The OPP Association welcomes the introduction of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) to strengthen Canada’s response to repeat violent offenders, organized crime, and threats to public safety.

We are grateful this new legislation includes some of the recommendations from the OPP Association and partner Police Associations.  The 2022 murder of one of our OPP police officers by a suspect at large wanted for failing to comply with bail conditions initiated a robust advocacy campaign by Federal, Provincial and Municipal police associations.

Bill C-14 proposes to expand reverse-onus bail to cover serious and organized-crime offences such as human trafficking, car theft, and home invasions, and clarifies that restraint does not mean automatic release. The legislation directs the Court to consider whether an offence involved victims of random violence, first responder victims, or the accused facing multiple outstanding charges.

Sentencing provisions strengthen accountability by requiring the Court to treat prior violent convictions and assaults on first responders, including police officers, as aggravating factors, encourages consecutive sentences, restricts conditional sentences for sexual offences, and recognizes organized retail theft as a growing public safety issue.

The OPP Association thanks the federal government for listening to the voices of our members, and communities. We urge all parliamentarians to support the passage of this important bill as soon as possible, without partisan considerations, to enhance safety and strengthen justice across Canada.