Businesses that have implemented a ‘no-chase’ policy following an uptick in thefts and break-ins will be encouraged to hear about some new federal legislation.  

The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act received Royal Assent last week, introducing over 80 changes to how repeat and violent offenders are sentenced.  

Justice Minister Sean Fraser says courts will factor in criminal history when sentencing offenders, will consider harsher sentences, consider consecutive sentences for repeat violent offenders, and police may also detain an accused individual for a bail hearing as needed to protect victims, witnesses, and the public. 

Fraser says these alterations are a direct response to calls they heard from the public.  

“Listen to the frustration of business owners who have seen the same people vandalize their shops, take goods from their store without paying, being apprehended in some instances by police, and being released the same day to reoffend, damage a neighboring sore, or even come back to the same premises.”

Bill C-14 is one of three major criminal justice reforms to receive Royal Assent last week, alongside legislation to strengthen protections against hate crimes, better protect victims and survivors, and keep children safe from sexual predators.