Our government continues to stand with the police officers who put themselves at risk every day to keep communities safe. In response to the tragic loss of several officers across Canada over the past year, Ontario is calling on the federal government to take stronger action to protect frontline law enforcement personnel.
Ontario is urging the federal government to introduce tougher penalties for those who assault police officers, increase parole ineligibility for the murder of a police officer, strengthen penalties for violent offences committed against officers, address gun violence in congregate settings, and create a new standalone offence for violent home invasions. The province is also calling for improvements to intelligence-sharing practices and lawful access legislation to better protect law enforcement personnel.
These requests build on Ontario’s existing investments in public safety, including more than $1 billion to support police services, $190 million for seven new police helicopters, $32 million for specialized mental health supports for first responders, and a $3 billion investment to expand correctional capacity and help keep dangerous offenders behind bars.
Ontario will continue to support police officers and provide them with the tools, resources, and protections they need to keep communities safe.