In a recent interview with CHCO Television, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest John Williamson expressed deep concern over the rising crime rates in rural New Brunswick. Williamson highlighted the impact of crime on both the economic and social fabric of the region and called for tougher laws to hold repeat offenders accountable.

Crime has become one of the main issues plaguing the communities of New Brunswick Southwest, with residents increasingly worried about their safety and the security of their businesses. The root cause of the problem, according to Williamson, lies in the federal government's lenient approach to criminal justice. He criticized the Trudeau Liberals for passing legislation that watered down the justice system, making it easier for offenders to avoid imprisonment. 

"We're asking the police to enforce laws, to arrest people and to hold these people accountable, but in the last eight years the Trudeau Liberals have trumpeted their legislative changes to water down the justice system that was put in place by the Conservatives," said Williamson. "Bill C-75, which passed in 2019--its goal was to give people bail and to keep people as much as possible out of jail."

Williamson argued that these legislative changes have put the police in a difficult position, as they are tasked with enforcing laws and arresting individuals, only to see them released quickly due to lenient bail conditions.

"When we talk about the police not doing their job well, the federal laws that the liberals have passed means that in many cases, these people cannot be held or they're put on a treadmill to get out of jail as quickly as possible," said Williamson.

Williamson stressed the need for repeat and violent offenders to serve jail time to protect the community and ensure justice.