Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today on behalf of my constituents to present a petition with respect to the rising rate of crime in our community.
I rose 58 times in the last Parliament for the people of Swan River, presenting petitions on the alarming increase in violent crime that has threatened the safety and well-being of families all across the region. Unfortunately, crime in my region has continued to spiral out of control under the same Liberal government.
Petitioners are concerned that, since 2015, violent crime has increased by 55% and firearms crime is up 130%. Over the past year, assaults, break-ins and thefts by armed criminals have become regular occurrences in our area, leaving residents fearful in their own homes. This is why the people of Swan River are demanding jail, not bail, for violent repeat offenders. I support the good people of Swan River.