said their proposed legislation would strengthen public safety by keeping high-risk individuals behind bars while awaiting trial.
“Canadians are tired of soft-on-crime policies that put their communities at risk,” said Conservative justice critic Rob Moore. “The Jail Not Bail Act is about common sense — violent repeat offenders should not be given bail only to reoffend days later. Mark Carney must act now and support this legislation if he truly cares about Canadians’ safety.”
The Jail Not Bail Act, introduced by the Conservatives earlier this year, aims to tighten bail provisions for offenders with histories of violence, gang activity, or firearm-related crimes. The legislation would make it harder for judges to grant bail in such cases, prioritizing public safety concerns.
Mark Carney, who is increasingly viewed as a key Liberal figure and potential future leader, has not yet issued a formal response to the Conservative demand. However, Liberal officials have previously defended recent bail reforms, arguing that they balance the rights of accused individuals with community safety and that provinces also play a key role in enforcement.
The debate comes amid growing public concern over incidents involving offenders who were out on bail. Several high-profile cases have reignited calls for stricter measures, with police associations and some provincial governments backing tougher bail rules.
Legal experts, however, have warned that sweeping changes to bail laws could have unintended consequences, including overcrowding in detention facilities and prolonged pretrial detention for marginalized communities. They have urged policymakers to address systemic issues rather than focus solely on punitive measures.
The Conservatives say they will continue to press for a vote on their motion in Parliament, framing the issue as a test of the Liberals’ commitment to public safety. With rising crime a growing political flashpoint, the fight over bail reform is shaping up to be a major point of contention in Canada’s political landscape.