Manitoba is spearheading a nationwide call for urgent federal bail reform, Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Mark Carney to address public safety concerns. The province has united with the Council of the Federation to demand immediate action following a series of violent incidents, including the recent death of Kellie Verwey.
“We won’t stop our advocacy to the federal government to improve bail reform in this country,” Premier Kinew stated. “Our voice is stronger together, and we’re pleased other premiers have joined our call to reform bail. It’s the right thing to do, especially for Manitoban families and the family of Kellie Verwey.”
The collective push stems from a joint letter, organized by the Manitoba government, sent to the Prime Minister and the federal Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada. While acknowledging the changes introduced under Bill C-48, the provinces argue that further measures are crucial to prevent continued violence perpetrated by individuals released on bail.
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe highlighted the tragic case of Kellie Verwey, who was allegedly killed by a man released on bail after violating multiple bail conditions. “The scourge of violence perpetrated by someone on bail has continued,” Wiebe emphasized. “The government of Canada needs to amend the criminal code to make bail and sentencing laws stricter to respond more appropriately to the range of violent crimes and improve the monitoring and evaluation of Canada’s bail system.”
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