Justice Minister David Lametti is expected to make an announcement Tuesday afternoon on how the federal government plans to reform Canada’s bail system, following months of calls for tougher laws from provincial premiers, police forces and opposition parties.
Lametti is due to hold a press conference with several of his cabinet colleagues, including Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett.
The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code respond to pressure from provinces and territories to reduce the number of violent repeat offenders who are released on bail.
A number of high-profile cases have drawn public attention to the issue, including the stabbing murders of a woman and her daughter in Edmonton, which police say was committed by a man who was out on bail at the time.
Federal conservatives say the incidents are the result of what they call a “catch and release” system for repeat and violent criminals, and have publicly called for tougher laws.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees that anyone charged with a crime will not be denied reasonable bail without cause. Mr. Lametti assured that he would bring targeted reforms that respect this right.
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