Local Councils Advocate for Changes in Justice System

WARNING: This story references child sexual assault.

Councils from the Niagara Region and the City of St. Catharines are joining a larger movement calling for reforms in the justice system after a three-year-old girl was assaulted in Welland, Ont., involving a registered sex offender who had been released early from prison.

On Monday, St. Catharines councillors approved a motion urging the federal government to make national and Ontario sex offender registries public, enhance support for victims of sexual and violent crimes, and introduce bail reform measures.

Coun. Kevin Townsend introduced the motion, pointing out “public concern” regarding “bail practices that allow repeat violent and sexual offenders back into communities under conditions that don’t adequately protect the public.” It requested that such offenders should not be released “unless it can be clearly demonstrated that they do not pose a risk to public safety.”

Amendments made by the council included requests for Ottawa to offer more services and financial assistance for victims, as well as addressing “significant gaps in practical implementation of support for victims, inconsistent provincial and territorial services, and the needs of marginalized groups within the justice system.”

This week at a Regional Municipality of Niagara meeting, Welland Coun. Pat Chiocchio put forth a motion asking Queen’s Park and Ottawa to enforce “more restrictive” bail, sentencing, and release conditions for repeat violent and sexual offenders while ensuring they “are not prematurely released into communities where they pose an ongoing threat.”

The motion calls on the Ontario government to “establish stricter monitoring measures,” which would include mandatory long-term supervision along with GPS tracking of sexual offenders.

Daniel Senecal, who is accused in this case, had previously been listed on the National Sex Offender Registry for 20 years due to his involvement in the sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy.

Earlier this month, Senecal, 25, faced new charges related to breach of probation alongside prior charges including aggravated sexual assault against someone under 16 years old, break-and-enter offenses, choking incidents, and assault. He allegedly broke into the home of the three-year-old girl during Labour Day weekend before attacking her.

When arrested on August 31st, Senecal was already serving a year-long probation following his sentence of 18 months in jail for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy back in 2021; he had been released six months early in March according to information from the boy’s family.

Daniel Senecal was arrested on Aug. 31 and charged with sexual assault of a person under age 16. (Submitted by Koreen Perry)

A case that’s caused public outrage

This situation has sparked significant anger among community members as well as politicians at various levels including federal and provincial representatives.

Earlier this month Welland Mayor Frank Campion reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney demanding changes regarding sentencing policies along with bail reforms aimed at preventing parole eligibility for serious offenses while advocating stronger use and enforcement of the National Sex Offender Registry.

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe also sent similar demands directly to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Various officials from both Ontario’s provincial government as well as federal leaders-including Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch; Brantford-area Conservative MP Larry Brock; Premier Doug Ford; and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre-have expressed their desire for tougher penalties.

It’s estimated 200 people were outside the St. Catharines courthouse for the demonstration. The accused is set for another court hearing in October. (CBC)

Locally there was even an organized protest outside St. Catharines courthouse when Senecal was scheduled for his bail hearing with approximately 200 demonstrators holding signs opposing any form of bail granted or calling attention toward broader reforms meant to keep violent offenders incarcerated longer.

Following Senecal’s arrest police advised against any forms of “vigilante actions” while legal proceedings continue.

Bail reform won’t fix problem says activist

In spite of widespread calls advocating stricter bail rules among other measures one activist has urged caution about jumping too quickly into these reforms.
“This isn’t just about catch-and-release,” stated Saleh Waziruddin who serves as an executive member within Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association during Monday’s council meeting held at St. Catharines.
Waziruddin expressed concerns believing harsher bail regulations could lead many individuals ending up detained prior being convicted-a situation potentially disproportionately impacting racialized populations overrepresented throughout criminal justice systems nationally.
For instance statistics reveal only five percent represented Black adults across general demographics compared towards fourteen percent comprising those currently held behind bars based upon data compiled by federal authorities through previous years’ reports.
He argued instead emphasizing importance placed upon early detection alongside treatment efforts proving far more effective than focusing solely upon incarceration strategies targeting prevention methods aimed towards stopping recurring offenses committed against women/children alike-alongside worries surrounding possible outbreaks relating directly towards vigilante behavior should registry become publicly accessible which could heighten tensions overall within affected areas.
If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you , please call 911. For support available nearby , you might want check crisis lines plus local resources through Ending Sexual Violence Association Canada database.

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