Canada’s bail system may be reformed

OTTAWA –

Justice Minister David Lametty says he will discuss reforming Canada’s bail system when he meets with his provincial counterparts this Friday.

Earlier this year, premiers called on the feds to create a “reverse burden” system for gun crimes that would require a person seeking bail to show why they should not be behind bars.

Lametti told a parliamentary committee meeting on Monday that he is open to making changes to the Criminal Code and has already spoken to some provincial colleagues about the issue.

But he says bail is a fundamental right and any law that makes it harder to access risks running afoul of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Lametti won’t say when the Liberal government plans to act, but says it’s a priority.

Federal conservatives have pressed the government to tighten access to bail for repeat offenders, particularly in firearms cases.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 6, 2023.