Lethbridge Herald: Canada’s Revolving Door of Justice Is Costing Lives

“If you want to commit a crime, come to Canada.”

These were the harrowing words spoken by the mother of Laura Furlan after her daughter was brutally murdered in a Calgary park by Christopher Ward Dunlop. Fifteen years later, on February 16, 2025, Dunlop claimed another life—that of Judy Maerz—in the very same park.

The comment may sound extreme, but it reflects a hard and painful truth: Canada’s justice system is failing. A known killer was given the freedom to reoffend. Two women are dead, and two families are forever changed—all because a violent offender was granted another chance.

Statistics Canada reports that violent crime has surged by 55 per cent in recent years. While many factors contribute to this increase, there’s no denying the role of weak bail policies and a soft-on-crime approach that has turned the justice system into a revolving door for repeat offenders.

What we’re seeing is not just a policy failure—it’s a public safety crisis.

In July, Bailey McCourt—a mother of two from Kelowna, B.C.—was brutally attacked and killed with a hammer. The man charged with her murder was her ex-husband, James Plover. He now faces a second-degree murder charge and is waiting to be sentenced.

At the time of the murder, Plover was out on bail. His release cost just $500.

To McCourt’s grieving family, this isn’t just shocking—it’s proof that something is deeply wrong with Canada’s bail system. In response, they’ve put forward four recommendations to the federal government. At the top of the list: reforming bail rules for high-risk domestic offenders.

They’re also asking that courts be required to consider lethality risk indicators—warning signs that suggest a person may seriously harm or kill their partner—when deciding whether someone should be granted bail.

This tragedy, and the weak legal response that followed, has left many Canadians wondering: how many more lives have to be lost before meaningful change is made?

Sadly, this pattern repeats itself across the country. In December 2022, Const. Greg Pierzchala of Ontario was shot and killed in the line of duty by two men—both out on bail. Const. Pierzchala’s death sparked a rare and unified call to action from Canada’s leading police associations. Officers across the country are urging the federal government to reform the very bail policies that allowed this tragedy to happen.

Despite clear evidence that the system is broken, the government continues to delay meaningful reform. When Conservative MP Frank Caputo raised the issue during debate on Bill C-2, highlighting that the legislation did not address bail, Liberal MPs mocked him.

Canadians want and deserve bail reform. We want a justice system that takes violent offenders seriously and prioritizes the safety of law-abiding citizens over the comfort of criminals.

It is unacceptable that someone who plots to bomb a synagogue, stating his goal was “to kill as many Jews as possible,” walks away with 60 days of house arrest. This is not justice—it is a dangerous erosion of public trust.

Just last month in Ontario, 36-year-old Medhani Yohans—already facing charges related to violence and sexual assault—was arrested again only 24 hours after being released. His new charges included breaching probation, disobeying court orders, and criminal harassment.

This cycle of release and reoffending is exhausting our police forces, putting communities at risk, and leaving victims without protection. A justice system that allows repeat offenders to walk free is one that fails in its most basic duty.

Law enforcement officials have told me directly: they are frustrated, exhausted, and demoralized. They work hard to keep us safe, only to see their efforts undone by weak policies that favour offenders over public safety.

Across Canada, people are losing faith in the justice system—and rightly so. The message being sent is that even the most serious crimes carry little consequence, and that repeat offenders will be given endless second chances.

We cannot let that message stand.

The lives of Laura Furlan, Judy Maerz, Bailey McCourt, and Constable Greg Pierzchala were not just statistics. They were people with families, futures, and the right to feel safe in their own communities. Their deaths are the direct result of a system that refuses to adapt to the growing threat of violent crime.

Bail reform is not a partisan demand. It is a moral imperative. It is the bare minimum we should expect from a government responsible for protecting its citizens.

Bail reform isn’t just a political debate; it’s a matter of life and death.

Lethbridge Herald: To Oppose Is to Defend: Why Accountability Matters in Parliament

When Canadians think of Parliament, the focus is often on the governing party or the Prime Minister. Yet, one of the most important – and often overlooked – pillars of our democracy is the Loyal Opposition.

The term Loyal Opposition originated in the United Kingdom. It reflects the idea that opposition parties may challenge government decisions while remaining loyal to the Crown and our democratic institutions. In Canada, the Loyal Opposition plays a vital role in scrutinizing legislation, questioning government actions, and offering alternative policies.

This is essential for transparency, accountability, and protecting the rights of Canadians.

As a member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, I take this responsibility seriously. My Conservative colleagues and I are committed to holding the government to account and defending the interests of everyday Canadians. This past session of Parliament was a clear demonstration of that work in action.

The session began with a glaring omission from the Liberal government: no spring budget. It has now been over a year since the last federal budget was tabled—an unacceptable lack of transparency. Budgets are a basic accountability tool that allow Canadians to see where their tax dollars are going. In response, Conservatives successfully passed an amendment to the Throne Speech demanding that the government table a spring budget. Despite support from all opposition parties, the Liberals still refused. This is a blatant sign of disrespect to the taxpayers who foot the bill.

Budget or not, my Conservative colleagues and I will continue to scrutinize every spending measure to ensure that Canadians’ money is being used wisely and responsibly.

Another major piece of legislation introduced was Bill C-2, “The Strong Borders Act.” This bill was tabled after years of Liberal negligence that weakened our borders and enabled dangerous activity, including the flow of illegal drugs. While some aspects of the bill attempt to address legitimate concerns, others raise serious red flags. For instance, Part 4 would grant Canada Post the authority to open and search private mail—an unacceptable violation of Canadians’ right to privacy. This bill will be debated in the fall, and you can be assured that my colleagues and I will stand firm in defending your civil liberties as we push back against this dangerous legislation.

Similarly, Bill C-5, known as the “One Canadian Economy” bill, was introduced to promote economic growth—but it falls far short of what Canadians truly need. After a decade of Liberal mismanagement, our economy is in desperate need of major projects and meaningful investment. Instead of tackling the root of the problem by repealing Bill C-48 and Bill C-69—two major roadblocks to energy development—the Liberals opted for a symbolic gesture. While they attempt to appear proactive, the minimal steps in Bill C-5 offer little real value. Conservatives worked to improve the bill by adding amendments to protect key legislation like the Criminal Code and the Conflict of Interest Act, closing dangerous loopholes and reinforcing transparency. Still, what Canadians really needed was a bold overhaul—not more Liberal half-measures.

Beyond opposing flawed bills, Conservatives have also introduced common-sense motions aimed at improving the lives of Canadians. One such motion sought to end the government’s unrealistic zero-emission vehicle mandate—a policy that would force Canadians into electric vehicles regardless of personal needs or regional realities. While the motion didn’t pass, it stood for something important: your right to choose the vehicle that works for your lifestyle.

We also fought to expose Liberal corruption. A recent report from the Auditor General confirmed that tens of millions of taxpayer dollars were handed over to GC Strategies for work that was never delivered. Conservatives not only grilled the government on this scandal, but we also introduced a motion to recover the money. With the help of other opposition parties, the motion passed. This was a win for accountability and for every Canadian who expects their government to act with integrity.

Each of these wins shows the critical role of a principled, focused opposition. These victories don’t just belong to the Conservative Party—they belong to all Canadians. They demonstrate what happens when opposition MPs stand firm in defence of the people they represent.

As John Diefenbaker wisely said:"If Parliament is to be preserved as a living institution, His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition must fearlessly perform its functions. When it properly discharges them, the preservation of our freedom is assured. The reading of history proves that freedom always dies when criticism ends."

My Conservative colleagues and I will continue to fearlessly fulfill that duty—because to oppose is, indeed, to defend.

Lethbridge Herald: As Parliament Returns, Conservatives Stand for Canadians and Their Priorities

As a new session of Parliament begins, I am hearing from many people who are feeling anxious about the future. With another Liberal mandate ahead, it is understandable that some feel disheartened— frustrated by rising costs, crumbling trust in institutions, and a government that seems increasingly out of touch.

But history reminds us that even in the most uncertain times, Canadians have never been without hope.

John Diefenbaker—a prairie lawyer with prairie values—once faced a nation weary after 22 uninterrupted years of Liberal government. Against the odds, he rose to become Canada’s 13th Prime Minister.

What made Diefenbaker remarkable wasn’t just his political triumph, but his unwavering faith in the people of this country. He did not govern from above—he listened, he connected, and he gave Canadians a voice.

That belief was not just words—it was action. In the lead-up to the 1958 election, Diefenbaker famously crossed the country by train, stopping in town after town to speak directly to Canadians. At each whistle stop, he stepped onto the back platform to speak from his heart to the crowds that gathered—not just to ask for their vote, but because he believed in them. He believed their voices mattered. And Canadians responded in kind, giving him one of the largest electoral victories in our history.

That same belief in the people is what motivates my Conservative colleagues and me as we return to Parliament. Like Diefenbaker, we are committed to being a voice for everyday Canadians—the workers, builders, parents, and dreamers who deserve a government that sees them, hears them, and works for them.

We have five clear priorities for this session—shaped not in backrooms, but from conversations at doorsteps and town halls.

1. Restoring Affordability— Families across the country are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and must budget carefully. But the Liberal government has not shown the same responsibility. They haven’t created a budget yet, even though they are spending tens of billions of dollars. That’s why, with all opposition parties supporting us, our first action was to demand accountability. We passed a motion forcing the government to present a budget before summer. If they fail to comply, they will be held in contempt.

2. Rebuilding Economic Independence— Canada’s natural resources are among the best in the world, developed under strict environmental and ethical standards. Yet Liberal policies continue to stifle our energy and business sectors. We will fight to unlock Canada’s economic potential—so our communities can thrive, our businesses can grow, and our country can once again lead on the world stage.

3. Getting Homes Built— The dream of homeownership is slipping out of reach for too many, especially young Canadians. Conservatives are pushing to remove the red tape and taxes that are driving up costs and slowing down construction. We believe in a Canada where those who work hard can own a home and build a future with confidence.

4. Restoring Safety to Our Streets— From coast to coast, crime is on the rise. In fact, a recent Fraser Institute report showed that Lethbridge now has the highest rate of property crime in the country. That’s unacceptable. Conservatives will fight to end the Liberals’ reckless catch-and-release policies, support law enforcement, and restore safety in our communities.

5. Fixing a Broken Immigration System— Canada has always welcomed newcomers warmly, and we believe this should continue—done thoughtfully and responsibly. After years of Liberal mismanagement, our immigration system is stretched too thin and no longer fair. We are committed to restoring balance, focusing on better integration, and making sure the system works well for both new arrivals and those already living here.

Alongside these five priorities, we remain steadfast in defending Canada’s history, traditions, and way of life. As the Shadow Minister for Canadian Identity and Culture, I will continue to champion our heritage, resist Liberal censorship, and push to defund the CBC, which has consistently failed to steward taxpayer dollars responsibly.

Diefenbaker once said, “I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear.” That freedom—of thought, of speech, and of opportunity—must remain at the heart of this country.

My Conservative colleagues and I are proud to stand as the government-in-waiting. But more importantly, we are here now—as your voice, your advocates, and your partners in building a strong, united, and hopeful Canada.

Because the hope of this country has never been found in Ottawa. It has always been found in Canadians themselves.