The new session of Parliament must take real action to address the public
safety concerns of Canadians. Across the Greater Toronto Area, residents are
increasingly alarmed by the rise in violent crime, and they are demanding
action from every level of government. The federal election results in the GTA
made that crystal clear.
While political analysts may focus on national vote shares with Prime Minister
Carneys impressive victory what happened in key ridings in the GTA tells a
more specific story. The government suffered unexpected losses and the
issue that came up time and again at the doors was public safety. I have heard
from defeated incumbents who shared with me that crime was the biggest
issue at the door step. This is not just a concern for Brampton or Peel. It is a
national issue across our Big Cities
As Mayor of Brampton and a member of the Peel Police Services Board, I have
seen the impact of organized crime firsthand. A series of recent shootings in
the region, have been linked to international cartels operating in Canada.
These groups are exploiting our ports, airports, and logistics networks to
traffic drugs, and firearms. This is a level of coordination and sophistication
that cannot be fought by local police alone.
That is why our Police Board has written to the federal government calling for
immediate steps to strengthen our national response. These include bail
reform, investment in secure public safety communication infrastructure, and
a comprehensive strategy to combat organized crime.
On bail reform, the issue is clear. People charged with serious, violent crimes
are being released and reoffending. The system is not keeping pace with the
nature of today’s threats. We are calling for changes that treat organized
property crimes like auto theft and home invasion with the seriousness they
deserve, especially when linked to broader criminal networks. Property crimes
are not taken seriously in Canada. A stark example is the recent gold heist at
Pearson International Airport, the largest in Canadian history. Those charged
were granted bail and subsequently celebrated their release on social media,
highlighting a troubling leniency in the system.
Second, Canada needs a national Public Safety Broadband Network. Peel
Region has already built one locally, allowing secure, real-time
communication between emergency services. This should be scaled
nationally so that law enforcement agencies can share data quickly and
coordinate operations effectively.
And most urgently, we need a focused federal strategy to combat organized
crime. These cartels are not just targeting our borders. They are now
embedded in our communities, funding their activities through fentanyl
trafficking, firearms smuggling, and increasingly brazen violence. The recent
violence in the GTA is a warning. If we do not act now, the cost will only grow
and Canada will become a destination from organized crime.
Public safety has often been overshadowed in Ottawa’s policy priorities. The
government’s first mandate focused heavily on climate change, the second
was dominated by the pandemic response, and the past year has been
preoccupied with Canada-U.S. trade issues. On behalf of my constituents, I
urge the Government of Canada to prioritize community safety in its new
mandate. Ensuring Canadians feel safe in their communities is fundamental
to preserving the Canadian dream of being the best place in the world to live,
work and raise family.
