TORONTO — Shakir Rahim, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), reacted to Government of Canada’s introduction of Bill C-48;
The federal government’s introduction of Bill C-48 will not make the public safer.
Every person in Canada has a constitutional right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to not be denied liberty or reasonable bail without just cause.
The crime rate in Canada has been going down significantly – but the number of people denied bail has gone up 400%.
Bail is not being handed out like candy.
Over two-thirds of people held in provincial and territorial jails are not convicted of a crime.
We believe that every person in Canada deserves to feel safe in their community but this bill will not accomplish that.
It is possible to protect the right to reasonable bail and ensure public safety. The federal government can and must do better than Bill C-48.
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About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
Media Contact:
media@ccla.org
Alex Nanoff – 613-709-6318
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
For the Media
For further comments, please contact us at media@ccla.org.
