Federal government proposes stricter bail system in new bill

The federal government is proposing changes to the country's bail system that would make it harder for those accused of certain offences to be released on bail.

The federal government is proposing changes to the country's bail system that would make it harder for those accused of certain offences to be released on bail.

Bill C-48 would amend the Criminal Code so that those charged with a serious violent offence involving a weapon — one with a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment — who were convicted of a similar offence within the last five years will face a reverse onus to get bail.

"Reverse onus" means the accused would have to show why they should be released instead of the prosecution having to prove that they should remain behind bars.

The proposed law would also expand the use of reverse onus for firearm and intimate partner violence offences, and allow courts to take into consideration community safety and an accused's history of violence when making a bail decision.

"We told Canadians that our government would step up and do its part to address how the justice system deals with repeat violent offending. Bill C-48 does that," Justice Minister David Lamettii said in a news release.

"We know this law reform is only part of the solution. We are working closely with our colleagues across all levels of government to ensure that people are safe and feel safe wherever they live in Canada."

Lametti introduced the legislation in the House of Commons Tuesday morning.

The bill is the federal government's response to chiefs of police, premiers and Conservative MPs pushing for stricter bail laws.

"The amendments to the Criminal Code we are introducing today respond directly to the concerns raised by provincial and territorial governments regarding Canada's bail system, and the need to pay particular attention to repeat violent offenders," Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in the news release.

A Department of Justice official said in a briefing Tuesday that the proposed changes are the result of consultations earlier this year with the premiers and law enforcement.