Ontario Proposes Changes to Bail Legislation Aimed at Repeat and Violent Offenders

The Ontario government has announced proposed legislative changes to the province’s bail system, which the province says are intended to address concerns related to repeat and violent offenders.

According to the announcement, the proposed legislation would require courts to give greater consideration to an individual's history of violent offences and previous breaches of bail conditions during bail decisions for those accused of violent or firearms-related crimes.

Premier Doug Ford stated in the provincial release, "We’re taking action to make sure violent, repeat offenders stay behind bars and don’t get the chance to reoffend in our communities." Solicitor General Michael Kerzner added, "Ontario families deserve to feel safe. Our government is taking real action to keep communities safe from those who pose a risk to public safety."

The government said that recent incidents involving individuals accused of violent crimes while out on bail have contributed to the proposed changes, though no specific cases were included in the release.

The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in the Ontario legislature. The release did not provide a timeline for introduction or consideration of the proposed measures.

The announcement was made in Toronto.