The federal government will introduce new bail reform legislation next week aimed at keeping violent and repeat offenders off Canadian streets, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday.
The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code will focus on offenders accused of serious crimes such as violent auto theft, breaking and entering, human trafficking, assault, and sexual assault.
“The government will table legislation to amend the Criminal Code for crimes committed by violent and repeat offenders — those accused of serious crimes,” Carney said during a press conference in Toronto.
Key Measures in the Legislation
Reverse-onus bail for major crimes, requiring accused persons to prove why they should be released.
Consecutive sentencing for multiple serious offenses.
Restrictions on conditional sentences for sexual crimes.
$1.8 billion investment over four years to strengthen law enforcement and hire 1,000 new officers.
Political Reaction
The opposition criticized the move, calling it an extension of what they described as the government’s “failed approach.”
“We offered a real plan to tackle crime with stronger bail conditions, but the government voted against it,” said a justice critic, who urged Carney to repeal the Principle of Restraint — a policy requiring judges to consider alternatives to incarceration.
He added, “You can’t put a criminal halfway in jail; halfway measures won’t end the scourge of crime.”
Civil Liberties Concerns
Some civil rights advocates questioned the government’s approach, saying there is “no evidence that bail causes crime.”
“We lack even the most basic national data, like how many people commit new offenses while on bail,” said one civil liberties representative.
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