The federal government introduced legislation Thursday aimed at tightening Canada’s bail process and increasing penalties for repeat violent offenders.
Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, was presented in the House of Commons and proposes amendments to the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act.
Under the bill, judges would be required to ask whether the accused is charged with an offense that involved “random and unprovoked violence” before granting bail. The legislation also expands conditions for release, including mandatory firearm-possession bans for individuals charged with extortion or offenses tied to criminal organizations.
It creates new “reverse onus” rules, meaning some accused persons would have to demonstrate why they should be released rather than prosecutors proving why they should be detained — for example, persons charged with motor-vehicle theft used in organized crime, or who have prior serious weapons convictions.
Related: Ontario Demands Return of Mandatory Minimums, ‘Three-Strikes’ Bail Rule
On sentencing, the bill directs courts to impose longer consecutive terms for repeat violent crimes and break-ins, and to prioritize denunciation and deterrence for organized theft, arson, and crimes against first responders.
For young offenders, the measure tightens definitions of violent offenses, permits urgent publication of identifying information in extreme cases, and ensures time spent unlawfully at large no longer counts toward custody and supervision orders.
Government officials framed the proposal as a way to restore public confidence in the criminal-justice system and better protect communities. The bill passed first reading on Thursday and is slated for second reading in the coming weeks.
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