Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of immigration, Refugees and Citizenship replies to questions from the media, after announcing their governments new measures to combat crime, in Halifax Thursday October 16, 2025. In background are Halifax MP Shannon Miedema and Sackville-Beaverbank-Preston MP, Braedon Clark . TIM KROCHAK PHOTO Photo by Tim KrochakArticle contentThe federal government is moving ahead with reforms to Canada’s justice system with the goal of cracking down on repeat offenders, strengthening police capacity and preventing crime at the roots.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentLena Metlege Diab, the minister of immigration, refugees and Citizenship Canada, outlined new federal measures Thursday. They are aimed at strengthening Canada’s justice system and enhancing community safety, starting with proposed reforms to the Criminal Code. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentSpeaking at Halifax Regional Police headquarters following a national announcement released by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Diab said the measures are part of the federal government’s promises regarding security made during the spring election. Article content“A top priority for the government is making our communities safer,” Diab said. “Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live.” Article contentThe first pillar – justice reformArticle contentThe proposed legislation is set to be tabled when Parliament resumes next week. It represents the first of three pillars in the government’s broader national plan to combat crime: justice reform, increasing policing capacities and crime prevention. Article contentA central feature of the legislation is going to be a targeted overhaul of Canada’s bail and sentencing laws. The changes will include a reverse-onus bail provision, meaning that in serious cases the accused will be required to show why they should be granted bail, taking the burden away from the Crown to prove the opposite. Article contentArticle contentThe proposed legislation would also include tougher sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders and enhanced penalties for those involved in organized crime, as well as provisions for consecutive sentencing in cases that involve multiple offences. Article contentArticle contentWhen asked about the broader implications of the changes, Diab said that evolving patterns in criminal activity make this necessary. Article content“We’ve seen a shift in terms of crime and the sophistication of it, and we’ve heard loud and clear from our policing partners . . . we need to move to this step.” She said. Article contentThe second pillar – more officersArticle contentAs part of the second pillar in the plan, Diab announced $1.8 billion to be spent over four years to expand and improve federal policing capacity.
Feds announce ‘three pillar’ justice reform plan in Halifax
