Police officers are watching violent offenders in Oshawa walk free faster than they can even finish the paperwork, says Rhonda Kirkland, Oshawa’s Conservative Member of Parliament (MP).
In a video address (see below), Kirkland said she met with Durham Regional Police (DRP) Association officials.
“I saw the frustration first hand this summer in Oshawa….They told me our justice system has tied their hands. They arrest the same violent offenders again and again only to see them released the next day, sometime within hours,” she said.
These officers and civilian members need stronger bail laws and resources to enforce them, to monitor offenders, support victims and keep dangerous individuals off our streets. These are the men and women on the front line and they have been sounding the alarm for a long time, long before the government finally decided to have a half listen, the Conservative MP said.
Parents Scared For Their Kids
“I hear the same fear from my neighbours across Oshawa. Parents scared for their kids. Seniors who no longer feel safe outside. Families who want a justice system that puts their safety first,” said Kirkland.
She said Oshawa deserves safer streets and a justice system that protects everyone who calls the city home.
Kirkland said in 2019, Bill C75 directed judges to release at the earliest opportunity criminals even with violent histories. In 2022, Bill C5 eliminated mandatory jail time for serious crimes like robbery with firearm, drug trafficking and sexual assault.
“The results have been devastating,” said the MP.
She pointed out that since 2015 violent crime is up 55 per cent, firearm offences are up 130 per cent, extortion has risen over 300 per cent, sexual assaults up 76 per cent, and homicides are up 29 per cent across Canada.
The DRP Association thanked the MP “for always reaching out and hearing the concerns of the Association
and our membership. “Community safety is of high importance.”
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