Ontario Premier Doug Ford hasn't been shy about sharing his thoughts on Canada’s bail system for accused criminals.
In a self-proclaimed “rant” earlier this year, Ford teed off on the topic — arguing that judges should be elected, not appointed, and that too many dangerous people are being repeatedly set free while they await trial.
“This is absolutely ridiculous, how these judges keep letting people out over and over and over again. I'm just done with it,” Ford said, promising to hire more “tough-on-crime” judges and justices of the peace.
During an appearance this week on Village Media’s ‘Closer Look’ podcast, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique was asked to weigh in on Ford’s remarks.
Carrique was among the many senior law enforcement officials who pushed for bail reform after the tragic 2022 killing of rookie OPP officer Greg Pierzchala, who was shot by a wanted man out on bail for assault and weapons charges. His murder was the driving force behind Bill C-48, a federal law that made it more difficult for certain criminal suspects to secure bail.
“There is more that absolutely needs to be done,” Carrique said on the podcast. “We are still seeing too many repeat offenders being released on conditions for which they have no intentions of following, continuing to commit crime and violent crimes. They are putting our officers at risk. They're putting our communities at risk. Enough is enough.”
Is Ford correct that Ontario needs more “tough” judges?
“We certainly need to ensure that there are consequences to actions,” Carrique replied. “If there are no consequences for crime or violent crime, it means there's no deterrence. And a society that does not deter crime is a society that is susceptible to violence and victimization, and I don't think any of us want to raise our kids or live in a country that is susceptible to violence and victimization.”
“We cannot have a free and democratic society without law and order,” he continued. “And the time is now to ensure that bail is ministered appropriately, that we have current, up-to-date laws that police can rely upon, and that people are held accountable for their actions before the courts.”
You can watch the full interview HERE.
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