Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is doubling down on his tough-on-crime message, unveiling new legislation aimed at tightening Canada’s bail system and keeping repeat violent offenders behind bars.
Speaking in Woodbridge, Ont., on Thursday, Poilievre said some communities are living in fear and compared their plight to “war zones.” He announced his party will introduce the “Jail Not Bail Act” when Parliament resumes, a private member’s bill sponsored by Conservative MP Arpan Khanna that is likely to be debated this fall.
The proposed legislation would roll back key elements of the Liberal government’s 2019 Bill C-75, which enshrined a “principle of restraint” that encouraged judges to release accused individuals at the earliest opportunity and under the least restrictive conditions.
Under Poilievre’s plan, judges would be required to review an accused’s entire criminal history before granting bail and bar anyone convicted of an indictable offence from acting as a guarantor. The bill would also include a “three strikes and you’re out” clause that permanently eliminates bail, probation, or parole for individuals convicted of three serious crimes.
Citing high-profile cases where offenders committed violent acts shortly after being released — including the alleged murder of B.C. woman Bailey McCourt by her recently bailed ex-husband — Poilievre said the justice system is failing victims.
“Crime is raging out of control,” he said. “Canadians deserve to feel safe. Violent repeat offenders should be kept behind bars — not let out to terrorize their neighbours.”
The push comes even as Statistics Canada data shows the national crime rate fell 3.6 per cent last year, with property and drug offences down nearly six per cent. Violent crime also dipped by one per cent, and Toronto Police say shootings, homicides, and auto thefts are all down double digits in 2025.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser countered Poilievre’s rhetoric, saying the Conservatives are stoking fear. “He wants to turn Canada into the Wild West,” Fraser said, though he acknowledged that the Liberals also plan to introduce bail reform next month, targeting violent car thefts, home invasions, and organized crime-related offences.
Fraser invited Conservatives to work with the government to pass reforms rather than “gin up dissent for political gain.”
Poilievre, meanwhile, has promised additional measures if he becomes prime minister, including repealing Bill C-5 — which expanded the use of conditional sentences like house arrest — and strengthening self-defence laws.
Legal experts say Poilievre’s proposals could face constitutional challenges, as the Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly affirmed that bail must be the default for most offences. Poilievre insists his reforms would respect the Charter and focus on protecting victims’ rights.
“With this plan, we will stand up for the rights of victims,” Poilievre said. “It’s time to stop coddling repeat offenders and restore law and order in our communities.”