'At a crossroad': Canada's police chiefs request urgent meeting with premiers
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has requested an urgent meeting with Canada's premiers to discuss bail reform and the recent killings of officers.
In a letter dated Monday to Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, association president Danny Smyth said there has been a link in the rise of violence by people released on bail since federal legislation changes were brought in four years ago.
Stefanson is the chair of the Council of the Federation that constitutes all of the premiers in Canada
"Over the last four years, we can track distinct spikes in the numbers of people released on bail and incidences of violent offences committed by those on bail," said Smyth in the letter.
Smyth, who is also Winnipeg's chief of police, said that an increase in drug, gang and gun violence has escalated the danger of the profession, noting that eight officers have been killed in the line of duty in the last six months.
"The number of murders of police officers has resulted in stark comparisons with countries like the United States, to which we have never before found reason to compare," Smyth wrote.
Last month, Const. Brett Ryan and Const. Travis Jordan were fatally shot by a 16-year-old boy in Edmonton while they were responding to a family dispute.
A little more than a week ago Sgt. Maureen Breau was fatally stabbed while performing an arrest in Louiseville, Que., about 100 kilometres northeast of Montreal.
Smyth said the criminal justice system often renders police work pointless by failing to shield communities from violent offenders.
"Policing is at a crossroad in our nation," said Smyth. "The stresses and dangers of the job, combined with the intense politicization of policing we've witnessed at every level, threaten the integrity and trust in our profession and our ability to safely and ethically ensure public safety."
Stefanson said that she looks forward to discussing the issues brought up in the letter with the police chiefs, adding that she has sent the letter to all of the other premiers.
"We've seen a significant number of homicides in our police forces across the country," Stefanson said Tuesday. "We don't want to see that continue.
"We need to make sure that we're taking action."
Stefanson said one of those actions that (Smyth) asked about is bail reform.
"We have been a champion on making sure that we call on the federal government to make those changes so that it's not so easy for violent offenders to get out," she said. "I think that's one area we need to focus on."
Earlier this year, Canada's premiers called on the federal government to establish a "reverse onus" system for specific firearm offences that would require the person seeking bail to demonstrate why they should not remain behind bars.
Federal Justice Minister David Lametti has said he is giving "serious consideration" to reforming Canada's bail laws in response to the request from premiers for changes.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978649.1722015109!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump's near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president's ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former president's injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.