Contrasting crime policies come into sharp focus as Conservatives vow tougher laws, while Liberals and New Democrats stress reform and rehabilitation

OTTAWA, ON – April 9, 2025 – The Conservative Party is drawing a firm line in the sand on crime policy, blaming what they call a “Liberal crime wave” for dramatic increases in violent crime, car theft, and human trafficking over the past decade.

The statement, released today, outlines a law-and-order platform that includes repealing several high-profile Liberal justice reforms and implementing stricter sentencing for repeat and serious offenders.

The Conservatives cite Statistics Canada data showing a 50% increase in violent crime, a 46% rise in vehicle thefts, and an 83% increase in human trafficking over the past decade. They also highlight a 357% spike in extortion, tying the surge to what they call Liberal “soft-on-crime” laws and appointments.

“This is the record of the Lost Liberal Decade,” the release states. “Canadians face a growing wave of crime while the Liberals double down on leniency.”

Conservative Plan: “Jail, Not Bail”

Led by Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative plan includes:

• Repealing Bill C-75, which the party claims enables “catch-and-release” bail conditions for repeat offenders.

• Reinstating mandatory minimums that were repealed under Liberal Bill C-5 for serious gun and drug offences.

• Introducing new offences and sentencing rules, including:

  • Life sentences for large-scale human trafficking or firearms smuggling.

  • New minimums of 15 years for mid-level fentanyl trafficking.

  • Special designations treating murder of an intimate partner or child as first-degree murder.

  • Stricter penalties for gang-related extortion and organized vehicle theft.

The Conservatives also pledge to ban house arrest for serious vehicle theft convictions and add new aggravating sentencing factors for organized crime.

Liberal and NDP Approach: Reform and Rehabilitation

While the Conservatives are advocating for stricter enforcement and longer sentences, both the Liberal Party under Mark Carney and the New Democratic Party under Jagmeet Singh have emphasized justice reform, community safety, and alternatives to incarceration.

Liberal Record and Platform

During the Trudeau era, Liberals passed Bill C-5, which repealed some mandatory minimum penalties, arguing that such policies disproportionately affect Indigenous and racialized Canadians and do little to reduce recidivism. Bill C-75, also passed by the Liberals, aimed to modernize the bail system and reduce court delays by prioritizing pre-trial release for non-violent offences — a move criticized by police associations and provinces experiencing crime spikes.

Mark Carney has so far backed a “balanced approach” to justice, defending the Liberals’ past record while signalling openness to adjustments. He has yet to commit to reinstating mandatory minimums but has stated that “public safety and fairness in justice are not mutually exclusive.”

NDP Focus on Prevention and Equity

The NDP continues to oppose what it calls “overcriminalization,” arguing that punitive policies have failed to reduce crime and instead clog the justice system. The party has supported Liberal reforms to remove mandatory minimums and opposes expanding incarceration for non-violent offences.

Instead, Singh has proposed expanding funding for:

• Community-led public safety initiatives;

• Addictions and mental health support;

• Restorative justice programs, especially for youth and Indigenous offenders.

The NDP has also called for police reform, including greater civilian oversight and ending racial profiling — a position the Conservatives have criticized as “soft” on crime.

Thunder Bay & Northern Ontario: On the Front Lines

In communities like Thunder Bay — where rising crime, opioid overdoses, and chronic underfunding of public safety have become pressing local issues — the national debate has tangible implications.

• Conservative policies may resonate with voters concerned about auto theft, property crime, and fentanyl trafficking — all on the rise in the region.

• Liberal strategies promise long-term investments in justice reform and rehabilitation, though critics argue this approach hasn’t kept pace with the realities on the ground.

• NDP proposals could bring more resources to mental health and housing support in Northern Ontario, particularly benefiting Indigenous communities and those facing systemic barriers.

Thunder Bay Police and local service providers have highlighted the complexity of crime in the city — often rooted in poverty, addiction, and intergenerational trauma — suggesting that a one-size-fits-all national approach may not meet the region’s needs. Often however what is seen in Thunder Bay as a remand, remand, remand revolving door justice industry has many locals deeply concerned.

On Thursday, April 10th, there are almost 20 Mandatory Detention Review hearings in the Thunder Bay Superior Court of Justice.

Local Conservative candidate Bob Herman has remained silent on the issue.

Conclusion

As crime emerges as a central election issue, the three main federal parties offer sharply contrasting visions. The Conservatives are promising swift and strict responses to crime. The Liberals aim to balance enforcement with fairness and systemic reform. The NDP argues that root causes must be addressed to ensure long-term safety.

For voters in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, the choice may come down to whether they prioritize immediate law enforcement measures or long-term social investment as the best path to safer communities.