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Despite Liberal pivot, Conservatives to keep pressing for tougher crime measures

The Conservative Party renewed calls for tougher crime laws, accusing Liberals of leniency, with Larry Brock saying `The messaging will not change` and `Absolutely not`.
The Liberal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney tabled three justice bills this fall that include new offences in Bill C-9, reverse-onus bail in Bill C-14, and mandatory minimums in Bill C-16.
Legal experts say Charter challenges are likely, with Shakir Rahim of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association warning constitutional concerns exist over reverse onus provisions and mandatory minimums will increase litigation.
Requiring courts to consider remedies other than a stay of proceedings, Bill C-16 would alter the main remedy for unreasonable delays set by the Supreme Court of Canada, which presumes delays over 18 months in provincial court or 30 months in superior court, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association says.
Amid the legal debate, Pierre Poilievre reiterated a hard-line message on crime, posting on X that only Conservatives will restore safety, while critics like Shakir Rahim warn the bills set a bad precedent and invite litigation.

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