Poll: Canadians demand crime crackdown, tougher bail laws
Canadians are demanding a crackdown on crime, with a new national poll revealing nearly half see it as a top issue and a strong majority pushing for tougher bail laws for repeat offenders.
Canadians are demanding a crackdown on crime, with a new national poll revealing nearly half see it as a top issue and a strong majority pushing for tougher bail laws and harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
The survey by Abacus Data, released this week, found that 46 per cent of Canadians now rank crime and public safety among their top concerns, just behind inflation and health care.
Among Conservative voters, that figure climbs to over 70 per cent.
The findings come amid growing calls from opposition politicians for Ottawa to get tougher on violent offenders. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has repeatedly blamed what he calls the Liberals’ “catch-and-release” justice system for a rise in high-profile attacks.
“Canadians are tired of violent criminals getting arrested, released, and arrested again,” Poilievre said during a recent press conference.
“We need common-sense bail reform to keep repeat violent offenders off our streets.”
The Abacus poll suggests this message may be resonating.
Three-quarters of Canadians say the current bail system is “too lenient,” and 79% support making it easier to deny bail to those with a history of violence.
Support for stricter measures was high across all age groups and political affiliations, but strongest among Conservatives and older Canadians.
The poll also found: 81% support harsher penalties for repeat offenders, 72% want more transparency around bail decisions, and only 12% believe the current system works well.
Abacus reported that 60% of respondents feel less safe than they did a few years ago, with concerns especially pronounced in suburban and rural communities.
Poilievre has linked rising crime to broader dissatisfaction with the federal government’s priorities.
“Instead of defending law-abiding Canadians, this government is coddling criminals,” he said. “We’ll bring in laws that protect victims, not repeat offenders.”
The survey results align with a recent uptick in national support for the Conservatives, who are polling neck and neck with the governing Liberals.
A new Abacus poll last week found increasing concern over crime has fueled positive momentum for the Conservatives.
For the Liberal and NDP response to this one.
See THE THREE MONKEYS and assign to any politicians you so choose.
Most of the liberals and their friends and supporters would be in jail for years. Maybe that's what they're afraid of