Gillingham in Ottawa to talk bail reform

Mayor Scott Gillingham is in Ottawa to speak before a House of Commons standing committee about bail reform Tuesday afternoon.

In a news release, Winnipeg’s mayor said he will call for more consideration of public safety in bail hearings, removing statutory release for repeat offenders who violate probation conditions, improving rehabilitation and bail enforcement measures, and increasing data collection and transparency on crime that offenders commit while on bail.

Gillingham began releasing repeat offender bulletins to draw attention to bail reform last month. He said Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett is expected to issue his first such bulletin Tuesday.

“I’m glad to see Mayor Fawcett be part of this effort,” Gillingham said. “Habitual offenders are a major driver of crime across Manitoba, and these bulletins remind governments why bail reform must protect the public.”

Gillingham released his fifth such bulletin Tuesday.

“Last week’s bulletin was delayed due to legal review,” the release said.