After weeks of sounding the alarm through a series of “Repeat Offender Bulletins,” Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham’s call for bail reform has reached Ottawa. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights has invited Mayor Gillingham to testify as it studies how Canada’s bail system is contributing to rising violent crime and repeat offences.
Gillingham’s bulletins have spotlighted real-world cases in Winnipeg where offenders with long criminal histories were released on bail only to commit new violent crimes. These examples, paired with his push for systemic change, have put Winnipeg at the centre of the national debate on bail reform.
“Communities across Canada are paying the price for a bail system that too often allows violent offenders back on the street far too quickly,” said Mayor Gillingham. “Through our Repeat Offender Bulletins, we’ve been shining a light on how this plays out in Winnipeg. Ottawa is listening, and I welcome the opportunity to bring Winnipeg’s experience directly to Members of Parliament.”
Gillingham has repeatedly stressed the burden placed on police officers, firefighters, paramedics, transit operators, hospital workers and other frontline staff forced to confront the same threats from the same individuals again and again. His testimony will underline the need for reforms that give law-abiding residents safer communities while respecting the rights of the accused.
“Winnipeg Police officers are doing their jobs, but the justice system is cycling the same dangerous individuals back onto our streets,” Gillingham said. “Cities like Winnipeg can’t solve this challenge alone. Federal leadership is essential.”
The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights is expected to hear from law enforcement, legal experts, victim advocates, and municipal leaders as part of its review. Mayor Gillingham’s testimony will emphasize that effective bail reform is an important step toward building safer, healthier communities in Winnipeg and across the country.
Gillingham will appear before the committee on Thursday, October 9 around 2:30 pm (CDT).