Punctuating the urgency behind the call for a national public safety summit is Peel’s historic “Project Pelican” drug bust, nearly 500 kg of cocaine (approx. $48 million) seized and nine arrests in a transnational smuggling ring, underscoring the need for federal-local coordination.
Councillor Rowena Santos, brought forward a motion (attached here) backing Peel Police’s call for a National Public Safety Summit in early 2026. The Summit will unite leaders to develop a coordinated national response to escalating organized crime, auto theft, bail reform, guns and gangs, violent crime, border enforcement, and emergency communications.
Since October 2021, Brampton has championed bail reform and stronger federal-local law enforcement collaboration. With support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and national policing leaders, the summit will bring together all orders of government, police chiefs, and justice ministers to build a unified national action plan.
“Residents have spoken through extensive consultations, including my ‘Enhancing Public Safety Survey’, confirming public safety is their top priority”, said Santos. “While Brampton and Peel Police are on the frontlines, facing violent auto thefts, human trafficking, firearms and fentanyl smuggling, this isn’t just a regional issue; it’s a national crisis requiring urgent coordinated federal leadership, and I’m passionate about getting everyone to the table urgently.” said Santos.
Delaying action only lets criminals exploit legislative and jurisdictional gaps. Brampton stands ready, but bold federal action is necessary with smarter bail laws to keep repeat violent offenders behind bars.
“Public safety is a national concern that requires a coordinated, national response. From transnational organized crime and violent auto theft to cross-border trafficking, today’s threats are complex and evolving. With the support of the Peel Police Service Board, Peel Regional Police would proudly work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in leading this important and urgent conversation and to ensure that the voices of police services, municipal leaders, and our communities are heard at the national table.”
– Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police
“Organized auto theft rings, fentanyl smuggling, firearms trafficking, bail failures, these aren’t isolated issues. They’re redefining the public safety reality in Canada, traumatizing our residents and devastating the morale of our police officers,” added Santos. “Municipal leaders across the country must advocate together for the legislative changes needed at the federal and provincial orders of government.”
The motion calls on all levels of government and key stakeholders; including the RCMP, OPP, Canadian Chiefs of Police, provincial and federal ministers of justice and public safety, AMO, BCM, FCM, and Brampton’s MPs and MPPs, to participate in the summit, with a clear mandate to generate a national action plan on public safety and justice reform.
“Brampton has been sounding the alarm since 2021. Now we need to support the call from Police for real coordinated action, lives depend on it”, concluded Councillor Santos.
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Media Contact: rowena.santos@brampton.ca
Read Motion
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