Ontario plans to tighten bail requirements asking for cash up front before release

The Ontario government is tightening up bail requirements, asking for cash up front for people who are granted bail.

Attorney General Doug Downey says they will introduce legislation that would require cash security deposits to improve bail compliance.

Now if a court orders release on a promise to pay, no cash deposit is required.

This makes it difficult to collect funds if bail conditions are breached.

The proposed changes mean a cash deposit for the full amount must be paid before release.

Critics say these bail changes will only add to the current overcrowded conditions in the province’s jails.

Under the proposed new system, payment would be made when the accused person is released from custody and it would be returned at the conclusion of their case.

If their bail conditions are not met, the money would be automatically recovered upon being ordered forfeited by the court.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford posted on X just after 9 a.m. Monday, saying that his government was cracking down with tough new bail reform.

Canada’s broken bail system has let too many violent, repeat offenders out onto our streets too often.

Today, we’re cracking down with tough new bail reform, including requiring full cash deposits to be paid up front as a condition of bail.

Find out more:…

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) November 24, 2025

Part of the reform strategy would introduce new measures to track repeat offenders, and people not in compliance with bail conditions with digital tools.

It would also include an expansion of bail prosecution teams, made up of prosecutors, provincial and local police services to prepare for bail hearings involving serious or violent crimes.

The new legislation follows after pressure from Conservatives in September led to Prime Minister Mark Carney to announce sweeping changes to the bail system last month.

With files from the Canadian Press.

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