Canada Introduces Legislation to Amend National Bail Laws, Following Unanimous Pleas from Premiers

Newly introduced Federal legislation looks to answer the pleas of Canada’s Premiers by amending the country’s bail rules.

If passed, Bill C-48 would amend the Criminal Code to make it more difficult for repeat violent offenders to receive bail.

By creating a new reverse onus, the amendments would shift the burden of proof onto those accused of violent offenses involving a weapon.

Under the changes, an individual who would be detained while awaiting trial must prove to the courts that detention is not necessary.

Other amendments would require courts to consider an individual’s history of violent convictions, and public safety, when making a bail decision.

Last month, Canada’s premiers held an urgent meeting, which resulted in a unanimous demand for Ottawa to amend federal bail laws.

According to preliminary data on bail hearings, more than half of prosecutor attempts to seek detention in BC are being rejected by the courts.