Minister Macdonald welcomes federal measures to strengthen public safety, emphasizes northern realities and partnership

October 17, 2025

Jay Macdonald, Minister of Justice, issued the following statement in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement on building safer communities.

“The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that the federal government will table amendments to the Criminal Code next week to strengthen bail and sentencing provisions for violent and repeat offenders. These proposed reforms respond to concerns that Northerners have been voicing for some time about the impact of crime and safety in communities.

Northerners deserve to feel safe—at home, at work, and where they live. The toll that repeat and violent crime takes on victims, families, and front-line officers is deeply felt across the Northwest Territories. The proposed federal reforms, if implemented thoughtfully, can help restore confidence in the justice system and better protect those most at risk.

At the same time, implementation in the North must be thoughtful and fair. Our government will work closely with Canada to ensure these reforms respect the Charter, uphold Gladue and Ipeelee principles, and reflect the realities of small and remote communities. This includes addressing resource pressures across courts, corrections, and legal supports, and ensuring prosecutors and police have the tools they need.

We thank Prime Minister Carney, Minister Fraser, and the Government of Canada for recognizing the urgent need for stronger tools to protect communities, and we look forward to working together to ensure these reforms are implemented in a way that works for the North and helps build safer communities for Northerners.

Public safety cannot be achieved through enforcement alone. Lasting safety depends on investments in housing, mental health and addictions treatment, and opportunities for youth and families. Through initiatives like the upcoming Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, creation of a Civil Forfeiture Act, and proposed Trespass Act, our government is providing law enforcement with more effective tools to target organized crime while advancing prevention, healing, and community wellness.

I also want to thank the RCMP for their ongoing partnership and tireless service in every region of the Northwest Territories. Their work is essential to keeping people safe.

Every Northerner deserves to feel safe in their home and community. These federal measures, together with the work underway across the Northwest Territories, represent an important step toward that goal—and our government will continue working with Indigenous governments, community partners, and the federal government to make it a reality.”

Media Requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca

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