(OTTAWA) Justice Minister David Lametti has said he is “seriously” considering reforming Canada’s bail laws in response to a request from provincial premiers.
Premiers unanimously called on the Liberal government in a letter earlier this year to “act immediately” to strengthen the country’s bail system.
The Premiers’ letter says there are growing calls for changes to prevent further criminal acts by defendants out on bail.
Premiers have called on the federal government to establish a ‘reverse onus’ system for specific firearms offences, which would require the person seeking bail to demonstrate why they should not be left behind bars.
In a speech to the Canadian Bar Association on Thursday, Lametti said the reform proposals would be discussed at an upcoming meeting with provincial justice ministers.
He said the proposal to introduce a “reverse onus” system for certain firearms offenses was “seriously considered” by the Liberal government.