The federal government has announced a series of new measures aimed at combating crime, protecting Canadians, and building safer communities across the country.
The plan includes proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, major investments in federal policing, and ongoing collaboration with provinces, territories, and local law enforcement to address the root causes of crime.
“Safe, resilient communities are the backbone of a strong Canada,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said. “They attract people, families, businesses, and investment, and enable greater certainty and prosperity.”
Next week, the government will table legislation to amend the Criminal Code for crimes committed by violent and repeat offenders, including serious offences such as violent auto theft, human trafficking, assault, and sexual assault. The legislation will introduce reverse-onus bail for major crimes, allow consecutive sentencing for multiple offences, impose harsher penalties for organized retail theft, and restrict conditional sentences for certain sexual offences.
As part of the plan, the government will invest $1.8 billion over four years to hire 1,000 new Royal Canadian Mounted Police personnel and boost federal policing capacity. The funding will include an increase to the RCMP cadet recruitment allowance and the addition of 150 officers dedicated to financial crime investigations, including money laundering and online fraud.
“In Canada, you should be able to wake up, get in your car, drive to work, come home, and sleep soundly at night. When laws repeatedly fail to protect those basic rights, we need new laws,” Carney said. “Canada’s new government is taking decisive action to combat crime and build stronger communities – where Canadians can feel secure in their homes, safe in their neighbourhoods, and in control of their future.”
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the measures build on commitments in the upcoming federal budget. “Through Budget 2025, we’re making targeted investments to strengthen our justice system, give law enforcement the tools they need, and support communities in preventing crime,” he said. “Every Canadian deserves to feel safe – in their home, on their street, and in their community.”
Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the legislation will fulfill a key government promise. “Our government promised to strengthen bail and sentencing laws, and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” he said. “As attorneys general, Public Safety ministers, and Justice ministers meet in Kananaskis, our government is working closely with provinces, territories, and law enforcement to deliver reforms that give police and prosecutors stronger tools to keep violent offenders off our streets.”
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the new RCMP investment will enhance national security and community safety. “The 1,000 new RCMP personnel will boost federal policing and make our communities safer,” he said. “The officers dedicated to fighting financial crimes will help combat money laundering and organised crime. And the increased cadet allowance will help the Mounties recruit the best candidates possible. These are significant investments in the safety of all Canadians.”
The federal government said it is also continuing efforts to address the social and economic factors contributing to crime, including investments in affordable housing, mental health, addictions supports, and youth programs.
The 2025 federal budget, which includes funding for these initiatives, will be tabled on November 4.
