The Ontario government is calling on the federal government to urgently amend the Criminal Code to limit bail availability for violent and repeat offenders, citing public safety risks.
Associate Minister Graham McGregor emphasized the province’s stance, stating, “The federal government’s failure to restrict bail access and get tough on crime is making Ontario communities less safe.”
Ontario’s demands include reintroducing mandatory minimum sentences for severe crimes, eliminating bail for charges like murder and terrorism, and requiring ankle monitors as a bail condition for high-risk offenders. The province also proposes a three-strike rule mandating pre-trial detention for repeat offenders.
Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner highlighted that while Ontario has invested in initiatives like bail compliance teams, increased funding for law enforcement, and enhanced data monitoring, federal action remains critical.
“Public safety has and will continue to be one of our government’s top priorities,” Kerzner said, urging the federal government to consider the proposed reforms to improve community safety.
With support from other provinces, Ontario’s leaders insist that immediate federal action is essential to address gaps in Canada’s bail system and prevent further harm to Ontario’s communities.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
