Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham speaks in Winnipeg on Dec. 1, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham will testify before the House of Commons next week as part of its study on Canada’s bail system and its link to rising violent crime.
The invitation follows Gillingham’s series of “Repeat Offender Bulletins”, which highlighted Winnipeg cases where individuals with extensive criminal records were released on bail and later committed new offences.
Gillingham has argued that the current system puts frontline workers and communities at risk by cycling violent offenders back onto the streets.
“Ottawa is listening, and I welcome the opportunity to bring Winnipeg’s experience directly to Members of Parliament,” Gillingham said in a statement.
The committee will also hear from law enforcement, legal experts, victim advocates, and other municipal leaders.
Gillingham’s testimony on October 9, in front of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, will call for reforms aimed at enhancing community safety while respecting the rights of the accused.
