10/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2024 07:12
TORONTO - The Ontario government is calling on the federal government to urgently amend the Criminal Code by introducing concrete changes that will tighten bail legislation to protect public safety and keep repeat and violent offenders off the streets.
"The federal government's failure to restrict bail access and get tough on crime is making Ontario communities less safe," said Graham McGregor, Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform. "Our government is stepping up by hiring new judges and prosecutors and supporting our police officers, but the federal government's inaction has made it harder to keep dangerous criminals behind bars. Enough is enough: We need meaningful bail reform now."
While the provincial government has taken significant steps to combat auto theft and reform bail, including investing $29 million earlier this year to appoint new judges and hire new Crown prosecutors and staff to reduce the backlog of criminal cases in the courts, the province's ability to take further action to address serious crime and repeat offenders is limited by the federal Criminal Code. For that reason, the provincial government is calling on the federal government to immediately adopt the following measures to enhance public safety:
These measures, which are within federal jurisdiction, are essential to keeping the people and communities in our province safe. The government urges the federal government to immediately implement these measures and looks forward to discussing other ways to protect the people of Ontario.
"Public safety has and will continue to be one of our government's top priorities," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "We have seen a demonstrated failure of Canada's bail system resulting in harm to the people of Ontario, and those who keep our province safe. We will not stand by while the federal government refuses to hear that the system they broke isn't working."
"The recommendations put forward to fix the bail system are a crucial step in ensuring a justice process that treats individuals fairly while keeping communities safe. Effective bail reform must strike that balance between public safety and the rights of the accused. The outlined approach underscores the government's dedication to public safety, accountability, and the well-being of everyone involved in the justice process. Stricter bail policies for repeat and violent offenders prioritize the safety and security of our communities."
- Mark Baxter
President, Police Association of Ontario (PAO)
"The OPP Association support changes to the current bail system. Our members overwhelmingly feel that the current system is a "catch and release" system that results in many of the same accused persons being at large again to re-offend shortly after arrest. We feel that the safety of our community and our police officers are at risk with this system. We acknowledge that the balance of the Canadian Charter of Rights of an accused person and community safety must be considered and welcome all efforts by all levels of government to make the system more effective for all."
- John Cerasuolo
President, Ontario Provincial Police Association
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