The Ontario government is introducing new legislation that would make it harder to get bail.
If approved, everyone granted bail must pay it immediately.
Currently, judges can release somebody if they promise to pay in the future.
"For too long, the broken bail system has allowed violent and repeat offenders back on our streets, putting innocent people at risk," said Attorney General Doug Downey.
Under the new legislation, the accused would get their money back when their case is done or when their surety’s obligations end. A surety is a person who has agreed to ensure that the accused follows their bail conditions.
The province is also proposing changes to improve the collection and administration of bail debts.
This includes having sureties provide up-to-date information and using wages, property liens, and the seizure and sale of property to pay off bail debts.
"By strengthening Ontario’s bail system, we’re taking decisive action to protect our communities from violent, repeat offenders," added Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
A surety database and expanding bail prosecution teams, groups of prosecutors who partner with police services to prepare the strongest possible cases in bail hearings, are some of the other changes the province is introducing in its new legislation.
