Too many Black and Indigenous people are in prison. Researchers say mandatory minimum sentences are part of the problem

The federal government’s criminal justice reform bill has generally been described as a good first step in tackling the overrepresentation of Indigenous and Black people in the justice system.

But it’s also sparked the question: Why not go even further with Bill C-22?

The bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for all drug offences and some firearm offences, expand the use of conditional sentences such as house arrest, and urge police and prosecutors to use discretion in order to keep drug possession cases out of the justice system.

WARNING: Archived Toronto Star article.