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Saskatchewan’s leaders are urging Ottawa to amend the criminal code, citing concerns about public safety and calling for bail reform.
On Wednesday, a letter was sent to Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, signed by members of the provincial government and mayors of the Battlefords.
In the letter, they asked Ottawa to change the way decisions surrounding bail are made under the Criminal Code, and to create a “reverse onus” for anyone who is accused of a violent crime and has previous convictions for violent offences.
Additionally, the province asked the federal government to include a new definition for tertiary ground detention, which occurs when the courts rule that releasing an accused person would damage the public’s confidence in the justice system.
Kelli Hawtin, mayor of North Battleford, said for several years she’s heard from the RCMP that the majority of serious crimes in the community are committed by repeat and violent offenders.
“It’s taxing our police resources, and it’s putting our vulnerable community at risk having these types of people free to be in our streets,” she said.
“We’re not asking for more people in prison, we’re asking for the right people to be in prison.”
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Ames Leslie, mayor of the town of Battleford, explained bail reform could alleviate pressures on both law enforcement agencies and the court system.
He said the community faces a stigma because a few individuals repeatedly commit crimes, giving the town a bad reputation.
“Part of this bail reform will help us change that image of the Battlefords and hopefully bring more people to our wonderful community.”
Premier Scott Moe is also calling on the federal government to increase consequences for drug trafficking.
“Keep the people that are providing drugs and hurting people in our communities in jail,” Moe said. “Those that unfortunately have slipped into a life of addictions, let’s provide them a recovery opportunity.”
Moe said the province is working on providing recovery beds for those facing mental health and addiction issues. The government is currently working towards a goal of bringing 500 new addiction treatment spaces to Saskatchewan.
Moe said while recovery opportunities are important, the province needs to be assured that law enforcement has the tools to ensure that individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others are not free to do so in their community.
