(October 24, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today in response to the introduction of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. The legislation proposes stricter sentencing and stricter bail laws that would reduce the incidence of bail through reverse onuses.
“First Nations are concerned that the government’s reforms risk reinforcing systemic injustices and perpetuating the justice crisis facing our people,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The legislation will disproportionately harm First Nations people, who already face systemic barriers to meeting bail conditions. The proposed reforms would in practice punish our people for being poor, homeless, or in crisis — situations often rooted in colonial policies. We all want greater security, but we will not achieve that through punitive reforms that cause further harm. True safety comes from investing in community-led solutions like the National First Nations Justice Strategy, which prioritizes prevention, healing, and culturally grounded justice.”
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights this week on the study of bail reform, repeat violent offenders, and sentencing. He provided testimony that stressed how broad punitive reforms risk worsening the overrepresentation of First Nations in custody rather than addressing the root causes.
“The federal government’s proposed bail reforms come at a time when there are record numbers of accused being denied bail, and a de facto presumption of guilt for First Nations people targeted by the criminal justice system,” said BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “We need First Nations oversight over how bail is being reformed, to direct resources to First Nations communities for developing and administering justice services, and expand diversion and restorative justice programs. We must remember that people charged with crimes must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
“I urge the Government of Canada to ensure First Nations perspectives are fully incorporated as this legislation proceeds,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “That includes inviting First Nations witnesses to testify before Committee and ensuring the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is meaningfully incorporated into any proposed reforms. At the same time, the Department of Justice must begin implementing the National First Nations Justice Strategy that we developed together. Those actions, rather than sweeping punitive reforms, will clear a path to true justice and safety.”
-30-
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact information:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]