OTTAWA - The Liberal government is set to introduce legislation today aimed at tightening bail and sentencing standards for violent crimes. Justice Minister Sean Fraser is scheduled to address reporters in the afternoon regarding the details of the bill.

Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated last week that the proposed legislation would make it more challenging for individuals charged with violent and organized crime offenses to secure bail. The bill will implement a reverse onus for certain offenses, shifting the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused. This means that defendants will need to demonstrate why they should be granted bail.

Additionally, the legislation will allow for consecutive sentences for violent and repeat offenders, ensuring that multiple sentences cannot be served simultaneously.

Conservative justice critic Larry Brock criticized the bill, describing it as a “half-baked attempt to copy-paste” his party’s previous crime legislation proposals.

The introduction of this bill comes amid ongoing discussions about crime and public safety in Canada, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing these issues through legislative measures.

As the government prepares to unveil this significant reform, it remains to be seen how it will be received by both the public and opposition parties. The announcement is part of a broader strategy to enhance the justice system's response to violent crime in the country.