The Ontario government has issued a set of proposals for the upcoming federal legislation aimed at enhancing bail reform and sentencing guidelines to bolster public safety. In a joint communication sent by the province’s solicitor general and attorney general, recommendations include reinstating mandatory minimum sentences for severe offenses and eliminating bail options for individuals accused of murder, terrorism, human trafficking, intimate partner violence, drug trafficking, criminal possession or use of restricted firearms, violent carjackings, and home invasions.
The province emphasized the importance of federal legislation meeting the expectations of Canadians by cracking down on crime and ensuring that violent and repeat offenders are kept in custody. This move is part of Premier Doug Ford’s ongoing efforts to urge Ottawa to enact stricter bail measures following notable instances of crimes allegedly committed by individuals out on bail.
In response to these developments, Ford emphasized the need for robust bail reforms that prioritize public safety in a social media post. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner also stressed the urgency for significant bail reform, citing the current flaws in Canada’s federal bail system that allow violent repeat offenders to return to the streets.
Furthermore, the Ontario government’s letter to Justice Minister Sean Fraser and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree echoes Ford’s persistent calls to reduce the number of individuals granted bail while awaiting trial. Fraser confirmed that legislation addressing bail and sentencing reform will be introduced in the House of Commons in the coming month. Ford previously criticized the bail system as “broken” and expressed optimism that Prime Minister Mark Carney would take action to reform bail for repeat violent offenders.
Additionally, the communication proposes the use of ankle monitors as a bail condition for serious crimes and suggests implementing a “three-strikes” rule that would deny bail to repeat offenders, aligning with demands from the federal Conservatives for individuals convicted of multiple serious offenses.
