Mayor on Parliament Hill to Push for Bail Reform at Commons Committee

Released: October 21, 2025 at 9:31 a.m.
Brandon joins campaign highlighting repeat offenders driving crime across Manitoba

Today, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham is in Ottawa to present to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m. ET), Mayor Gillingham will join other advocates and experts for a public hearing with Members of Parliament on the need for stronger bail reform.

At the hearing, Mayor Gillingham will call for legislation to:

  • Strengthen consideration of public safety in bail hearings
  • Remove statutory release for repeat offenders who violate probation conditions
  • Improve rehabilitation and bail enforcement measures
  • Enhance data collection and transparency on crime committed while on bail

The hearing can be viewed live at: ourcommons.ca/Committees/en/JUST

Also today, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett is expected to issue his first Repeat Offender Bulletin, becoming the second Manitoba mayor to join the campaign launched by Gillingham earlier this fall.

“I’m glad to see Mayor Fawcett be part of this effort,” said Gillingham. “Habitual offenders are a major driver of crime across Manitoba, and these bulletins remind governments why bail reform must protect the public.”

Mayor Gillingham also released the fifth instalment of Winnipeg’s Repeat Offender Bulletin series, featuring a case of an individual convicted of attempted murder while on bail.

Repeat Offender Bulletin #5

This individual was involved in gang activity and has a long history of violent offences in Winnipeg.

  • In November 2015, the offender was granted bail after being arrested for a violent offence, despite police opposition.
  • While on bail, the individual was arrested again for another violent offence. Police once more opposed release.
  • In March 2016, the offender was granted bail a second time.
  • While on that second release, the offender produced a firearm and wounded three people.
  • The offender was later arrested and, in 2021, convicted of attempted murder using a firearm.

Last week’s bulletin was delayed due to legal review.

“Both the Winnipeg Police Service and I are taking care to ensure these bulletins do not reference active court cases,” said Gillingham. “Contrary to what some critics have claimed, these examples are drawn from closed cases to demonstrate why reform is needed.”

Mayor's Office

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.