CANADALAND Is Carney Actually Tough on Crime?
May 13, 2025
Adelina Iftene, a law professor from Dalhousie University, discusses the problematic resurgence of 'tough on crime' rhetoric by Mark Carney. She argues that this approach could lead to detrimental effects on marginalized communities. The conversation explores effective community safety measures, critiques the media's sensationalism around crime, and brings attention to issues within Canada's remand system. Iftene also highlights the financial burdens of pretrial detention and emphasizes the importance of understanding crime through socio-economic lenses.
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Stable Crime Rates Despite "Tough" Policies
- Crime rates in Canada have been stable over decades with only minor fluctuations.
- Tough-on-crime approaches historically haven't significantly affected overall crime rates.
Stricter Bail Hurts, Not Helps
- Toughening bail laws will increase the number of people held in pretrial detention with high public cost.
- This approach doesn’t reduce crime but exacerbates defendants' hardships and prison overcrowding.
Invest in Root Causes of Crime
- Address root causes of crime like poverty, racism, and mental health with long-term community investments.
- Implement housing, addiction support, and employment programs to prevent crime more effectively than punishment.