Justice ministers wrap up their meeting in Alberta

By Canadian Press on October 17, 2025.

OTTAWA — Ministers responsible for justice and public safety at the federal, provincial and territorial levels wrapped up two days of discussions Friday on bail reform and the role of victims in the criminal justice system.

Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the meetings in Kananaskis, Alta. offered an opportunity for every province and territory to address “all of the issues in Canada that touch on justice and public safety.”

Fraser told The Canadian Press Thursday those discussions also covered the three justice bills the federal government is bringing forward this fall.

The Liberals introduced a bill targeting hate crimes in September and Fraser is set to introduce next week a bill imposing tougher bail and sentencing standards for violent crime.

The government developed that legislation based on suggestions from law enforcement and the premiers, Fraser said. Both of those groups have pushed for tougher bail laws.

He said “lengthy” conversations about bail and sentencing would be reflected in that bill, and discussions about gender-based violence will inform a separate bill that will follow later this fall.

That third bill will address a number of issues, including intimate partner violence, sexual offences, online exploitation of children, the role of victims in the criminal trial process and court system delays, Fraser said.

He said the justice ministers also met with representatives of national Indigenous organizations “to ensure that as we advance legal reforms in Canada that we reflect the needs and interests of Indigenous peoples.”

Fraser said the ministers also discussed human trafficking and “strengthening the border to protect against the inflow of drugs and guns from the United States into Canada.”

Fraser, Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and Secretary of State for Combatting Crime Ruby Sahota said in a joint statement Friday that keeping communities safe requires “determined efforts” from all levels of government.

“We must address systemic issues by investing in areas like mental health supports, addictions treatment, affordable housing (through Build Canada Homes), and programs for youth at risk,” the statement says.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2025.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press