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News Release - Canada and Manitoba
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October 28, 2025

Governments Of Canada and Manitoba Strengthening Justice for Canada's First Responders



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Every day, firefighters, paramedics and police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep Canadians safe. They deserve to know that the law is on their side.

Today, at Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service station 9, federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser, joined by Manitoba Justice Minister and Attorney General Matt Wiebe, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable, as well as Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg, highlighted the newly introduced bail and sentencing reform act, a sweeping package of reforms to make bail laws stricter, sentencing tougher, and communities safer.

The proposed legislation introduces more than 80 clauses that would make significant changes to Canada’s bail and sentencing framework. Among them are new measures designed to better protect first responders from the disturbing rise in violence and threats they face on the job.

Key measures to protect first responders include:

  • new aggravating factor at sentencing for offenders who commit violent acts and other crimes against police, firefighters, and paramedics in the course of their duties,
  • tougher bail provisions for violent and repeat offenders, including new reverse-onus provisions that make detention the starting point for certain serious offences, and
  • crackdowns on organized crime to keep communities safe from those who repeatedly put lives at risk.

These reforms build on joint efforts by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen community safety and ensure a criminal justice system that works for victims, protects first responders and strengthens public confidence.

Criminal law and procedure, including the Criminal Code provisions that govern the law of bail, is a federal responsibility. Provincial governments are responsible for the administration of justice. That includes investments in police, Crown prosecutors, bail courts, jails and victim supports.

The bail and sentencing reform act is part of the Government of Canada’s broader commitment to modernize the Criminal Code and keep Canadians safe. Upcoming reforms will further strengthen victims’ rights, better protect people facing sexual and intimate partner violence, and safeguard children from horrific crimes.

Together, these changes will ensure the justice system does what Canadians expect it to do: protect our communities, uphold victims’ rights and keep dangerous offenders off the streets.

Quotes

“If you target first responders, expect zero tolerance, you should be held accountable for your conduct. Those who run toward danger to keep us safe deserve the full protection of the law, and we’re delivering it. When a firefighter answers a call, when a paramedic arrives at a scene, when a police officer steps in to stop a threat, they should never have to wonder if the system has their back. These reforms make that clear.” — federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser

“In northern and remote communities, first responders are often neighbours and family members who step up when help is needed most. The unity shown today across all levels of government and by front-line leaders like the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg and MGEU Paramedics speaks volumes. The new aggravating factors in this Bill recognize the unique challenges they face and strengthen the justice system’s ability to protect those who protect us.” — federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, minister responsible for CanNor

“Violence against our emergency responders is unacceptable, which is why it is encouraging to see the federal government answer Manitoba’s call to include amendments to the Criminal Code that will better protect our first responders. These amendments will ensure that courts clearly consider crimes committed against emergency responders with the seriousness required, and that they can do their jobs without fear of harm or interference.” — Manitoba Justice Minister and Attorney General Matt Wiebe

Quick Facts

  • Those released from custody are more likely to reoffend as compared to those who were subject to some form of community supervision. Reoffending frequently involves a breach of conditions associated with previous criminal justice system involvement.
  • First responders have long faced difficult working conditions, including violence and threats of violence in the workplace.
  • In 2021, the Government of Canada amended the Criminal Code to create a specific intimidation offense to protect for health care workers, those who assist them, and those accessing health care services. This intimidation offence addresses circumstances where a health care worker, or person seeking health services, is subject to any intimidating conduct. This could include threats, or other forms of violence, that are intended to provoke fear, to interfere with the duties of a health care worker, or to impede a person from receiving health care services.
  • Canada’s criminal justice system is a shared responsibility of the provinces, territories and the federal government. The federal government is responsible for enacting criminal law, while provincial and territorial governments are responsible for the administration of justice. Provinces are responsible for conducting most bail hearings and enforcing bail conditions, as well as operating most remand facilities. Several provinces have recently taken steps to address the issue of repeat violent offenders.

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