Mayor Patrick Brown delivered a clear and urgent message to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights: lives are being lost because Canada’s bail system is failing, and Parliament must act now.
The Mayor began by highlighting two heartbreaking cases that shook Brampton: the murders of Darian Henderson-Bellman and Savannah Kulla, who police say were both killed by former intimate partners who had a history of violence, firearm offences, and repeated releases on bail. Peel Police confirmed that with the proposed reforms in Bill C-14, these women would likely still be alive today.
“These were preventable tragedies,” the Mayor emphasized. “We cannot continue to let the same violent offenders cycle in and out of custody while families pay the price.”
A Dangerous “Revolving Door” That Puts Residents at Risk
Mayor Brown told the Justice Committee that Brampton has become a frontline example of a broken system. Repeat offenders are being released again and again—sometimes over 50 arrests for the same individual—despite posing obvious risks to the community.
One shocking example provided by Peel Police involved a man who was released after stealing a car, then proceeded to steal another car from the courthouse parking lot immediately after his bail hearing.
Even more troubling, 66% of individuals charged with firearm offences in Peel Region are released on bail. “Someone who commits an offence with a gun should not be released,” the Mayor stressed. “These are people who have terrorized the community.”
Support from Peel Police and Local Leaders for Bill C-14
Mayor Brown expressed strong support for Bill C-14, the federal government’s proposed bail and sentencing reforms. He noted that Peel Regional Police leadership, the Peel Police Association, and the Ontario Police Association have all endorsed the legislation as a significant and necessary step.
The Mayor voiced his hope that the bill will be strengthened further where needed, but he repeated that it must be passed immediately—not in months or years.
“My worry is that people being released today are the ones this legislation could stop,” he said. “We cannot afford to wait.”
Systemic Strains: Crowns, Interpreters, and Jail Capacity
Beyond legislation, Mayor Brown warned about mounting pressures on the justice system:
- Shortages of Crown prosecutors and interpreters
- Overcapacity at Maplehurst Correctional Complex, often forcing courts to award extra credit at sentencing
- Judicial resource challenges leading to delays
These pressures contribute to what he described as a “revolving door” justice model, where repeat offenders rapidly return to the streets.
A Call for Unity, Not Partisanship
Mayor Brown urged Parliament to treat bail reform as a non-partisan issue. He cautioned MPs against finger-pointing and online rhetoric, emphasizing that residents don’t care which level of government fixes the problem—only that someone does.
“We look immature when government blames government. Residents just want a system that works,” he said.
Wrapping up his testimony, Mayor Brown thanked the committee for studying this issue, but reminded them that action is long overdue.
