Canadian government may introduce bail reform bill in fall

During this spring’s federal election, the Liberals promised to "move aggressively" to implement stricter bail laws by introducing a reverse onus for a number of offences. A reverse onus moves the burden of proof from the prosecutor to the accused — meaning they would have to justify being granted bail.

The Criminal Code already has a reverse onus for bail in place for many serious offences, including murder. The Liberals would add new offences to that list, including car thefts involving violence or those conducted for a criminal organization, and home invasions and some human trafficking and smuggling offences.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser told The Canadian Press he plans to bring forward a crime bill in the fall. It's not clear what will be in it — Fraser said the government will consider including additional reforms but "at minimum" it will implement the crime policies the Liberals promised during the election.