Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) echoes the statement by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) an lends its strong support to the introduction of Bill C-14: the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act.

The MACP commends Prime Minister Carney and the federal government for their announcement of Bill C-14, legislation that strengthens Canada’s response to repeat and violent offenders, organized crime and threats to public safety.

The expansion of reverse-onus bail for serious and organized crime offences, including human trafficking, vehicle theft and home invasions, is an important step to ensure those who repeatedly endanger public safety are detained in custody.

We also welcome sentencing provisions that strengthen accountability by requiring courts to treat prior violent convictions and assaults on first responders as aggravating factors, encourage consecutive sentences, restrict conditional sentences for sexual offences and recognize organized retail theft as a growing issue that threatens all law-abiding Canadians, especially those who work and make their living in the retail industry.

The MACP stands with the CACP in our calls for long overdue lawful access amendments that are required to enable police to lawfully collect evidence necessary to investigate modern, technology-enabled crime.

The MACP would like to once again thank the federal government for listening to frontline police officers and all law-abiding Canadians who simply wish to raise their families in peace and safety.  We urge the swift passage of this legislation which will help to protect our communities, those who serve those communities, and ensure violent, repeat criminals are held accountable for their actions.