Mr. Speaker, we all remember fond childhood experiences. For me, I grew up going to Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill with my family. It is a place where, for over half a century, seniors gathered at the food court for coffee and families came to shop and connect. It was always a safe, welcoming space and a pillar of our community.
Just last week, another violent robbery at Hillcrest Mall shook our community. This time, jewellery store employees were pepper-sprayed and assaulted in a terrifying smash-and-grab. The mall was locked down and hundreds of shoppers, including young children, were left terrified.
A few days later, arrests were made, and what did we learn? The suspects were repeat offenders who were out on bail after committing another violent robbery. These attacks are part of a disturbing pattern across the country fuelled by 10 years of Liberal soft-on-crime policies. Communities are living in fear, and violence is becoming the new normal.
Conservatives call for ending catch-and-release, bringing back mandatory prison time and keeping our streets safe. It is time to end the revolving-door justice system and lock up the criminals for good.