“And it’s Three Strikes You’re Out at the Old… Election… Game!” - The John Howard Society of Canada A 'three strikes' anti-crime policy is contradicted by experience and evidence; such policies are expensive and ineffectual.

In an article for the @johnhowardcanada.bsky.social, Tyler King and Tony Doob use evidence from @crimhighlights.bsky.social to unpack the tough road ahead for the Liberals, and to remind Canadians of the policy nightmare we dodged with the Conservative's election loss:
johnhoward.ca/blog/and-its...

The John Howard Society of Canada congratulates the Liberal Party on their election win. We look forward to working with PM Carney to advance effective, evidence-based criminal justice policy. Canada needs smart, not tough, approaches to crime.

#cdnpoli

Poilievre wants to override fundamental rights in service of ‘tough on crime’ policies that won’t even work The Conservative leader's cavalier attitude toward civil liberties should alarm all Canadians.

Overriding the Charter to push ineffective ‘tough on crime’ policies puts politics over principled, evidence-informed criminal justice: Kudos to Prof. Perrin.

www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...

Solving the ‘Crime Problem’ by Locking Up Legally Innocent People - The John Howard Society of Canada Proposals to restrict bail in Canada using the "Notwithstanding clause' are contrary to the evidence as well as inconsistent with rights.

Board members Tony Doob and Tyler King recently published another article for the @johnhowardcanada.bsky.social blog on why increasing the use of pretrial detention will not make communities safer. Read that post here (and if you are in Canada, remember to VOTE!):
johnhoward.ca/blog/solving...

The Conservative Party has pledged to use the Notwithstanding Clause to override Charter rights and reimpose unconstitutional sentencing laws.

This won’t make us safer — it’ll increase costs, erode rights, and undermine rehabilitation.

#cdnpoli #NotwithstandingClause #CharterRights #SmartOnCrime

Harsh sentences are better at wasting money than reducing crime - The John Howard Society of Canada Both logic and research evidence show that harsher sentences are not effective in reducing crime - but they are very expensive.

. @crimhighlights.bsky.social members Tony Doob and Tyler King recently published a short article for the @johnhowardcanada.bsky.social showing that some of the "tough on crime" approaches being spouted by Canadian politicians are unlikely to work. Read that post here:

johnhoward.ca/blog/harsh-s...

Tough-on-crime policies don’t reduce harm — they target the most vulnerable and cost billions. Senator Kim Pate’s latest op-ed echoes our call for smart-on-crime reforms.

🔗 Read more: sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus...

#SmartOnCrime #JusticeReform

📣 It’s time for federal political parties to get smart on crime. We need made-in-Canada, evidence-based policies that actually improve community safety.

See our policy priorities: johnhoward.ca/our-policy-p...

Delaying justice is denying justice. Court delays violate Canadians’ rights, yet they remain a major issue.

Learn more in this JHS blog post: 🔗 johnhoward.ca/news/delayin...

#AccessToJustice #JusticeDelayed #LegalReform

Addiction support reduces reoffending.

Substance use is linked to 40% of crimes, yet many leave prison without completing treatment. Expanding rehab access would help people stay on track post-release. JHS urges federal action. Learn more: johnhoward.ca/ffrr/

#ReduceRecidivism #CanPoli

Healthcare gaps increase reoffending risk. Those leaving federal prison lose healthcare and wait weeks or months for coverage, risking health crises. The Canada Health Act must be amended to ensure continuous care. JHS urges federal action. Learn more: johnhoward.ca/ffrr/

#ReduceRecidivism #CanPoli

Education is digital—prison should be too.

Without internet access, incarcerated people struggle to take courses that support reintegration. A controlled access model, like Australia’s “walled garden,” could help. JHS urges federal action. Learn more: johnhoward.ca/ffrr/

#ReduceRecidivism #CanPoli

Employment is key to reintegration.

Many employers reject applicants with criminal records, yet stable jobs reduce reoffending. Supporting the Fair Chances Movement can help change this. JHS urges federal parties to act. Learn more: johnhoward.ca/ffrr/

#ReduceRecidivism #CanPoli

Stable jobs reduce reoffending.

Pre-apprenticeship programs can help incarcerated individuals gain skills for in-demand jobs. Expanding these programs would tackle recidivism & the skilled labor shortage. Learn more: johnhoward.ca/ffrr/

#ReduceRecidivism #CanPoli

Reintegration support reduces reoffending.

People leaving prison need housing, jobs, and community support to succeed. Government funding for reintegration programs is critical. JHS is calling on federal parties to act. Learn more: johnhoward.ca/ffrr/

#ReduceRecidivism #CanPoli

How can we expect people to rebuild their lives without housing?

Up to 30% of people leaving Canadian prisons are released into houselessness, increasing their risk of reoffending. JHS is calling on federal parties to expand housing support for reintegration. Learn more: johnhoward.ca/ffrr/

📣 The John Howard Society of Canada Week 📣

Join us March 3–7 for JHS Week. We’re bringing together a diverse lineup of experts to discuss critical topics in the justice system. Check out the speakers and topics for each day in the post!

Register here:
docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLS...

🗓️ Save the date! 🗓️

The John Howard Society of Canada Week is happening March 3–7 with a daily panel at 1 PM ET on key justice issues.

Stay tuned for more details!

#JHSCWeek #JusticeReform #CommunitySafety

The Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism (FFRR) was passed in 2021, but action is still needed to break the cycle of reoffending. Stay tuned as we highlight why these pillars matter and the steps needed for real change. #ReduceRecidivism #CanPoli

Thank you. There is also this excellent report from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association that covers a lot of data and evidence
johnhoward.ca/blog/problem...

Poilievre Promises Life Sentences For Fentanyl Kingpins - Conservative Party of Canada Poilievre pledges to reverse Liberal Bill C-5 and impose life sentences for fentanyl kingpins to shut down drug manufacturing and superlabs, saving lives. Vancouver, BC – Conservative Leader Pierre Po...

Zero question prosecutors + judges already open to substantial sentences, including life, for fentanyl trafficking where facts indicate it is actually a "kingpin" responsible for the operation. Also obvious: this mandatory would be unconstitutionally broad.

www.conservative.ca/poilievre-pr...

Five Canadian organizations that are useful sources of information on criminal justice issues.

johnhoward.ca/blog/canadia...

This is one of an award-winning series of articles (more than 30 now) in Law360 Canada about his experience with the criminal justice system and prison, by 'David Dorson' (anonymous writer)
johnhoward.ca/blog/christm...

Link to post on second chances is
johnhoward.ca/blog/power-o...

New post on adverse social background and the missing voices of the accused in criminal justice, based on work by US legal scholar Steven Zeidman.
johnhoward.ca/blog/voice-o...

Most recent blog post on second chances for people with criminal records, and Comeback Snacks, company set up by Emily O'Brien.