Premier Doug Ford issued a strong call for urgent federal action to reform Canada’s bail system during a press conference in Mississauga on Wednesday, declaring that repeat violent offenders are being released too easily and putting communities at risk. Speaking from a Peel Regional Police facility, Ford outlined Ontario’s next steps to tighten the rules, crack down on breaches, and demand more accountability from the federal government.
“The current bail system is letting violent, repeat offenders back into our communities and onto our streets, at times just days after they’ve been arrested and accused of serious crimes,” said Ford. “Enough is enough. We’re cracking down with tougher rules, stronger enforcement, and faster action to keep repeat offenders behind bars, where they belong.”
Ontario’s government will now make permanent its Intensive Serious Violent Crime Bail Teams, first introduced in 2023. These specialized teams, composed of prosecutors working directly with police, focus on keeping high-risk individuals—including those facing firearm-related charges—off the streets. The teams also collaborate with bail compliance units to ensure dangerous offenders adhere to their bail conditions, and to identify any unreported violations.
Premier Ford emphasized that the teams have already been involved in over 3,000 cases, helping keep accused violent criminals detained and speeding up the judicial process. He also announced that the province will support a full-scale review of the bail system, with a goal of making it more effective and consequential, including improvements to track repeat offenders and tighten administration.
Among the proposed changes is the possible introduction of user fees for individuals required to wear ankle monitors as part of their bail conditions. The revenue from these fees could be used to offset enforcement costs or bolster support for victim services. Police could also gain enhanced access to GPS data to better monitor individuals on release.
Additionally, Ontario plans to strengthen legislative tools for collecting forfeited bail amounts, requiring sureties to maintain current contact information to ensure accountability.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah praised the provincial initiative, citing multiple real-world cases where the current system fails to protect the public. “The need for serious change and reform continues to be on our doorstep,” said Duraiappah. He recounted a recent incident where police stopped a person in a vehicle with a loaded gun—while that individual was already out on bail for similar offences, sitting beside their surety, and wearing an ankle monitor.
The premier was direct in his message to Ottawa, making it clear that meaningful change requires action from the federal government, since bail falls under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Code. “Only the federal government can end the catch-and-release system so dangerous offenders are kept behind bars where they belong,” echoed Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
Ford closed with a pledge to pressure newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney into action. “I’ll be on them like an 800-pound gorilla, like I’ve never been on them before,” Ford said. “Because people are fed up.”
As provinces across Canada grapple with rising gun crime and public concern over repeat offenders, Ontario’s push for reform could spark a national debate over how to balance public safety, individual rights, and judicial discretion in the bail system.