Liberals propose stricter bail and sentencing rules for violent and repeat offenders

OTTAWA — The Liberal government tabled its long-awaited bail reform bill Thursday that it promises will make it more difficult for violent and repeat offenders to be released before trial in the hopes of increasing trust in the oft-maligned bail system.  

The new bill C-14 also promises tougher sentencing laws for serious and violent crimes, such as consecutive sentences for repeat violent offenders, offences against first responders, organized retail theft and crimes interfering with essential infrastructures (such as copper theft).  

On bail, the government proposes to impose a “reverse onus” — when the accused must convince a judge that they should be released pending trial — on additional charges linked to auto theft, breaking and entering homes, human trafficking and smuggling, certain forms of assault and violent extortion.  

The reverse onus would also apply to any person charged with a violent crime within the last 10 years, as opposed to the current five.  

The bill also proposes to clarify the “principle of restraint” that guarantees release at the earliest opportunity does not mandate release on bail if an accused’s detention is “justified” for public safety considerations.  

Federal Conservatives have called on the government to repeal the 2019 Justin Trudeau-era law that wrote the principle of restraint into law.  

During a background technical briefing, Justice Canada officials explained that the 2019 simply codified an existing principle in common law. The new bill is a “calibration” of the controversial principle to make it clear that it does not mandate release, they said.  

During the spring federal election, the Liberals campaigned on amending the Criminal Code to make it tougher for certain accused to access pre-trial release.  

Several high-profile incidents involving individuals out on bail have led to political backlash, including from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whom Carney met with last week.  

Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has seized on crime as a central issue and blamed the Liberal government for adopting a relaxed approach when it came to bail and sentencing.  

More to come.

National Post, with files from Stephanie Taylor.  

Cnardi@postmedia.com  

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