Letter of Support to the Prime Minister for Mayor Frank Campion's urgent call for reform

RE: Urgent Support for Mayor Campion and the City of Welland’s Call for Reform

Dear Prime Minister Carney,

I am writing to express my strong support for Mayor Frank Campion and the City of Welland in their recent call for reforms following the appalling crime that has so deeply impacted their community. Mayor Campion has been unequivocal, our justice system fails Canadians when repeat violent offenders are allowed back on our streets with little consequence. The tragic results are borne by our citizens, and our communities are losing faith in the institutions that are meant to protect them.

Enough is enough. We have spent several years discussing and debating the need for reforms, but the time for studies and half-measures has passed. As stated by Mayor Campion, we need immediate federal action to:

• Strengthen bail and sentencing provisions for violent repeat offenders;
• Reform or eliminate parole for violent sexual crimes so that a criminal’s actions are met with real accountability;
• Ensure communities are properly protected by the tools that already exist.

Canadians are demanding leadership in criminal justice reform. This is not a matter of ideology: for the people of Welland and communities like it across Canada, the lack of reform to this point has had real consequences. The federal government must act decisively, and it must act now.

I stand with Mayor Campion in calling for urgent reform. Our residents need a justice system that puts their safety first, and I urge your government to prioritize these reforms immediately. The people of Welland, St. Catharines and all Canadian communities deserve nothing less.

Mat Siscoe
Mayor of St. Catharines