Ontario is preparing to enact tougher penalties for dangerous driving, a move inspired by the heartbreaking death of 35-year-old father Andrew Cristillo, who was killed in a head-on crash this summer. Cristillo, a father of three, died on August 3 in Whitchurch-Stouffville, while his wife and daughters were left injured. The teenager charged in the crash was already facing a separate dangerous driving charge from an incident involving Premier Doug Ford months earlier.
Cristillo’s brother, Jordan, has been advocating for stronger consequences for reckless drivers and found the provincial government receptive. His push for immediate roadside licence suspensions and lifetime driving bans in the most serious cases is now reflected in a sweeping justice bill introduced this week.
“Choices need consequences,” he said at a press conference. “People treat our roads like racetracks. This legislation will finally hold them accountable and help protect families like mine. The best way to honour victims is to prevent future victims.”
Under the proposed legislation, anyone convicted of dangerous driving causing death would face a lifetime driver’s licence suspension. Police would also gain the authority to issue 90-day licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments on the spot if a driver is suspected of dangerous driving. Penalties for driving while suspended would also rise.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the bill was shaped by deep reflection following Cristillo’s death, calling the tragedy “terrible” and “heartbreaking.” He emphasized that dangerous and impaired driving will not be tolerated and that the province is committed to imposing “real consequences” on those who endanger others.
Opposition parties voiced support for stronger penalties but criticized the government for simultaneously eliminating speed cameras—tools municipalities have long used to control speeding. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said the government’s stance seemed contradictory. “Speed cameras save lives. It’s a bit rich to crack down on dangerous driving while removing one of the most effective safety tools we have,” he said.
The omnibus justice bill extends beyond driving laws. As announced earlier this week, individuals granted bail would now have to pay their cash security deposit upfront instead of only forfeiting it later for violations. The province is also considering authorizing transit constables to enforce rules against illegal drug use on public transit and exploring policies that would require impaired drivers who kill a parent to pay child support. Officials are also examining whether parts of the sex offender registry should be made public.
Another component of the bill would ban most forms of invasive medical research on cats and dogs, unless the research is for veterinary or similarly approved purposes. This follows public outrage after whistleblowers revealed that puppies were being used for heart research at a London-based facility, then euthanized for further examination. Animal rights advocates praised the proposed ban, with Animal Justice calling it “a strong foundation to end the suffering of dogs and cats in labs,” and urging the province to help rehome animals currently used in testing.
The legislation represents one of the most wide-ranging justice packages introduced by the Ford government—aimed at strengthening road safety, modernizing bail, protecting animals and expanding enforcement powers across the province.