Rising Crime in Canada More Than a ‘Perception,’ Critics Say After Comments by New Justice Minister

York Regional Police tactical officers attend the scene of a shooting in Vaughan, Ont., on Dec. 18, 2022. Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press

Some are not impressed with Canada’s new justice minister appearing to downplay concerns about crime rates.

On July 31, Arif Virani, MP for Toronto’s Parkdale-High Park riding who was appointed justice minister in last week’s cabinet shuffle, was quoted in a story by Reuters saying it is unlikely Canadians are more at risk from crime.