A Conservative motion to fast-track the party’s proposed “Jail Not Bail Act” was defeated in the House of Commons on Monday, following a tense debate over bail reform and public safety. The motion was voted down by 196 MPs from the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Québécois, against 142 Conservative votes in favour.
The motion urged Parliament to advance Bill C-242, a private member’s bill introduced by Conservative MP Arpan Khanna, which aims to roll back parts of the federal government’s 2019 bail reforms under Bill C-75. Conservatives argue that Bill C-75 created a “catch-and-release” system that has allowed repeat violent offenders to return to communities, undermining public safety.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Khanna sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday, urging the government to support their initiative. They framed the bill as a response to rising violent crime, pointing to endorsements from police associations and victims’ families, including the family of Bailey McCourt, a young Ontario woman killed last year whose case has become emblematic of the bail reform debate.
Bill C-242 proposes to eliminate the “principle of restraint” in bail hearings for serious crimes such as home invasions and extortion. It would also require judges to consider an accused’s criminal history when making bail decisions, and limit access to sureties for individuals facing repeat violent charges. Conservatives argue these measures are critical to keep dangerous offenders off the streets and protect victims.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser defended the government’s opposition to the bill, telling MPs that the Conservative proposal “won’t help” and fails to address the root causes of repeat offending. He maintained that the government’s approach strikes a balance between public safety and constitutional rights, and noted recent federal investments aimed at improving bail monitoring and supporting provincial justice systems.
The defeat of the motion means Bill C-242 will not advance immediately. Its second reading has not yet been scheduled, leaving the bill’s future uncertain. However, the Conservatives signaled that they plan to keep bail reform at the forefront of their legislative agenda, continuing to frame the issue as a key public safety concern heading into the next parliamentary session.
The vote underscores the deep political divisions in Ottawa over how best to reform Canada’s bail system, a debate that has intensified amid concerns over violent crime and repeat offenders.