November 25,2025
RED FM News Desk
The Ford government has introduced a major justice bill at Queen’s Park. It is called the “Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act.” The bill focuses on tougher penalties, stricter bail rules, and new protections for animals. The government says the goal is to make communities safer.
Some measures were announced earlier as parts of the Ontario Sex Offender and Sex Trafficker Registry will be made public and impaired drivers who kill a parent will have to pay child support to surviving children. Accused individuals will also need to pay cash security deposits before being released on bail.
A major section of the bill targets dangerous driving. This change responds to the “Andrew’s Law” petition, launched after the death of Andrew Cristillo from East Gwillimbury. Anyone convicted of dangerous driving causing death will face a lifetime driving ban. Police will also be allowed to issue 90 day licence suspensions and immediate vehicle impoundments when they witness dangerous behaviour.
Penalties for other driving offences are also rising. Careless drivers will face 7 to 30 day roadside suspensions and fines of $1,000 to $5,000. Commercial drivers caught distracted driving for the third time will face a $6,000 fine and longer suspension. Drivers caught behind the wheel on a suspended licence will face 14 to 45 day impoundments and fines from $2,000 to $20,000.
The bill includes new rules for animal welfare. Invasive research on dogs and cats will be allowed only in limited cases. Penalties will increase for harming police dogs and other service animals. The government also plans to consult on banning declawing, ear-cropping, and tail-docking next year.
Other key measures include:
- Faster police record checks
- Investigative Genetic Genealogy to be done at Ontario’s Centre of Forensic Sciences
- A user fee for offenders placed on GPS monitoring
- Possible licence suspensions for people who refuse to pay bail-related debts
- Drug enforcement powers for transit special constables
- A ban on unauthorized recording during coroner’s inquests
- Permission for canine searches inside jails
- Removal of ARWEN launchers from the SIU’s firearm definition
- New administrative monetary penalties for Ontario Fire Code violations
- The government says these changes will strengthen safety, enforcement, and accountability across the province.
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