October 23, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The Liberal government has officially tabled new legislation aimed at making it significantly harder to obtain Bail for various offenses, including Vehicle Theft and Extortion. This initiative is centered on increasing accountability and public safety within the justice system.
A core component of the bill is the introduction of a Reverse Onus for Bail in specific crimes. Under this new rule, the burden of proof shifts from the Prosecutor to the Accused, who will now be required to justify why they should be released on bail. This standard, which already applies to serious offenses like Murder under the Criminal Code, is being expanded to address a wider range of criminal activity.
Furthermore, the legislation mandates stricter conditions for those who are granted release. Judges will be required to impose Weapons Bans on individuals facing charges for Extortion or offenses connected to Organized Crime. The bill also introduces Consecutive Sentences for violent and Repeat Offenders, meaning multiple prison terms must be served one after the other, not concurrently. To aid in judicial decision-making, judges must also consider the number and seriousness of Outstanding Charges when determining the necessity of Pretrial Detention.
Finally, the bill implements changes to sentencing practices and conditional release. It establishes new Aggravating Factors that judges must consider for offenses such as Repeat Violent Offenses, crimes against First Responders, Retail Theft, and mischief to property. Crucially, new restrictions are being placed on the use of Conditional Sentences (or House Arrest) for those convicted of Sexual Assault and Sex Crimes involving a minor. Government officials have noted that while the Supreme Court has deemed consecutive life sentences unconstitutional, this new legislation does not include that penalty for the offenses eligible for Consecutive Sentences.
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