Canada's sweeping bail and sentencing reforms receive Royal Assent

The federal government's new bail and sentencing reforms have officially become law, marking one of the most significant overhauls of Canada's criminal justice system in recent years.

The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) received Royal Assent, introducing more than 80 changes to the Criminal Code aimed at tightening bail rules and increasing penalties for repeat and violent offenders. Most provisions will come into force in 30 days.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the legislation fulfills the government's commitment to strengthen public safety through stricter bail provisions and tougher sentencing measures.

Under the new law, obtaining bail will become more difficult for individuals accused of certain violent offences, organized crime activity, home invasions, vehicle theft and human trafficking. New reverse-onus provisions will require accused persons in specified cases to demonstrate why they should be released pending trial.

The legislation also directs police to detain accused individuals for a bail hearing when necessary to protect the public, including victims and witnesses. Courts will be required to consider additional factors during bail hearings, including whether alleged violence was random or unprovoked and whether an accused person faces numerous or serious outstanding charges.

Other changes include expanded consideration of weapons prohibitions, closer scrutiny of bail plans in reverse-onus cases and restrictions on who can serve as a surety for someone released on bail.

The reforms also introduce tougher sentencing measures for those convicted of serious crimes.

Judges will now be required to impose consecutive sentences for offences involving violent auto theft and break-and-enter crimes, as well as extortion and arson. Courts must also consider consecutive sentences in cases involving repeat violent offenders.

New aggravating factors have been added to sentencing provisions for crimes committed against first responders and public transit workers, organized retail theft, and offences involving damage to essential infrastructure.

The legislation further eliminates the availability of conditional sentences, commonly known as house arrest, for certain sexual assault and child sexual offences. It also restores driving prohibitions for individuals convicted of manslaughter or criminal negligence causing bodily harm or death and strengthens measures to enforce court-imposed fines.