Bail reform bill got royal assent, criminals will not get bail easily

It will no longer be easy for repeat offenders to get bail in Canada, after the government's opposition-backed bail reform bill has received royal assent. Justice Minister Arif Virani gave this information.

He said that these changes are coming into effect from January 4, 2024. Bail system for repeat offenders involved in serious violent offenses under the Criminal Code Amendments Getting bail has been made more difficult.

These amendments focus on reverse onus provisions, which means that the accused will be held in custody before trial unless he proves that his release would not pose a danger to the public and that he would not abscond. There is no risk. Also, when deciding bail, courts will need to consider the criminal history of a person accused of violence.

Notably, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and premiers and police chiefs across Canada have consistently called for tougher bail conditions for repeat offenders.