Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government commissioned several polls late last year to assess public views on law and order. Conducted in November and December, these surveys highlighted widespread concerns about crime fighting efforts, from home invasions to cyber threats.
Public Perceptions of Crime and Justice
Respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the justice system’s handling of crime victims and strongly supported stricter bail conditions for certain offenses along with harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Among 2,000 participants surveyed from November 10 to 23, 87 percent felt safe in their communities. However, over 55 percent believed crime rates were rising nationwide, with 65 percent in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba sharing that view.
More than 40 percent in every province except Quebec considered the government’s crime management on the “wrong track,” while fewer than 33 percent saw it as on the right path. In Quebec, 45 percent approved of the approach. A majority—54 percent—felt crime victims receive unfair treatment in courts, and most viewed the justice system as too lenient on offenders, except in Quebec where 49 percent agreed.
Government Actions and Challenges
Only 17 percent of respondents had noticed recent federal initiatives to reduce crime, with 78 percent unaware. Despite measures like bail reforms, enhanced border security, a gun buyback program, and funding for additional police officers, public awareness remains low.
Ahead of a visit to a law enforcement facility in Brampton, Ontario, Prime Minister Carney acknowledged these gaps. “This needs to be a relentless focus using all the powers of the federal government,” Carney stated to reporters. “We are starting to see results. We’re not satisfied and we’re going to keep at this.”
Carney emphasized service over politics: “We come to it not from an electoral perspective … but from the perspective of serving and protecting the people of Brampton, the people of Peel region, the people of Ontario, and the people of Canada.” He added, “I would say any level of crime is too high.” Declines in crime levels are emerging in some areas, though public perceptions lag.
Recent Initiatives Against Extortion
In February, Carney visited Surrey, B.C., to discuss crackdowns on extortion targeting South Asian communities with RCMP officers. On the same day, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Secretary of State for Combatting Crime Ruby Sahota, and other MPs announced new measures in Brampton.
Expert Insights on Political Shifts
Pollster Dan Arnold of Pollara Strategies, who served as pollster during much of Justin Trudeau’s tenure, noted that while some Liberals prioritize root causes and rehabilitation, the public demands a tougher stance. Arnold observed that Carney is shifting the party rightward on crime, similar to his energy and environment policies. These perceptions may have influenced poor election outcomes in Brampton, Surrey, and parts of Calgary last spring.
The Privy Council Office runs weekly telephone polls of 1,000 Canadians, with questions selected by the prime minister’s director of research for distribution to senior officials.
