It’s not often that Canadians agree on much when it comes to politics. But on one issue, there seems to be rare common ground: the bail system isn’t working.
A new survey from Abacus Data confirms what many Canadians already feel in their gut the justice system has become too soft on crime. Nearly eight in ten respondents say it’s simply too easy for people accused of serious crimes to walk free while awaiting trial. Four in ten say crime has gotten worse in the past few years. This isn’t just perception; it’s lived reality in communities from coast to coast.
The numbers speak volumes. Eighty percent of Canadians say repeat violent offenders should automatically be denied bail for serious charges. Support for bail reform crosses political lines: 83 percent of Conservatives and 76 percent of Liberals agree that the system needs change. That level of consensus is almost unheard of in today’s polarized climate and it underscores the depth of public frustration.
When asked about their biggest safety concerns, Canadians pointed to drug-related crimes (37 percent), property crimes (34 percent), and violent crimes (31 percent). Break-ins and vehicle theft are also top of mind. These are not abstract fears; they’re the day-to-day realities that shape how people feel in their neighbourhoods.
What’s most striking is the lack of confidence in Ottawa’s ability to address the problem. Two in five Canadians simply don’t believe the federal government can keep them safe. Only 29 percent think the government is up to the task. That’s a damning indictment of a system that’s supposed to protect its citizens.
The causes of rising crime are complex, and Canadians are divided on them. Nearly half point to homelessness and addiction, while 42 percent blame weak sentencing and justice policies. Economic pressures, like the rising cost of living, are also seen as major contributors. But regardless of the cause, the public expects action and they’re not getting it.
The Conservative Party has seized on this issue with Bill C-242, dubbed the “Jail Not Bail Act.” Pierre Poilievre argues that Liberal bail policies have allowed dangerous repeat offenders to keep targeting communities. Whether one agrees with his rhetoric or not, it’s clear his message is resonating with a worried public. His blunt challenge to the government “get out of the way” reflects the impatience many Canadians feel.
The Liberals, for their part, say they’re working on reforms. Justice Minister Sean Fraser has promised new legislation this fall, aimed at tightening bail conditions and sentencing for serious crimes. But Canadians have heard promises before. Meanwhile, repeat offenders continue to cycle in and out of the system, leaving communities vulnerable.
The survey’s provincial breakdown shows that concern about crime is widespread, though it varies by region. In provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan–Manitoba, over half say crime has gotten worse over the past year. Even in Quebec, which typically reports lower crime rates, significant portions of the population believe the situation has deteriorated.
The solutions Canadians want are clear. A majority support stricter laws and penalties, but they also recognize the need for improved social services, mental health support, and community programs. This isn’t a simplistic “tough on crime” versus “soft on crime” debate. Canadians are calling for a balanced approach one that keeps dangerous people off the streets while addressing the root causes of crime.
For too long, Canada’s bail system has prioritized the rights of the accused over the safety of the public. It’s time for that balance to shift. Canadians are not being unreasonable; they’re asking for a justice system that works. And right now, it doesn’t.
