As voices across the country grow louder for bail reform, Mayor Scott Gillingham is stepping up Winnipeg’s call to keep repeat violent offenders off the streets.
In a new video message released today, Gillingham says Winnipeg residents are “fed up” with repeat violent offenders being released into the community only to commit more crimes, and he’s calling on Ottawa to act.
“The result is too much violence and disruption coming from the same individuals, no matter how many times they’re arrested,” Gillingham says in the video. “It’s a threat to frontline professionals, to our economy, to social progress, and to residents who are victimized again and again.”
The speech’s release comes just ahead of Parliament’s fall sitting next week. Gillingham noted he recently spoke with federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser, who confirmed the federal government intends to introduce bail reform legislation. While calling the discussion “constructive,” Gillingham said there is still no clear date on when a bill might be introduced, or whether new legislation will be strong enough to meet Winnipeg’s concerns.
To raise the profile of the issue, Gillingham is launching a weekly “Repeat Offender Bulletin” that will highlight local examples of habitual offenders and their impact on safety in Winnipeg.
“There is a limit to what law enforcement and social interventions can accomplish, as long as our justice system keeps releasing high-risk offenders back into the community,” Gillingham said.
He’s urging Winnipeggers to write to their Member of Parliament or email the Minister directly at
“Be polite. Be non-partisan. But be firm,” he says. “Let them know that Canadians expect a justice system that protects victims, holds repeat offenders accountable, and helps keep our communities safe.”
A full transcript of the Mayor’s remarks is attached. The video can be found at - https://youtu.be/6R5L3DNrKrE.