Commentary
The first duty of a justice system is justice. That means protecting the innocent, respecting the rights of the accused, holding offenders accountable, and removing demonstrably dangerous people from the opportunity to harm others. Compassion and rehabilitation belong within that system, but neither can become an excuse for abandoning public safety.
Canada has lost sight of that balance over the past decade. The federal government pursued criminal justice reforms intended to reduce incarceration, address inequities, and place greater emphasis on restraint and rehabilitation. Some responded to legitimate constitutional concerns, but good intentions are not a measure of good government. Results are, and the results should concern every Canadian….