Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and MP Arpan Khanna unveiled a new bill today aimed at overhauling Canada’s bail system to better protect victims and communities. The Jail Not Bail Act targets repeat violent offenders by introducing stricter bail conditions and tougher risk assessments.
The bill would repeal the Liberal government’s “Principle of Restraint,” which critics argue has led to lenient bail decisions for those charged with serious crimes. A new “Major Offences” category would be created, implementing reverse onus bail conditions for high-risk offenders. This would require accused individuals to prove why they should be granted bail, rather than placing the burden on the prosecution.
The bill has received support from various advocacy groups and victims’ families, who argue the current system fails to protect communities. Poilievre says the legislation is a necessary step in restoring public trust and ensuring violent offenders face appropriate consequences.
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