Title: Prime Minister Carney to Introduce Bail Reform Bill Next Week

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his government will introduce a bail reform bill next week. The legislation aims to make it more difficult for individuals accused of serious crimes, such as violent auto theft, human trafficking, assault, and violent extortion, to secure bail.

Carney made the announcement in Etobicoke, Ontario, stating that the bill will be presented when the House of Commons reconvenes. A key feature of the proposed legislation is the expansion of reverse onus bail provisions. This change would shift the burden of proof to the accused, requiring them to demonstrate why they should be released, rather than placing that responsibility on the Crown prosecutor.

In addition to the reverse onus provisions, the bill will also allow for consecutive sentences for violent and repeat offenders. Furthermore, it seeks to reverse a previous policy that permitted individuals convicted of sexual assault to serve conditional sentences in the community. Carney emphasized that allowing such individuals to remain in the same community as their victims is “not justice.”

A news release from the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that the upcoming budget will allocate $1.8 billion to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) over the next four years. This funding is intended to enhance the RCMP's federal policing capabilities and increase the weekly pay for RCMP cadets from $525 to $1,000.

The proposed bail reform bill is part of the government's broader strategy to address public safety concerns and strengthen the justice system. More details are expected to be revealed as the House of Commons session begins next week.