By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
News as they happen
  • News
  • Canada
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Science
  • World News
  • Isness
Reading: Ontario Calls for ‘Three-Strikes’ Bail Rule and Return of Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Sign In
Font ResizerAa
News as they happenNews as they happen
  • News
  • Canada
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Science
  • World News
  • Isness
  • News
  • Canada
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Science
  • World News
  • Isness
Have an existing account? Sign In
© Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
ontario-calls-for-‘three-strikes’-bail-rule-and-return-of-mandatory-minimum-sentences
Ontario Calls for ‘Three-Strikes’ Bail Rule and Return of Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Ontario Calls for ‘Three-Strikes’ Bail Rule and Return of Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Last updated: September 23, 2025 6:48 pm
By Paul Rowan Brian
4 Min Read
Share
SHARE
Ontario Calls for ‘Three-Strikes’ Bail Rule and Return of Mandatory Minimum Sentences

The Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ont., in a file photo. The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn

Ontario’s Ford government is pressing the federal government to bring back tougher bail and sentencing provisions as it prepares new justice reforms.

Ontario’s solicitor general and attorney general sent a joint letter Sept. 22 asking the federal government to deliver substantive reforms to Canada’s federal bail and sentencing laws.

“We are writing to convey Ontarians’ expectation for comprehensive and wholesale solutions, rather than tinkering around the edges,” Michael Kerzner and Doug Downey stated. “It is critical that federal legislation meets the standard Canadians expect: cracking down on crime and keeping violent, repeat offenders behind bars where they belong.”

Among Ontario’s asks are getting rid of bail eligibility for offences such as murder, intimate partner violence, and certain firearms charges, as well as reinstating mandatory minimum penalties for “serious” crimes. The province also wants to introduce a “three-strikes” rule that would automatically deny bail for repeat offenders.

The proposal would also designate more crimes, including violent home invasions, carjackings, and human trafficking, as reverse onus offences when it comes to bail. In such cases, the burden shifts from the prosecution showing why an accused should stay in custody to the accused showing why they should be released.

The Sept. 22 letter was sent to federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, echoing Premier Doug Ford’s repeated demands to limit bail availability for those awaiting trial. Fraser said last week that the federal government plans to table bail and sentencing reform legislation in the House of Commons in October.

During the spring election campaign, the Liberals pledged to strengthen bail provisions for home invasions, car thefts, human trafficking, organized crime, and violent offences. In June, Fraser said that Conservative accusations of the Liberals not doing enough to combat crime are overly “simplistic” and based on slogans. At the same time, he said, “We hear from Canadians more broadly that there is a challenge with the criminal justice system. There is a challenge with the bail system.”

According to Fraser, the new Liberal legislation will make it harder for repeat offenders and violent crimes to obtain bail. It will also allow consecutive sentences in some cases and provide tougher guidelines for organized and violent crime. The legislation will also address crime prevention, mental health, addiction, youth employment, and affordable housing.

The letter from Kerzner and Downey came the same day as the Conservatives’ “Three-Strikes-And-You’re-Out” motion, which called for the denial of bail, probation, parole, or house arrest for people convicted of three “serious” offences, and for minimum 10-year sentences for violent crimes. The motion was defeated 189-139 on Sept. 22 with broad opposition from the Liberals.

Conservative MP Arpan Khanna also introduced the “Jail Not Bail” private member’s bill on Sept. 11, seeking tougher penalties and stricter bail rules for crimes like sexual assault, firearms offences, human trafficking, and robbery. The bill is currently on notice in the House of Commons but has not yet been introduced.

How Major US Stock Indexes Fared Sept. 24
China’s Pigment Dumping Blamed for Critical Minerals Mining Shutdown, 200 Jobs on the Line
Foreign Minister Anand Reacts to ‘Haunting’ Videos of Israeli Hostages
At Least 3 Dead After Mob Sets Fire to Indonesian Regional Parliament Building
IPO Market Picks Up Steam as 5 More Companies Launch Roadshows
TAGGED:CanadaCanadian PoliticsFeatured Canadian NewsTop Canadian NewsWorld News
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    5 + 6 =

    You Might Also Like

    bell-to-resell-fibre-internet-in-western-canada-as-it-announces-three-year-outlook
    CanadaUncategorizedWorld News

    Bell to Resell Fibre Internet in Western Canada as It Announces Three-Year Outlook

    By The Canadian Press
    1 Min Read
    us-factory-employment-drops-to-5-year-low-as-manufacturing-slump-deepens
    BusinessEconomyIndustrialsTariffsUncategorizedUSUS News

    US Factory Employment Drops to 5-Year Low as Manufacturing Slump Deepens

    By Tom Ozimek
    1 Min Read
    israel-completes-first-phase-of-gaza-withdrawal-as-cease-fire-begins
    2025 Israel-Hamas CeasefireMiddle EastUncategorizedWorld News

    Israel Completes First Phase of Gaza Withdrawal as Cease-Fire Begins

    By Jackson Richman
    1 Min Read
    News as they happen

    We influence thousands of users and are the number one business and technology news network on the planet. Newsguard delivers everything you need to know to live your best life, best tech trend, traveling passion and more…

    Categories

    • The Escapist
    • Entertainment
    • Bussiness

    Quick Links

    • Advertise with us
    • Newsletters
    • Complaint
    • Deal

    @Newsguard – Codeus Design. All Rights Reserved.

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?