Ottawa to introduce bail reform targeting violent and repeat offenders next week : PM Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will table new bail reform legislation next week aimed at tightening rules for violent and repeat offenders across Canada.

Speaking to reporters in Toronto on Thursday, Carney said the proposed changes to the Criminal Code will apply to serious offences, including violent auto theft, break-ins, human trafficking, and sexual or violent assaults. The goal, he said, is to “keep violent and repeat offenders out of our communities.”

The legislation will include a “reverse-onus” provision for major offences, requiring accused individuals to demonstrate why they should be released on bail. It will also propose consecutive sentencing for certain serious crimes and restrict conditional sentences for a range of sexual offences.

The government will also hire 1,000 new RCMP personnel. he additional personnel will be focused on combating organized crime, including drug and human trafficking, online fraud, and vehicle theft.