Ontario’s premier and solicitor general are urging the federal government to make significant changes to the bail system in Canada to address the release of violent repeat offenders, which they argue poses a threat to public safety.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the need for tough bail reform in a letter sent to Ottawa, calling for measures that would keep criminals off the streets and ensure community safety. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of implementing strong and effective bail reforms to prevent violent offenders from being released back into society.
Ford’s government has been vocal about the need for bail reform, particularly following recent high-profile cases involving violent crimes committed by individuals out on bail. They are advocating for amendments to the federal Criminal Code to eliminate bail for serious offenses such as murder, terrorism, human trafficking, and firearm-related crimes. Additionally, Ontario is pushing for a “three-strike” rule that would require pre-trial detention for repeat violent offenders, along with the restoration of mandatory minimum sentences for serious crimes.
Ford expressed frustration with the current justice system, emphasizing the importance of holding offenders accountable and cracking down on crime to maintain law and order in society. The government has already taken provincial measures to strengthen bail enforcement, including the establishment of specialized prosecutors to oppose bail for high-risk accused and exploring the possibility of user fees for GPS ankle monitoring.
Although the federal government introduced Bill C-48 to enhance bail provisions for violent offenses, Ontario believes that more comprehensive reforms are necessary. As Ottawa prepares to introduce new bail legislation, the province will continue to advocate for stricter measures to address the release of violent repeat offenders.