October 16, 2025 – Etobicoke, Ontario
Canada’s new government is doubling down on safety. In a world that’s increasingly unpredictable, Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is focusing on what it can control — building a strong economy, lowering costs for families, and most importantly, keeping communities safe.
“Safe, resilient communities are the backbone of a strong Canada,” Carney said. “We can’t control what other countries do, but we can control what we build — and we’re building Canada strong.”
Tougher Laws for Violent Offenders
The government will introduce new legislation next week aimed at strengthening Canada’s Criminal Code. The focus: keeping violent and repeat offenders off the streets.
The proposed amendments include:
Reverse-onus bail for serious crimes such as violent assault, sexual assault, auto theft, and human trafficking. Consecutive sentencing, meaning offenders convicted of multiple crimes will face longer sentences. Harsher penalties for organized retail theft. Tighter restrictions on conditional sentences for sexual offences.
1,000 New RCMP Officers and Expanded Resources
To support law enforcement, Budget 2025 will include a $1.8 billion investment over four years to expand the capacity of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
This funding will:
Add 1,000 new RCMP personnel across the country. Increase cadet recruitment allowances to $1,000 a week. Dedicate 150 new officers to tackle financial crimes, including money laundering, online fraud, and organized crime.
Addressing the Root Causes of Crime
Carney’s message is clear: enforcement alone isn’t enough. Alongside tougher laws and more officers, the federal government is partnering with provinces, territories, and local communities to address the root causes of crime.
That means more investment in affordable housing, mental health and addiction supports, and programs for at-risk youth. These efforts aim to reduce crime before it happens, creating safer neighbourhoods for everyone.
Building on Earlier Efforts
This announcement builds on earlier actions by the federal government, including:
Cracking down on gun and fentanyl smuggling at the border. Expanding border security and violence prevention programs. Introducing new measures to fight hate and violent intimidation, including protections against Islamophobia and antisemitism.
Carney says the goal is to fix ineffective policies of the past and build a safer future with stronger laws, more resources, and practical solutions that protect Canadian communities.
What Leaders Are Saying
“In Canada, you should be able to wake up, go to work, come home, and sleep soundly at night. When the law fails to protect those basic rights, we need new laws.”
— Prime Minister Mark Carney
“Every Canadian deserves to feel safe – in their home, on their street, and in their community.”
— François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue
“We promised to strengthen bail and sentencing laws, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
— Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
“This investment in the RCMP is an investment in the safety of every Canadian.”
— Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
Quick Facts
Budget 2025 will be tabled on November 4, 2025. Federal policing is a core responsibility of the RCMP and operates across all provinces and territories. Criminal law is set by the federal government, but provinces administer justice, including bail hearings and remand facilities. Several provinces have already taken steps to address repeat violent offenders, complementing these new federal measures.
Bottom Line
Canada’s new government is sending a clear message: building a safer country requires both strong enforcement and real investments in communities. With tougher laws, more resources for police, and deeper partnerships with provinces and municipalities, these measures aim to make Canada a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.
What does this mean for Albertans?
Recruitment is currently underway with RCMP. Apply now.
