Alberta Premier Reiterates Call for Federal Bail Reform Amid Rising Violence

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gives an Alberta government update in Calgary on Jan. 10, 2023. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is once again calling on the federal government to reform what she calls Canada’s “catch-and-release” bail system, saying that Ottawa’s lack of action on the matter is contributing to the rise of violent crime in Alberta’s major cities.

“Enough is enough,” Smith said while speaking to reporters in Calgary on April 4. “Violence in Edmonton and Calgary is getting worse, fueled by drugs, illegal weapons, and the federal revolving-door bail policy of catch-and-release.”