Statement by justice minister on federal bail reform

FREDERICTON (GNB) - Justice Minister and Attorney General Robert McKee issued the following statement in response to the federal government's announcement on bail reform:

I am encouraged to see the federal government acknowledge the very real concerns surrounding community safety and the need for reform within Canada's bail system.

Over the past several months, I have worked closely with my provincial and territorial counterparts, and I want to thank the premiers across the country for their strong support to act on this issue. Together, we have advocated for changes that better protect our communities and ensure that the justice system strikes the right balance between public safety and individual rights.

I am very grateful for the federal government's support in advancing criminal law reform, and I am especially pleased to hear the bill will also include measures to toughen sentencing laws. I look forward to reviewing the legislation that will soon be introduced to determine how well it addresses the challenges we have been raising.

Our government remains committed to keeping New Brunswickers safe and to supporting meaningful improvements in the criminal justice system.