Federal ministers unveil government's bail reform bill – May 16, 2023

Federal ministers outline the government's legislation aimed at improving the bail system. Bill C-48 targets repeat violent offenders and proposes changes to the Criminal Code. The bill calls for tighter bail conditions for weapons charges and intimate partner violence. A reverse onus would also apply to more offences that would require defendants to show why they should be released while awaiting trial. Taking part in the news conference on Parliament Hill are ministers David Lametti (justice), Marco Mendicino (public safety), Dominic LeBlanc (intergovernmental affairs), and Carolyn Bennett (mental health and addictions). The premiers, police, and victims' advocates have called for stronger bail laws.