A two-day national meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety ministers wrapped up in Kananaskis, Alberta, with discussions spanning bail reform, victims’ rights, gender-based violence, and border security.
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser described the gathering as a chance for every province and territory to weigh in on the key justice and public safety issues facing Canada. “It was an opportunity for every province and territory to be represented in discussions about all of the issues in Canada that touch on justice and public safety,” he said.
Fraser highlighted that the talks focused heavily on three pieces of justice legislation the federal government is advancing this fall. The first, introduced in September, targets hate crimes. Next week, Fraser will table a second bill aimed at tightening bail and sentencing standards for violent crime — legislation shaped by recommendations from law enforcement and provincial premiers. A third bill, to be introduced later this fall, will tackle gender-based and intimate partner violence, sexual offences, online exploitation of children, victims’ participation in the justice process, and court delays.
The ministers also met with national Indigenous organizations to ensure upcoming legal reforms reflect the perspectives and priorities of Indigenous communities. Additional discussions centered on combating human trafficking and bolstering border security to stem the flow of drugs and guns from the United States.
Fraser emphasized that while the conversations were productive, “the real work is going to follow in the weeks and months after we break from the conversations this week.”