Ontario Premier Doug Ford directed strong words at individuals accused of violent crimes and car theft, promising to imprison them "for the longest time possible."

During a press conference in Aurora, Ontario, on Wednesday, the Premier praised the new bail reforms in Canada and warned those involved in criminal activity that the police and government are pursuing them, saying, "We will catch you and you will go to jail, we will keep you in jail for the longest time possible."

Joining the Premier at the press conference was Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc to announce a federal investment of $121 million to help prevent gun and gang violence in Ontario.

It is not clear exactly what the money will be spent on, but officials indicated it will support specific initiatives to eliminate crimes such as car theft.

The funding is part of a larger amount of $390 million that the Trudeau government has spent in an attempt to reduce gun crimes and gang violence across the country.

Ford has long called for tougher penalties and bail conditions on individuals accused of vehicle theft, including increasing the number of officers in the Canada Border Services Agency.

He pointed today to the emergence of online videos of individuals breaking doors and people being afraid.

"I've talked to friends who sleep with baseball bats next to their beds because someone will kick the door and put a gun to their heads and tell them, hand over your keys."

He continued, "Each of us has a role to play, and on our side, our government is making the necessary investments to ensure our police forces get the tools and resources they need."

The Canadian Attorney General said he is open to reviewing and amending the criminal law if necessary to include harsher penalties."

Earlier this month, the federal government implemented legislation on the burden of proof for defendants in certain cases to justify their release on bail.

Previously, prosecutors had to prove why the accused should remain detained, and lawyers said the amendments harm the rights of the accused and will not improve public safety.

Data obtained by CTV News Toronto through a freedom of information request found that 82% of people detained in Ontario on any day last year were awaiting trial.

On Wednesday, the Ontario Attorney General confirmed this percentage is partly due to federal bail changes, and that the provincial government continues to support the amendments that keep violent offenders off the streets.