Welland’s push for stricter justice triggers federal bail reform

Ottawa has moved forward with federal bail reform after intense pressure from the City of Welland to tighten Canada’s bail and sentencing and laws.

The city says this comes following a brutal sexual assault of a minor by a repeat sex offender on Aug. 30 of last year.

A girl under the age of five suffered serious injuries in a sexual attack after 25-year-old Daniel Senecal broke into her family home. He has since been charged in the assault.

In an open letter to the community last year, Welland Mayor Frank Campion demanded urgent reforms from Canada’s prime minister and Ontario’s premier.

READ MORE: Welland mayor calls on province, feds for reform in wake of child sexual assault

This included stronger bail and sentencing laws with no early release for violent sexual crimes, the elimination of parole for these offenders and stricter enforcement of the National Sex Offender Registry.

“Minister Fraser heard those concerns and acted swiftly. The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act represents a significant step forward in addressing issues that municipalities, police services and victims’ advocates have been raising for years,” Campion wrote in a press release.

He says these reforms will enhance public safety and protect communities by tightening bail rules for repeat violent offenders and toughening sentences for serious crimes.

“While there is always more work to do, these reforms demonstrate that governments can respond when communities speak up,” Campion says.

WATCH MORE: Accused in Welland toddler sexual assault a registered sex offender