Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced new measures to combat crime in Canada, including cracking down on violent and repeat offenders.
Speaking in Etobicoke on Wednesday, Carney outlined new public safety measures aimed at keeping dangerous criminals off the streets, supporting police, and addressing the root causes of crime.
Under the plan, the federal government will introduce new Criminal Code amendments next week focused on major offences like violent auto theft, break-ins, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
The proposed changes include reverse-onus bail for serious crimes, consecutive sentencing for multiple offences, tougher penalties for organized retail theft, and limits on conditional sentences for certain sexual crimes.
To support enforcement, Ottawa will invest $1.8 billion over four years to strengthen RCMP capacity across the country. This funding will help hire 1,000 new officers, increase cadet recruitment allowances to $1,000 per week, and assign 150 members to focus on financial crimes such as money laundering and online fraud.
Carney said the approach isn’t just about policing, it’s also about prevention.
“In Canada, you should be able to wake up, get in your car, drive to work, come home, and sleep soundly at night,” he said.
“When laws repeatedly fail to protect those basic rights, we need new laws.”
The government says it’s working with provinces, territories, and municipalities to tackle underlying factors such as housing, mental health, and youth support.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the upcoming 2025 federal budget, set to be tabled on November 4, will include targeted investments to strengthen the justice system and support communities in preventing crime.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser added that reforms to bail and sentencing laws are a top priority, while Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasized that the RCMP expansion will help fight financial crimes and improve recruitment.
Carney closed by saying the government is committed to “building Canada strong” through practical solutions, stronger laws, and better resources for law enforcement and communities alike.
