Canada brings in Bill C-48 to improve bail system and promote public safety

BC considered leader as it introduced a revised bail policy that directs crown prosecutors to seek detention in cases involving repeat violent offenders.
OTTAWA: Canada has introduced a legislation to improve Canada’s bail system and promote public safety.
Bill C-48 proposes to make targeted changes to the Criminal Code’s bail regime. The changes would address under which repeat violent offending with weapons including knives and bear spray, gun violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV). The proposed reforms would make it more difficult for accused persons to get bail if it is alleged that they engaged in serious violent offending involving weapons, specific firearms offences and IPV. 
The Bill focuses on reverse onus provisions, which refer to circumstances where an individual would be detained while awaiting their trial unless they can prove to the court that their detention is not required. The proposed changes seek to improve the safety of people and communities across Canada.
The proposed changes are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners.
David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, “Since the month of October we have been working with the provinces. It was first raised at a Federal Territorial Provincial meeting by the British Columbia government, an NDP government. We have worked since that time on a technical level with all governments across Canada of every political stripe.”
Attorney General Niki Sharma said, “The amendments reflect B.C.’s advocacy for a broad definition of violence, better protections when intimate partner violence is involved and an increased ability for community impact to be considered in bail hearings.”
“The proposed amendments would make it more difficult for people to get bail if they have been accused of specific firearms offences, repeated serious violent offending involving weapons, and repeat intimate partner violence. The amendments will also require justices to keep public safety at the forefront of their decision-making and state on the record how protecting community safety has been considered when making a bail order. I urge the federal parliament to pass these amendments quickly – communities can’t wait,” she added.