Crime bill aims to protect first responders

WINNIPEG — Proposed changes to the Criminal Code would bring tougher sentences and stricter bail conditions for people who commit violent acts against first responders, federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced in Winnipeg Tuesday.

Fraser said the federal government’s sweeping package of more than 80 proposed changes to the criminal justice system, called the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, would include making crimes against first responders an aggravating factor at sentencing.

“If you target first responders, expect zero tolerance. You should be held accountable for your conduct,” Fraser told a news conference at the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service station in Windsor Park.

“Those who run toward danger to keep us safe deserve the full protection of the law, and we’re delivering it. When a firefighter answers a call, when a paramedic arrives at a scene, when a police officer steps in to stop a threat, they should never have to wonder if the system has their back. These reforms make that clear.”

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Chief Terry Parlow welcomed the announcement and thanked the government for “having our back.”

“It’s an exciting day for emergency services,” he said. “This will be a deterrent, and it’ll be sending a strong message to everybody that there’s zero tolerance when it comes to our safety.”

He said that while it’s fortunate that he hasn’t seen too many situations where violence is inflicted on BFES members, they do encounter it from time to time.

“This is going to go a long way to making sure that we’re being sent the message that we are being taken care of from the government, and it means a lot to us,” Parlow said.

It’s important that the people who commit these offences are held accountable and dealt with swiftly in the justice system, he said.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said he was happy that Fraser came to Manitoba to make the announcement, since the province has been vocal about bail reform.

While he said keeping violent and repeat offenders off the street will remain the most “pressing” issue in Brandon, these amendments make sense.

“Generally, if you’re attacking police or firefighters or first responders in some way, there is some serious issue going on and it needs to be addressed,” he said.

Other measures aimed at curbing violence against emergency workers include new “reverse onus” bail provisions — making detention the default for certain serious offences — and tougher laws targeting organized crime to reduce repeat threats to community safety.

Fraser also spoke of considering the impact of crime in downtowns, including the proposed adjustments to tertiary grounds of bail — when a court may refuse to release a person on bail on the basis that it would jeopardize public confidence in the administration of justice.

“It is hard for people to see justice done when the same person is released again and again, only to reoffend and wreak havoc on communities,” he said.

“It’s causing business owners to sometimes leave downtown. It’s causing people who come out to shop, who go to a hockey game, to enjoy their community, to stay at home instead. We can’t allow threats of crime to undermine our ability to enjoy life in our communities.”

Fraser credited provincial Justice Minister Matt Wiebe’s push for stronger protections for emergency workers, saying that without his advocacy, he “very much doubts” the measure would have been included in the legislation.

“Good ideas aren’t developed behind closed doors on Parliament Hill,” Fraser said during his remarks. “They are developed through conversation, engaging with people who manage the justice system, who work within the justice system, and the people on the front lines who help promote public safety.”

He said when he took Wiebe’s idea to other jurisdictions across the country, it became “painfully obvious” they needed to take action.

“If we are going to count on people to keep our community safe, the very least we can do is make sure the law returns the favour,” Fraser said.

“People who are subjected to assaults when they are trying to save lives, when they are trying to fight fires, do not deserve to see the people that assault them treated with impunity by the criminal justice system.”

Manitoba Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham were at the event, along with Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union president Kyle Ross.

Gillingham was in Ottawa last week to speak to a House of Commons standing committee meeting, calling for multiple reforms to reduce the risk of crimes committed by repeat offenders.

“This legislation is critical because it’s about our workers, about the men and women that are moms and dads, sons and daughters, who serve as emergency responders in our community,” Gillingham said Tuesday.

“They deserve protection, and this legislation will provide that protection.”

Ross, whose union represents paramedics across the province, said Tuesday’s announcement represents a solid first step.

“Earlier this year, we surveyed our members and the results were troubling,” Ross said. “Ninety-three per cent of our workers said they are exposed to violence, and nearly a quarter told us they face violence every day.

“The changes to the Criminal Code are an important step in recognizing the dangers paramedics face. While it won’t stop an incident from happening, these changes send a message that first responders, what they do, and the risks they take, matter.”

» Winnipeg Free Press, with files from Skye Anderson