Ottawa –
Justice Minister David Rametti announced today how his government plans to reform Canada’s bail system after months of calls for tougher legislation from the prime minister, police and opposition parties. It will be announced in the afternoon.
He will hold press conferences with a number of ministers, including Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino and Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Carolyn Bennett.
The criminal law reform bill comes amid pressure from states and territories to reduce the number of repeat violent offenders who can be released on bail.
A number of high-profile cases have brought the issue to the fore, including the recent stabbing of a woman and her daughter in Edmonton, but police have blamed a man who was out on bail at the time.
Federal Conservatives say this is the result of what they call a “catch and release” system, and are publicly calling for stronger legislation.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms ensures that those charged with crimes are not denied reasonable bail without good reason, and Rametti said he would introduce targeted reforms that respect that right.
This report by the Canadian Press Agency was first published on May 16, 2023.
