Canada Introduces Bail and Sentencing Reform Targeting Violent Repeat Offenders

Canada's federal government, led by Justice Minister Sean Fraser, has introduced the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14), which implements over 80 changes to the Criminal Code to crack down on violent and repeat offenders. The legislation establishes new "reverse onus" provisions that make detention the default for serious crimes such as violent car theft, organized crime-related break-ins, human trafficking, and assault, requiring the accused to prove why they should be released on bail. The reforms amend the "principle of restraint" to prioritize public safety and victim protection, directing courts and police not to release accused individuals when doing so would endanger victims, witnesses, or the community. Courts must now rigorously evaluate the credibility of bail plans, and stricter bail conditions, including weapons bans, may be imposed. The Act also toughens sentencing laws by introducing consecutive sentences for violent offenses like auto theft, break and enter, extortion, and arson, along with new aggravating factors for crimes against first responders and infrastructure. These measures respond to concerns raised by police, victims' advocates, and provincial leaders amid ongoing violent crime issues in Canada.