Ottawa, ON – October 23, 2025 – The federal government has announced sweeping changes to Canada’s bail and sentencing laws through the introduction of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, a major step aimed at cracking down on repeat and violent offenders and strengthening community safety across the country.
Unveiled by Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser, the proposed legislation introduces more than 80 targeted amendments to the Criminal Code, following extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners. The reforms will also make improvements to Canada’s youth justice system, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing how justice is delivered.
Under the new measures, bail will become harder to obtain for those accused of violent or repeat offences. The legislation introduces new reverse onus provisions, meaning that in serious cases, the starting point will be detention and the accused must prove why they should be released. Police would be instructed not to release an accused person if doing so would be against the public interest or pose a risk to victims or witnesses. Courts would also be required to weigh factors such as random or unprovoked violence and any outstanding charges before granting bail. In these cases, judges must closely examine bail plans to ensure they are credible and reliable before allowing release.
The Act also proposes tougher sentencing laws for a range of crimes, including violent auto theft, break and enter, extortion, and arson. Those convicted of such offences could face consecutive sentences, meaning they would serve one sentence after another rather than simultaneously. The legislation adds new aggravating factors for crimes committed against first responders, retail workers, and critical infrastructure. It would also end house arrest for certain sexual assault and child sexual offences, restore driving prohibitions for offences involving bodily harm, death, or manslaughter, and introduce stronger mechanisms for fine enforcement.
Minister Fraser emphasized that while the federal government is taking strong action, provincial and territorial governments must also play their part in implementing the reforms. That includes ensuring adequate resources for police, prosecutors, bail courts, supervision programs, and victim services. “These reforms are about protecting Canadians and restoring confidence in the justice system,” Fraser said. “A strong Canada means strong protections for our communities and a Criminal Code that responds to modern challenges.”
The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act marks the latest step in the government’s broader effort to strengthen public safety and rebuild trust in Canada’s justice system. In the coming months, additional reforms are expected to address court delays, victims’ rights, and protection from sexual and intimate partner violence, as well as measures to keep children safe from exploitation and other serious crimes.