September 22, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Toronto, ON – Ontario’s premier and solicitor general are once again pressing Ottawa to deliver sweeping changes to Canada’s bail system, arguing that violent, repeat offenders are being released too easily and putting public safety at risk.
Premier Doug Ford said Monday the federal government has promised new legislation to “finally fix its broken bail system,” and confirmed his government has sent a letter outlining Ontario’s expectations.
“Today, we wrote to the federal government, laying out Ontario’s expectation for tough bail reform that keeps criminals behind bars and keeps our streets safe,” Ford posted on X.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner echoed the demand, saying “strong and meaningful bail reform is needed immediately.”
“Canada’s broken federal bail system continues to allow violent, repeat offenders back onto our streets,” Kerzner said. “The federal government must act to keep our communities safe. The people of Canada deserve nothing less.”
Ontario is calling for amendments to the Criminal Code that would:
- Eliminate bail for certain serious offences, including murder, terrorism, human trafficking, and firearm-related crimes.
- Introduce a “three-strike” rule requiring pre-trial detention for repeat violent offenders.
- Restore mandatory minimum sentences for serious crimes.
- Remove time-served credits for repeat and violent offenders.
“I am sick and tired of the weak justice system that we have,” Ford said at a press conference in June. “They have to get a backbone, and we need to start throwing these people in jail. This is turning into a lawless society.”
The federal government passed Bill C-48 last year, expanding “reverse-onus” provisions so that accused charged with certain violent offences must prove why they should be released. While Ontario has acknowledged those changes as a step forward, Ford’s government says they do not go far enough.
As Ottawa prepares to table its new bail legislation, Ontario says it will continue to push for tougher reforms to better protect communities.
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