It will no longer be easy for repeat offenders to get bail in Canada, with changes to the bail system made by the government under pressure from the opposition coming into force on Thursday.
Bail system Amendments to the Criminal Code have made it more difficult for repeat offenders involved in serious violent crimes to obtain bail. These amendments focus on reverse onus provisions, which mean that the accused will be held in custody before trial until he proves that his release will not endanger the public and that he will not escape.
There is no risk. Courts will also need to consider the criminal history of a person accused of violence while deciding bail. The federal government says the changes to the bail system were made with the cooperation of all the provinces and territories. BC Premier David Eby welcomed the changes.
It is worth noting that Conservative leader Pierre Poliev and premiers and police chiefs across Canada called for making bail more difficult for repeat offenders.