KLEIN: The failure of our bail system and the cost of inaction

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In the heart of Manitoba, crime continues to cast a long shadow over the lives of its residents. The province’s bail system, often referred to as a “catch-and-release” system, has become synonymous with failure.

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Premier Wab Kinew, who once campaigned on a platform to get tough on crime, now seems to be standing idly by as this revolving door of criminals continues to spin. His inaction is particularly glaring when contrasted with the proactive measures taken by Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Premier Ford made it clear that accountability is at the core of his approach to crime and justice policies. His commitment to upgrading Ontario’s bail system and his recent pledge to appoint “like-minded judges” who prioritize public safety over leniency are commendable steps in the right direction.

Ford’s stance is a refreshing change from the usual political rhetoric, offering a glimmer of hope for those who have long felt abandoned by a system that seems more concerned with the rights of criminals than the safety of the public.

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While I commend the NDP for reintroducing the ankle monitor program, there are still many pressing questions that need to be addressed. Specifically, I am curious about the number of devices that will be deployed and the criteria for determining who will be required to wear them. Additionally, do we have sufficient police resources to effectively respond when individuals violate the terms of their monitoring? These are critical issues that the NDP must clarify to ensure the safety and security of Manitoba residents.

In Manitoba, however, the situation remains dire. Despite his promises, Premier Kinew still needs to take meaningful action to reform the bail system. The promise to push Ottawa for legislative changes and to urge judges to adopt a tougher stance on re-offenders has yet to materialize into anything concrete. The result? A province where criminals are repeatedly arrested and released, with little to no consequence for their actions. This cycle of crime not only undermines public safety but also erodes trust in the justice system.

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The revolving door of crime is not just a metaphor; it is a reality many Manitobans face daily. Retail theft, for instance, has become a pervasive problem in Winnipeg. Acknowledged efforts to address this issue, such as directing funds toward combating retail theft, have had some success. However, these efforts are ultimately futile if the individuals responsible for these crimes are back on the streets within weeks. Without a robust system to hold offenders accountable, what will stop them from reoffending?

Premier Kinew’s reluctance to take a tough stance on crime is perhaps rooted in the political unpopularity of such a position. Being tough on crime is often seen as a political liability, especially in an era where calls to defund the police and prioritize social justice are growing louder. However, the notion that defunding the police will somehow reduce crime is not only illogical but also unsupported by evidence. Ideology alone cannot solve the complex issue of crime; it requires a balanced approach that includes both preventative measures and strict enforcement.

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I have often heard it said that “you can’t arrest your way out of crime.” While this statement has some truth, it is equally important to recognize that you cannot simply re-arrest your way out of crime either. A system that repeatedly apprehends and releases criminals without holding them accountable is doomed to fail.

Premier Kinew would do well to take a page from Premier Ford’s book and start measuring the impact of the policies — or lack thereof — on public safety. Accountability must extend to all levels of government, from the premier to police chiefs to the courts.

One area where both federal and provincial governments must improve is in the vetting of immigrants. Every day, we learn more about criminals who have been allowed into our country and our province, often with devastating consequences. This is not just a failure of the bail system; it is a failure of our elected officials to protect the fabric of our society. The lack of accountability in immigration policies is contributing to the deterioration of public safety, and it is high time that our leaders took this issue seriously.

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The current state of Manitoba’s bail system is untenable. Premier Kinew, despite his campaign promises, has done little to address the revolving door of criminals that plagues our province. In contrast, Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has taken meaningful steps to reform the bail system, appoint like-minded judges, and hold all levels of government accountable.

Manitoba deserves the same level of commitment to public safety. It is time for Premier Kinew to stop being “too busy” or “too popular” to deal with crime and safety and start fulfilling his promises to the people of Manitoba.

The safety of our citizens is not a political bargaining chip, it is a fundamental responsibility of our government. It must be taken seriously before more lives are lost to the failures of our justice system.

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and is the President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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