Criminal Code changes would protect first responders, federal justice minister says in Winnipeg

Proposed changes to the Criminal Code would result in tougher sentences and stricter bail conditions for people who commit violent acts against first responders, federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser said in Winnipeg Tuesday.

Fraser said the government’s proposed 80 changes to the justice system, outlined in the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, would include making crimes against first responders an aggravating factor at sentencing.

“If you target first responders, expect zero tolerance. You should be held accountable for your conduct,” Fraser told a news conference at the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service station on Autumnwood Drive in Windsor Park.

“Those who run toward danger to keep us safe deserve the full protection of the law, and we’re delivering it. When a firefighter answers a call, when a paramedic arrives at a scene, when a police officer steps in to stop a threat, they should never have to wonder if the system has their back. These reforms make that clear.”

Other measures aimed at curbing violence against emergency workers include new “reverse onus” bail provisions, which make detention the default for certain serious offences, and tougher laws that target organized crime to reduce repeat threats to community safety.

Fraser also spoke about the effect of crime in downtowns across the country and cited Winnipeg as a perfect example. He pointed to proposed adjustments to tertiary grounds of bail — when a court may refuse to release a person on bail on the basis it would jeopardize public confidence in the administration of justice.

“It is hard for people to see justice done when the same person is released again and again, only to reoffend and wreak havoc on communities,” he said.

“It is hard for people to see justice done when the same person is released again and again, only to reoffend and wreak havoc on communities.”

“It’s causing business owners to sometimes leave downtown. It’s causing people who come out to shop, who go to a hockey game, to enjoy their community, to stay at home instead. We can’t allow threats of crime to undermine our ability to enjoy life in our communities.”

Fraser credited provincial Justice Minister Matt Wiebe’s push for stronger protections for emergency workers, saying that without his advocacy, he “very much doubts” the measure would have been included in the legislation.

“Good ideas aren’t developed behind closed doors on Parliament Hill,” Fraser said. “They are developed through conversation, engaging with people who manage the justice system, who work within the justice system, and the people on the front lines who help promote public safety.”

He said when he mentioned Wiebe’s idea to leaders in other jurisdictions across the country, it became “painfully obvious” they needed to take action.

“If we are going to count on people to keep our community safe, the very least we can do is make sure the law returns the favour,” Fraser said.

“People who are subjected to assaults when they are trying to save lives, when they are trying to fight fires, do not deserve to see the people that assault them treated with impunity by the criminal justice system.”

“Good ideas aren’t developed behind closed doors on Parliament Hill … They are developed through conversation, engaging with people who manage the justice system.”

The event was attended by Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg president Nick Kasper and Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union president Kyle Ross.

Kasper said incidents of violence against firefighters and paramedics are on the rise across the country.

“Here in Winnipeg, we’ve seen nearly 100 assaults in 2025 alone,” he said. “In one case, a firefighter was struck in the face with a metal pole. Days later, police had to disarm a patient with a knife (who was) threatening to kill (first responders). These are not isolated events. They represent a growing national crisis.”

The assault with the metal pole happened while crews were responding to a vehicle fire in the 300 block of Princess Avenue on July 11.

As the fire engine approached the intersection, a man armed with a pole struck the vehicle.

When the crew stopped and a firefighter got out, the man allegedly confronted him and struck him in the face with the pole, causing minor injuries.

Police confirmed the accused was out on bail at the time of the alleged attack. He’s been in custody since the incident, court records show, with his next court date scheduled for Nov. 17.

Both Kasper and Ross — whose union represents 385 city paramedics — said Tuesday’s announcement represents a solid first step.

“Earlier this year, we surveyed our members and the results were troubling,” Ross said. “Ninety-three per cent of our workers said they are exposed to violence, and nearly a quarter told us they face violence every day.

The changes to the Criminal Code are an important step in recognizing the dangers paramedics face. While it won’t stop an incident from happening, these changes send a message that first responders, what they do, and the risks they take, matter.”

Gillingham was in Ottawa last week to speak to the House of Commons justice committee; he called for multiple reforms to reduce the risk of crime being committed by repeat offenders.

“This legislation is critical because it’s about our workers, about the men and women that are moms and dads, sons and daughters, who serve as emergency responders in our community,” Gillingham said Tuesday.

“They deserve protection, and this legislation will provide that protection.”

In Ottawa Tuesday, grieving mother Meechelle Best appeared before the parliamentary justice committee to advocate for bail reform.

Best’s daughter, Kellie Verwey, was killed in a crash on Jan. 15 that was allegedly caused by a man wanted by police and was believed to have been impaired when he fled the scene. The accused, James Hilton, had been out on bail on other charges, but had failed to comply with his conditions, prompting a warrant for his arrest.

Hilton had been released into the care of a private inpatient treatment centre in Winnipeg in September 2024, but fled the facility and was rearrested.

“We hear a lot these days about rights — constitutional rights, individual rights, the rights of the accused — but what about our rights?” Best told the committee.

“What about Kellie’s right to safety? What about our right to live in a country where the laws protect the innocent?”

The tragedy became a flashpoint in the debate about bail reform as Manitoba politicians of all stripes unanimously called for an overhaul.

– With files from Tyler Searle

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca