(OTTAWA) Federal Justice Minister David Lametti said Friday his government would move quickly with “targeted amendments” to the Criminal Code that would update Canada’s bail system.
Mr. Lametti made the commitment on Friday afternoon after what he called a “good and productive” meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts.
“We have a broad consensus on the way forward,” he told reporters, saying the reforms will address the challenges posed by violent repeat offenders and those charged with crimes related to guns or other weapons.
“Bail is a constitutional right, but it is not absolute,” said Mr. Lametti. Our laws clearly state that bail may be denied where there is just cause, where it is necessary for public safety or to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. »
Premiers, the Conservative opposition in Ottawa and law enforcement officials have intensified pressure on the federal government since the start of the year to tighten the bail system.
In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last January, the 13 provincial and territorial premiers called for a “reverse onus” for firearms offenses and other serious crimes. This provision would require the accused who asks for bail to prove why he should get it.
Mr. Lametti would not specify if these specific provisions were planned, but he said that his government was considering them.
The confident provinces
Ontario Justice Minister Doug Downey told reporters Friday the issue was raised at the meeting, but he remained coy about whether any promises were made. “We felt heard. There was a lot of collaboration. I look forward to seeing concrete action as soon as possible,” he said.
According to the meeting’s agenda, the bail debate included discussion of two issues: “reverse onus” and “other measures”.
The agenda also included discussions on release enforcement and prosecution, improving bail monitoring and enforcement of infractions, and preventative measures.
Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro said the provinces had been told earlier that changes would be announced in the next parliamentary session. “We don’t have any specific proposals yet,” he said on Friday.
Manitoba’s Kelvin Goertzen called Minister Lametti’s commitment “an important first step”. Saskatchewan’s Bronwyn Eyre said there was a constructive attitude at the table. “It looks like it will be a positive result,” she said. We are very, very satisfied. »
Calls for reform intensified in response to the death of OPP Constable Greg Pierzchala in late December. Mr. Lametti also called the death of Agent Pierzchala on Friday a “catalyst for change”.
Court documents showed that one of two people facing first-degree murder charges in relation to her death, Randall McKenzie, was initially denied bail in a separate case involving charges assault and weapons, but that he was released after a review of the decision.
Documents show a warrant was later issued for McKenzie’s arrest when he failed to show up for a court date last summer.
Minister Lametti, however, said his counterparts agreed that any action they take in the name of public safety must not undermine efforts to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous and Black people in the justice system.