After rejecting the Conservative Party’s “Jail, not Bail” proposal two weeks ago, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government has announced plans to introduce new legislation in the House of Commons aimed at tightening Canada’s bail laws and strengthening border security.
Carney said the move reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding Canadians in an increasingly volatile global environment.
“The world is increasingly dangerous and divided, and as Canadians, we must look out for ourselves,” the Prime Minister said. “That is why Canada’s new government is relentlessly focused on protecting our border, our country, and our way of life. We’re securing our sovereignty, combating crime, and building safer communities. Together, we are building Canada strong.”
The new law seeks to ensure repeat offenders remain behind bars and to make “communities feel safe.” The announcement comes amid growing public criticism over rising incidents of extortion, carjacking, home invasions, sexual assaults, gun violence, and other serious crimes across Canada.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who has faced intense criticism from the Opposition and calls for his resignation, said the government is determined to restore public confidence.
“Canadians deserve to feel safe everywhere – where they live, play, and work,” he said. “That’s why we’re increasing the number of CBSA officers to crack down on illegal drugs and guns entering our country. This action will shield Canadians from crime while strengthening our import measures to protect Canadian industries and workers. With Budget 2025, we are making our borders strong.”
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne added that enhanced resources for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be critical.
“I have seen first-hand the excellent work done by the CBSA at our ports of entry,” he said. “The agency’s mandate is broad, and it is critical to our public safety… The measures announced by the Prime Minister today will help give CBSA the resources it requires to do its job and keep our borders secure.”
Leaders within Canada’s South Asian—and particularly Indian—communities have repeatedly called for stricter bail laws. The Conservative bill “Jail, not Bail” was introduced by Arpan Khanna, MP of Indian descent. Several other Conservative MPs of Indian origin, including Tim Uppal, Amanpreet Singh Gill, Amarjeet Singh Gill, Jagsharan Singh Mahal, Harb Gill, Shuvaloy Majumdar, Jasraj Singh Hallan, Sukhman Gill, and Dalwinder Singh Gill, have voiced strong support for tougher measures.
In a statement, Carney said Canada must act decisively to protect its citizens and sovereignty.
“In a rapidly changing and more dangerous world, Canada is focused on what we can control,” he said. “We are building our economy with major projects and millions more homes… and we are protecting our communities and our country. We cannot control what other nations do, but we can control what we build – and we are building Canada strong.”
Carney outlined a series of new measures to be included in Budget 2025:
- Hiring 1,000 new CBSA officers to curb smuggling of guns, drugs, and stolen goods.
- Increasing the CBSA recruit stipend for the first time since 2005, from $125 to $525 per week.
- Amending the Public Service Superannuation Act to extend improved retirement benefits to frontline workers, including border officers, firefighters, paramedics, correctional officers, and search-and-rescue personnel.
The changes would allow retirement after 25 years of service without pension reductions, acknowledging the high-risk nature of these professions.
The government emphasized that these measures complement its earlier steps, including new legislation against gun trafficking and fentanyl smuggling, pay raises for Canadian Armed Forces members, and the recruitment of 1,000 new Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers.
“With historic investments, bold action, and strong new legislation, Canada’s new government is protecting our way of life,” the official statement said. “We are combating crime, building safer communities, and empowering Canadians with the security they deserve.”
Budget 2025 will be tabled in the House of Commons by Minister François-Philippe Champagne on November 4.
Earlier, on October 8, the government introduced Bill C-12 – the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act—to reinforce immigration and border protections. The Bill expands the tools available to law enforcement to combat organized crime, drug and weapons trafficking, money laundering, and other transnational offenses, while enhancing the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
