Significant Bail System Reforms Announced by Ontario Government

Today, the Ontario government announced new legislation aimed at strengthening the province’s bail system. The OPP Association, along with our police association and police service stakeholders have been lobbying for these changes for many years.

The proposed changes will require an accused person or their surety to provide a full cash security deposit as ordered by the court before release.

Under the new system, if bail conditions are not met, the cash deposit would be automatically recovered, eliminating many of the challenges currently faced in collecting forfeited bail payments.

Additional proposed measures include:

• Enhanced requirements for sureties to provide up-to-date information, improving the province’s ability to collect forfeited bail money.
• Expanded enforcement tools such as wage garnishment, property seizure, and liens for unpaid bail debts.
• The creation of a digital surety database to streamline surety checks, hold sureties accountable, and improve information sharing between police services and prosecutors.
• Expansion of dedicated bail prosecution teams, who partner with police to prepare strong cases in serious and violent crime bail hearings.
• Continued investment in correctional facilities to ensure violent, repeat offenders are never released due to a lack of space.

The OPP Association supports these measures to strengthen the bail system.

Along with our stakeholders, the OPP Association will continue to advocate for the resources, tools, and legislative changes necessary to keep our members and the public safe.

President David Sabatini & the Board of Directors

OPP Association