Ontario Government Proposes Legislation Expanding Police Powers and Penalties

The Ontario government has introduced new legislation that would expand police authority and increase penalties for certain offenders. According to a news release issued on June 6, 2024, the proposed bill addresses individuals identified as repeat and violent offenders.

If enacted, the legislation would allow police to conduct warrantless searches for illegal firearms in specific circumstances. The government also stated that the bill includes higher penalties for individuals who violate their bail conditions and measures to address auto theft, especially in cases involving suspects with prior convictions.

In the announcement, Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the proposed changes aim to support law enforcement with additional tools. Premier Doug Ford also commented in the release that the legislation intends to address offences committed by repeat and violent offenders. All such remarks were included in the government’s official statement.

The legislation was introduced at Queen’s Park in Toronto. The government’s release did not specify when debate on the bill will occur or when the measures might take effect if passed.

There were no specific references to incidents or crime statistics for Clarington or other individual communities in the announcement.