Thank you, Chair.
Members of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, thank you for the invitation today.
The Toronto Police Service has long advocated for reforms that put public safety first, including bail reforms and reverse onus provisions that properly address serious violent offences, repeat violent offenders, firearms offences, organized crime and intimate partner violence. We support the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police submissions made to the committee on October 28.
I'd like to offer some context on what we are currently facing here in Toronto.
Policing in the biggest city in Canada is complex, and we consistently have to adapt. Over the past decade, there has been a general increase in the volume of shootings and firearm discharges. Although we have seen more recent declines, particularly over the last five years, the longer-term trend remains concerning and is the focus of our planning and resource allocation.
Auto thefts have decreased since 2023. However, we have seen a steady upward trend over the past decade. Home invasions are down as well, compared with last year, but this follows a notable increase in recent years of upwards of 400%.
We believe that the bail and sentencing reform act, introduced last month by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, is a step in the right direction to protect the public and deter criminal activity, to rebuild public trust in the justice system and to strengthen morale among police officers. For example, the proposed amendment to modify the tertiary grounds for the denial of bail to require courts to consider the number or seriousness of any outstanding charges is warranted.
Despite crime indicators trending in the right direction this year in Toronto, certain high-profile cases involving reoffenders committing violent crimes while out on bail continue to undermine public trust. For our frontline officers, as Mayor Brown mentioned, when they keep arresting the same individuals over and over again, they feel their work doesn't make a difference.
Recently in Toronto, we arrested three individuals who were all under 18 at the time of the crime in August. This was for the murder of an eight-year-old who was struck by a stray bullet in his bedroom. While there has been a slight decline this year, we continue to see more young people becoming involved in gun-related activity. With a clear rise over the past several years, this increase reflects a troubling shift in both accessibility and attitudes toward firearms among youths. This is a serious challenge that requires a whole-of-society effort.
In a densely populated city like Toronto, shootings in public spaces are not only incredibly dangerous; they can also cause lasting trauma and uncertainty for survivors, families and entire communities. Therefore, we continue to argue that when someone is shot and killed in a congregate setting, such offences should be classified as first-degree murder under section 231 of the Criminal Code. This amendment would act as a strong deterrent to perpetrators and recognize society's condemnation of such reckless acts.
In closing, I would like to note that the overwhelming majority of crime guns seized and sourced by Toronto police come from the United States, ranging from 73% to 89%, in the past five years. I note that we are only able to speak to the guns that can be traced. In all likelihood, the total number of crime guns from the U.S. is probably a lot higher.
This highlights the importance of strengthening collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and for enhanced financial support and resources for policing. It also highlights that meaningful and lasting progress requires a whole-of-system approach. For example, modernizing lawful access provisions and strengthening legislation to help prevent the movement of contraband, firearms and dangerous drugs is also essential.
The Toronto Police Service looks forward to continuing our work with all levels of government to ensure that the justice system upholds accountability and protects our communities.
Thank you for your time.