Enact Mandatory Sentencing, Reform Bail & Youth Justice Act, & Enhance Vehicle Security

Violent crime in Canada has reached a critical point, with communities facing a surge in home invasions, carjackings, and organized criminal activity. In cities like Toronto, break-ins and auto thefts have risen by over 400%, and car theft alone has cost Canadians a staggering $1.5 billion in insurance claims this year. Organized crime networks are exploiting loopholes in the Youth Justice Act, recruiting minors to commit violent crimes with little fear of severe consequences. Meanwhile, critical points of entry, such as the Port of Montreal, are being used to smuggle thousands of stolen vehicles out of the country annually.

Our current laws are failing to protect citizens, enabling offenders to reoffend and perpetuate a dangerous cycle of crime. Weak sentencing policies, inadequate bail regulations, and outdated youth justice measures have left our homes, streets, and neighborhoods vulnerable.

This is a national crisis that requires immediate and decisive action.

We must enforce mandatory minimum sentences for violent offenders, eliminate bail for first-time violent crimes, mandate anti-theft measures in all vehicles, reform the Youth Justice Act to hold young offenders accountable, and secure critical infrastructure like the Port of Montreal. These actions will send a clear message that Canada is committed to safeguarding its citizens and ensuring that crime is met with firm and effective consequences.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Violent Crimes

We must introduce mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years for violent armed home invasions and carjackings. This year alone, 1,721 break-and-enter crimes have been reported to the Toronto Police Service as of March 17—a 31.5% increase compared to the same period last year. In 2023, home invasions and break-ins for auto thefts in Toronto rose by 400%, according to Toronto police. Not just Toronto, but the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding suburbs have seen a dramatic increase in break-and-enters and stolen vehicles.

No-Bail Policy for First-Time Violent Offenders

To further ensure communal safety, we propose a no-bail policy for first-time violent offenders to prevent them from quickly returning to the streets and potentially jeopardizing community safety. Studies indicate that first-time violent offenders have a significant likelihood of reoffending upon release. For instance, a comprehensive study of Canadian federal offenders found that within two years of release, 23.4% reoffended, with 12% committing violent offences.

Vehicle Authentication Devices

Introducing vehicle authentication devices as optional standard equipment in all new vehicles sold in the country would act as an anti-theft measure, significantly reducing car theft rates. We have the ability to authenticate our smartphones through multiple methods, our cars should have the same ability for Canadians to use if they so choose.

Reform the Youth Justice Act

We must reform the Youth Justice Act to allow for charging youths as adults in cases of armed criminal offences. Organized crime groups are increasingly exploiting the loopholes in the current Youth Justice Act by recruiting minors to carry out violent crimes, knowing that the consequences for young offenders are significantly less severe. With police-reported youth crime rates for violent offences increasing by 24% over the last decade (source: Statistics Canada), it is clear that the current system is not an effective deterrent. Holding young offenders accountable with stricter measures for those armed with weapons will disrupt this exploitation by organized crime and better protect our communities.

By implementing firm laws against violent crime, we send a decisive message to potential criminals that crime will not be tolerated, ultimately keeping our citizens’ homes, vehicles, and communities safe. Sign our petition to make Canada safer today.