Conservatives Stand with Police

August 14, 2026

August 14, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – Arpan Khanna, Conservative Shadow Minister for Justice & Attorney General of Canada, and Frank Caputo, Conservative Shadow Minister for Public Safety, released the following statement on the latest attacks on law enforcement officers in Toronto and Calgary:

“This week, Canadians were once again shocked and saddened by attacks on the very first responders who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. On Monday, a Calgary police officer was shot twice. Yesterday, a Toronto police officer was shot while investigating an e-bike theft. These incidents come after a tragic June in which three police officers lost their lives while serving and protecting their communities.

“Violence against police officers and first responders is becoming an alarming reality across Canada. In Toronto alone, more than 600 police officers have been injured in the line of duty so far this year.

“What makes yesterday’s incident even more troubling is that the individual accused of shooting the Toronto police officer was already out on bail for other violent offences. Violent offenders should not be free to reoffend while law-abiding Canadians and frontline officers are left to face the consequences.

“It is deeply concerning to see the growing level of violence faced by the brave men and women who work tirelessly to protect our communities. First responders run toward danger every day. They deserve to know that the justice system has their back.

“Instead, the Liberals’ catch-and-release bail policies continue to put violent and dangerous offenders back on our streets. Our first responders, victims, and law-abiding citizens are paying the price.

“Time and again, Canadians see violent offenders arrested, released and then accused of committing new crimes. The Liberal justice system continues to prioritize the rights of repeat offenders over the safety of law-abiding Canadians and the police officers who protect them.

“Conservatives join Toronto Police Service leaders in calling for stronger consequences and meaningful deterrence for violent offenders. Those who target police officers and first responders must face serious consequences for their actions.

“Conservatives have put forward real solutions. That includes the Jail Not Bail Act, which would have ended the Liberals’ catch-and-release approach but was voted down by the government. When Conservatives were in power, we passed legislation creating new offences to specifically protect police from aggravated assaults and assaults with a weapon. 

“We will always fight for a safe and secure Canada that protects police officers, first responders and law-abiding citizens. That means reversing reckless Liberal policies, repealing the principle of restraint, restoring mandatory minimum sentences for serious violent crimes, strengthening bail laws and restoring safe streets in communities across our country.”