The West Block: May 21, 2023 | Bail laws change amid rise in violent crime and public inquiry clock ticking

Police chiefs across the country are sounding the alarm over a recent rise in violent crime. Ten police officers in Canada have been killed since September, and violent attacks on public transit have many Canadians concerned about safety in their communities. After pressure from the provinces and police, the federal government introduced new bail reform changes aimed at cracking down on repeat violent offenders. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Justice Minister David Lametti to talk about whether this new change will really curb violent crime. Plus, ahead of special rapporteur David Johnston’s long-awaited announcement over whether Canada will have a public inquiry into foreign interference, Stephenson speaks with The Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Bob Fife and Stephanie Levitz from The Toronto Star, about what this interference scandal means for the parties moving forward – whether or not an inquiry is called.