Ontario implements new measures to strengthen bail system

Starting Monday, the Ontario government is implementing new measures to strengthen the province’s bail system and protect Ontario communities.

As part of the government’s bail strategy, these new measures will improve bail compliance, keep violent, repeat offenders behind bars and make it easier for the province to collect forfeited bail payments when bail conditions are violated.

“For too long, gaps in the bail system have allowed violent and repeat offenders back into our communities,” says Attorney General Doug Downey.

“Enough is enough. People deserve to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and confident that those who pose a serious risk will not be released only to reoffend.”

“That’s why our government is taking bold, decisive action to deliver on our promise and fix the broken bail system, keep dangerous, repeat offenders off our streets and put public safety first,” Downey says.

The new bail measures being implemented will require a cash security deposit in the full amount pledged to be paid once an accused person is released from custody, with payment due within two business days of release.

This will make it easier for the province to recover bail debts as it holds people accountable by immediately taking their bail money if they break the rules or skip court.

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Sureties will also be required to provide current contact and identification information.

Failing to comply with these requirements may result in a provincial offence charge.

“Bail conditions are not suggestions, they are court orders and there must be real consequences when they are broken,” says Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.

“Our government is strengthening enforcement to hold offenders accountable, giving police and prosecutors stronger tools to protect our communities and helping keep violent and repeat offenders behind bars where they belong.”

Additionally, Ontario is working to strengthen digital tools to track repeat offenders and those who fail to obey bail conditions. This includes the creation of a surety database to help streamline and enhance surety checks.

These new measures are expected to make Ontario’s bail system more accountable by strengthening compliance with court-ordered release conditions.

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