June 24, 2026 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Department of Justice Canada

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, will hold a press conference on the passing of the Bail and Sentencing Act (Bill C-14), with over 80 targeted changes to the Criminal Code. Bill C-14 is one of three major criminal justice reforms to receive Royal Assent last week, alongside legislation to strengthen protections against hate crimes, better protect victims and survivors, and keep children safe from sexual predators. The press conference will highlight new legislation to crack down on retail theft and violence against transit workers, holding offenders to account.

Also in attendance will be:

• Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax
• Paul MacKinnon, Chair of the International Downtown Association Canada
• Marco D’Angelo, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Association

A media availability will follow.

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. AT
Location: Halifax Ferry Terminal
                  5077 George Street
                  Halifax, Nova Scotia
                  B3J 1M3

Prior to the press conference, members of the media are invited to attend the following event:

• Visit with local businesses Pete’s Frootique & Fine Foods, Foreign Affair and HighMart with Minister Fraser and Member of Parliament for Halifax Shannon Miediema.

Time: 10 a.m. AT
Location: Pete’s Frootique & Fine Foods
                  1515 Dresden Row
                  Halifax, Nova Scotia
                  B3J 4B1

Minister Fraser will also hold the following closed-door meeting:

• 11 a.m. AT
  Meeting with small businesses led by the International Downtown Association Canada. Attendees to include:
  • Sue Uteck, Executive Director of the Spring Garden Area Business Association
  • Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax
  • Kurt Bulger, Owner of Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia
  • Ross McNeil, Owner of Dugger’s Men’s Wear
  • Laura MacNutt, Owner of KingsPIER Vintage
  • Joe McGuinness, Owner of Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
  • Lucas Goltz, Downtown Halifax Business Commission/ Spring Garden Street Outreach Navigator   

A readout with accompanying photography will be available following the meeting.

Notes for media:

• Members of the media are asked to contact media@justice.gc.ca to confirm their attendance at the press conference and arrive 15 minutes before the start of the event.
• The press conference and media availability will be streamed on the Justice Canada YouTube channel.