Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is among the provincial and territorial leaders calling for changes to Canada's bail system. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Justice System

All of Canada’s premiers call for bail system reform

Jan 16, 2023 | 6:03 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial leaders are coming together to demand change from the federal government.

They say in a joint letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Ottawa must take “immediate action to strengthen Canada’s bail system to better protect the public and Canada’s heroic first responders.”

The premiers state that there have been growing calls for changes that would keep accused persons who are released from custody on bail from committing further criminal acts.

A portion of the letter reads, “The justice system fundamentally needs to keep anyone who poses a threat to public safety off the streets. And this starts with meaningful changes to the Criminal Code, an area solely within the federal government’s jurisdiction.”

As one example of the change being called for, the politicians are asking for a “reverse onus” on bail for the offence of possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.

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A person charged with this offence would have to demonstrate why their detention is not justified when they are alleged to have committed an offence in which there was an imminent risk to the public.

The premiers would also want to see reviews of other firearms-related offences to see if they should also have a reverse onus on bail.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who is among the signatories on the letter, says in a tweet that, “All of Canada’s Premiers agree: it is time to strengthen Canada’s criminal code to better protect all Canadians. Alberta is resolved to see meaningful changes in our bail system, including reverse onus for those charged with firearms-related offences.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government is looking at the matter of bail reform “carefully” and “quickly.”

Trudeau told reporters in Saskatoon on Monday, January 16, 2023, that he understands “there’s a real concern out there” and “challenges around impacts, particularly on Indigenous or minority groups” have to be taken into account.