New Bail and Sentencing Law Takes Effect, Dividing Police and Experts
Bill C-14 gained royal assent Monday with over 80 Criminal Code changes. Police welcome it; criminologists question whether it will reduce crime.
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Canada's new bail and sentencing laws gained royal assent Monday after pressure from premiers, mayors, and law enforcement to drive down crime. Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, makes over 80 changes to the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and National Defence Act to toughen bail and sentencing for repeat and violent offenders. The changes take effect 30 days after royal assent.
Ontario law enforcement bodies are welcoming the reforms. Halton police Chief Stephen Tanner called them "significant," saying he regularly sees carjackers, home invaders, and suspects with firearms released on bail or conditions. "I think this legislation takes the pendulum a little bit towards the direction of the victims," he told CBC Radio.
Toronto Police and the Ontario Provincial Police Association also applauded the changes. Scott Mills, OPPA spokesperson, said the association spent "many years" pushing for them.
Key changes include creating more reverse onus provisions for crimes like violent auto theft and human trafficking—meaning accused persons must prove why they should get bail rather than the Crown proving why they shouldn't. Courts can now impose consecutive sentences for crimes like violent auto theft and extortion.
But some experts are skeptical. Irvin Waller, a criminologist and professor emeritus at the University of Ottawa, said the reforms won't make much difference, noting that high-profile crimes committed by people out on bail reflect court-process mistakes rather than legislative gaps.