Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham speaks to media after the provincial government released their budget in the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham is praising the federal government’s proposed Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, calling it a “major step” toward improving public safety and restoring confidence in Canada’s justice system.
Gillingham said he will meet with Winnipeg police Chief Gene Bowers and other Manitoba mayors within 24 hours to review the legislation.
Earlier this week, Gillingham appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in Ottawa, urging MPs to put public safety first in bail decisions and to expand tougher measures beyond a few select offences.
“These new measures — particularly the expanded reverse-onus provisions for violent and organized-crime offences, and tougher sentencing rules — show that Ottawa was listening to Winnipeggers,” Gillingham said.
He noted new federal data showing that while overall recidivism has declined, repeat crimes by habitual offenders remain persistently high, contributing to Winnipeg’s rising crime severity index.
“Winnipeg will continue working with Manitoba and the federal government to ensure these reforms lead to real-world change,” he added. “Public safety must always come first.”
