Oxford MP launches national bail reform consultation for his bill

By Jeff Helsdon

LJI Reporter

Oxford MP Arpan Khanna is launching a nationwide consultation on reforms to Canada’s bail system to gain input for a Private Member’s Bill he will present this fall.

The consultation will engage front-line police officers, Crown prosecutors, judges, social workers, victims' advocacy groups, representatives from all levels of government, and members of the private sector to gather insights. What Khanna hears will help shape his Private Member's Bill (PMB) aimed at strengthening public safety, and rebalancing a criminal justice system that he says, under the Liberal government, is tipped in favour of repeat offenders.

“The consultation will occur through a combination of online and in-person meetings, written and email submissions, and surveys,” he said, adding he will travel coast to coast as part of it. “I am prioritizing hearing directly from Canadians, especially those most affected, ensuring that everyone who wants to share their opinion can do so.”

Khanna pointed to recent information from Statistics Canada to back his assertion:

•        Violent crime has risen 54.88 per cent since 2015.

•        Gun crime is up 130 per cent.

•        Sexual assaults have surged 75.69 per cent.

•        Extortion has skyrocketed 330 per cent.

•        Fraud has jumped 94 per cent.

"Canadians are becoming afraid to walk in their neighbourhoods," he said. "Every day, we hear of another violent crime committed by someone who was already out on bail. Enough is enough; Canadians deserve better. They deserve safe communities."

He pointed to a couple of recent area headlines, illustrating the point:

Third man charged in London's largest-ever fentanyl bust gets bail and 'Devastating' arson at historic St. Thomas building renews calls for bail reform

Hearing about this issue during the campaign, he said local consultation will be a big part of the input he garners.

“Residents in Oxford live this reality every day, and their input will shape the final bill. That is why every household will receive a survey and has been invited to submit their feedback on bail reform and the criminal justice system to my office. Local consultation isn't just important, it's essential.”

MP Khanna's consultation comes as part of a broader Conservative effort to repeal the Liberals' failed soft-on-crime legislation, including Bills C-5 and C-75, which have enabled repeat offenders to return to the streets with few consequences.

Although Private Member’s Bills don’t have a high rate of passage in the House of Commons, Khanna is hopeful for his concept.

“Historically, Private Members' Bills have a low success rate, but I am optimistic that we will be able to secure the support of other parties, as this is an issue we all heard about during the campaign,” he said. “I always strive to bring a balanced approach and will reach out to other party members for support.”

The Oxford MP is aware that the prime minister made a commitment to the premiers for action on bail reform, but he noted the Liberals didn’t bring the topic up once during the spring session. He added, “The Liberals continue to refuse to reverse their soft-on-crime policies that have led to a crime wave across the country.”

However, he acknowledged that the government may beat him to the punch, as PMBs traditionally move more slowly through the House of Commons process than government bills.

“If it pushes the Liberal government to act faster or adopt certain aspects of the bill, that's a win,” he said. “We have seen the Liberals taking Conservative ideas after initially opposing them.”

Khanna said the end result needs to be a justice system that prioritizes the safety of Canadians above all else.

“I am hopeful but realistic,” he said. “The priority is to deliver real results for Canadians. That's what matters most. If we can push them to take action and save lives, I am all for it.”