Evidence of meeting #12 for Justice and Human Rights in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Mayor, City of Brampton
I can note that the Peel Regional Police, our chief of police and our police association have endorsed this legislation. If there are ways to strengthen it, then I would welcome that as well.
We want to see bail legislation that has real teeth. The fact that our chief of police and our Peel police association have expressed support—and I would, for that matter, note the Ontario police association as well—is encouraging.
Conservative
Mayor, City of Brampton
I support bail reform, whether it's the bail reform put forward by the Conservatives or the current legislation. We need change. The current bail system in Canada is broken, and I am encouraged that we're seeing change coming.
Conservative
Amarjeet Gill Conservative Brampton West, ON
You and I have seen that Brampton is one of the epicentres of violent crime linked to offenders repeatedly released on bail. Do you agree?
Mayor, City of Brampton
Yes, the Peel police told me of one case of someone who was arrested 51 times.
Conservative
Amarjeet Gill Conservative Brampton West, ON
I know you have said that we need to have a robust bill, and everyone who came here said it's a good start, but there are some gaps that need to be filled out. Do you agree that we still have to close those gaps to make it robust?
Mayor, City of Brampton
If there are amendments that would be helpful, which the police believe would be beneficial, then I would hope those amendments would be adopted. But I do hope this legislation can be passed as quickly as possible, whether it's amended.... The status quo is broken.
Conservative
Amarjeet Gill Conservative Brampton West, ON
One more time I will ask this. You must have seen the jail not bail act. Do you see this strengthening our bail reform laws?
Mayor, City of Brampton
I think that was positive legislation that was proposed. I think what's come forward is positive legislation. I'm glad we're finally at a point where this is being addressed.
Conservative
Amarjeet Gill Conservative Brampton West, ON
Can Brampton afford to wait for these gradual reforms, or must we actively enforce it now?
Liberal
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Deputy Chief Johnson and Mayor Brown, for being here today and contributing to this very important study.
Mayor, you said publicly that “I support the federal government's action through Bill C-14 to strengthen bail and sentencing laws”.
Can you explain to us in more detail why you believe these reforms are urgently needed, as you've said a couple of times here today, and why specifically you believe that the reforms are imminent?
Mayor, City of Brampton
Well, the best illustration I could give is that I asked our Peel police leadership team, if this legislation were passed, would Savannah Kulla's tragedy have occurred? Would Darian Henderson-Bellman's tragedy have occurred? They said no.
If those lives could have been saved—and I know there are countless others that could be saved in the future—I think this will change the nature of the revolving door. I don't think the justice system is simplistic. There are other changes that are needed, but this will be very helpful.
Liberal
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
You also have told Parliament that you “welcome the Federal Government's...announcement on bail and sentencing reform” and that you “hope this legislation is passed right away”—as you've mentioned a couple of times here today. Why is the immediate passage so important from your perspective?
Mayor, City of Brampton
My worry is that there are individuals being released on bail today, who this legislation could catch. I would note that we're grateful that the Peel police input was heard in this process. We were up in June, meeting with the Minister of Justice, the public safety minister and the combatting crime minister to make our submissions on the legislation. We're grateful that the government has listened to the input from the Peel police.
Liberal
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
You've described our Bill C-14 as a very positive step in the right direction for public safety. Which elements of the bill do you believe and consider will make the biggest difference in protecting communities like Brampton?
Mayor, City of Brampton
I certainly think that, regarding repeat offenders, the aspect that it addresses—individuals who are repeat offenders in nature—is going to be helpful, as are, obviously, the components around intimate partner violence and the use of firearms. We've declared a gender-based violence epidemic in Peel region, and the fact that is going to be taken more seriously now is very positive. I know that's the way my residents feel.
Liberal
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
Okay.
Do you believe Bill C-14 reflects what municipal leaders like you have been calling for on stronger bail and sentencing measures?
November 18th, 2025 / 4:30 p.m.
Mayor, City of Brampton
I think it is largely very positive. I trust the judgment of my chief of police, Nishan Duraiappah, and Adrian Woolley from our police association. They've looked at the legislation and have publicly endorsed it as a very significant positive step forward. They're the ones on the front lines. They're the ones who see the most heinous individuals commit crimes and break our trust, and when they say this is going to be helpful, that is why I'm supporting it.
Liberal
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
Bill C-14 is being debated in the House as we speak. Would you advise parliamentarians to move quickly on this important piece of public safety legislation so the committee can study it as soon as possible?
Mayor, City of Brampton
Yes. I hope there is no delay or dithering. I think lives are at stake in terms of having legislation that fixes the revolving-door nature of our justice system. That's not to ignore the correctional capacity issues and the judicial resource shortages, but I believe this legislation will be very positive. If there are amendments that make it even stronger, I would welcome those, but I think this legislation is going to be significantly positive.
Liberal
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
We await that legislation at this committee, and hopefully we'll be able to hear from you and maybe Deputy Chief Johnson once it makes its way here, but we take good note that you highly recommend that parliamentarians in the House send us this very important piece of legislation ASAP.
Thank you for your time.
I cede the floor.
