Tim Tierney, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), released a statement following the royal assent of C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act.

"With Bill C-14 now passed, Canada is taking a meaningful step toward safer streets and fewer repeat violent offences. In communities of all sizes, local governments, police, firefighters, paramedics and other frontline responders witness daily the strain repeat offending places on public safety, essential services, residents, workers and local businesses. This legislation responds to long-standing local concerns, and municipal leaders are ready to do their part to deliver lasting results. With effective implementation and sustained investment to address the root causes of crime, Bill C-14 will support municipal priorities in a way that responds to frontline realities and helps build safer, more resilient communities across the country."

FCM looks forward to working together to ensure the legislation is supported by the resources needed to deliver real improvements in community safety and confidence, including:

• Tackle court backlogs by funding more judges, prosecutors, and court staff, so consequences are timely and credible.
• Modernize data sharing across jurisdictions to close gaps that repeat offenders to exploit and support coordinated enforcement.
• Launch a country-wide study to identify best practices that municipalities can scale nationally.
• Strengthen RCMP capacity in contract communities through recruitment, training, and retention, so rural, northern, and remote municipalities are not left behind.
• Invest in local prevention, including youth diversion, wrap-around support, and place-based initiatives that reduce demand for frontline services.
• Scale up community-based mental health and substance-use supports, including mobile crisis and co-response models, to reduce repeat calls and improve outcomes.