OTTAWA – NEWS – The Canadian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding a criminal justice system that ensures the safety and security of all Canadians and their communities. This pledge focuses on refining bail laws to enhance public safety, bolster public confidence in the justice system, and align with the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“Our government is unwavering in its commitment to keeping repeat violent offenders off our streets and ensuring the safety of all Canadians. This legislative change, targeting serious repeat offending involving weapons and repeat IPV, is a testament to our dedication to public safety,” stated The Honourable Arif Virani. He also extended his gratitude to elected members and partners, including law enforcement and Indigenous groups, for their contributions to the legislation.

Key Changes in the Bail System Effective January 2024

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, has announced significant legislative amendments to the Criminal Code aimed at improving Canada’s bail system. These amendments, having received Royal Assent, are slated to take effect on January 4, 2024.

Impact of Amendments on Public Safety and Justice System

The revisions specifically address the bail system, targeting serious repeat offenders, particularly those using weapons such as knives and bear spray, and those accused of repeat intimate partner violence (IPV). These amendments introduce more stringent conditions for accused persons to obtain bail in cases of serious violent offenses involving weapons, specific firearms offenses, or IPV. The focus is on reverse onus provisions, which require the accused to demonstrate that their release does not pose a public safety risk or undermine public confidence.

Specific Reforms to Address Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

Key reforms include:

• Establishing a new reverse onus for repeat violent offenses involving weapons.
• Expanding the list of firearms offenses triggering a reverse onus.
• Broadening the reverse onus regime for IPV accusations.
• Clarifying “prohibition order” terms in existing reverse onus for weapon-related offenses.
• Mandating courts to consider an accused’s violent conviction history during bail decisions.
• Committing to a five-year parliamentary review post-legislation enactment.
• Requiring courts to record considerations of community safety and particular circumstances of Indigenous and vulnerable accused in bail decisions.

Collaboration and Role of Provincial Governments

These changes result from close cooperation across all government levels, reflecting a deep concern among Canadians. Provincial and territorial governments, playing a crucial role in the bail system’s administration, continue to collaborate in ensuring community safety across Canada.

Beyond Law Reform: Holistic Approach to Community Safety

Recognizing that legal reforms constitute just one aspect of a broader solution, the Canadian Government emphasizes the need for enhanced data collection, policies, practices, training, and programs. These initiatives aim to foster safer communities and tackle the root causes of crime.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, highlighted the government’s responsive action to concerns raised by Premiers regarding the bail system, leading to a balanced approach that enhances Canadian safety.

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting health and mental well-being while ensuring public safety. She underscored the importance of providing compassionate care alongside protective measures.

Quick Facts about Canada’s Bail System and Amendments Bail allows individuals charged with criminal offenses to be released from custody while awaiting trial. Under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, accused persons retain the right to liberty and are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The criminal justice system in Canada, a shared responsibility among federal, provincial, and territorial governments, ensures the effective administration of bail hearings and conditions, particularly for repeat violent offenders. The recent amendments, developed collaboratively across all provinces and territories, signify a significant step in reforming and strengthening Canada’s bail system for the safety of its communities.