WARMINGTON: Ontario's Attorney General ends get out of jail free card for violent crime

Дата публикации: 14-08-2026 19:00:56

Doug Downey is closing gaps in the broken bail system that have allowed violent and repeat offenders back into our communities

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Just when they have become accustomed to laughing when getting bail after being accused of serious crime, there’s news they will now have to bring their cheque book to the courtroom.

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While it may mean fuller jails in the next weeks to come, with one stroke of a pen, Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey has just ended the free hall pass for violent crime.

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It will be too late to save slain Toronto Police Const. Marc Pinizzotto or the fellow Toronto copper who was shot this week in the thigh, but starting Monday there will be no more free bail in Ontario. That June murder and the August attempted murder were allegedly committed by people out on release conditions. In fact, almost every violent crime is like that.

But Premier Doug Ford’s government’s move Friday has thrown an interesting wrench in to what was a get out of jail free card for many people charged with serious crimes.

No more free, easy bail

Freedom before trial will become more expensive.

“For too long, gaps in the bail system have allowed violent and repeat offenders back into our communities,” said Downey. “Enough is enough. People deserve to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and confident that those who pose a serious risk will not be released only to reoffend.”

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“That’s why our government is taking bold, decisive action to deliver on our promise and fix the broken bail system, keep dangerous, repeat offenders off our streets, and put public safety first.”

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The Attorney General added violent alleged offenders before the courts will “require a cash security deposit in the full amount pledged to be paid once an accused person is released from custody, with payment due within two business days of release.”

If this can’t be done, there will be no walking out until the next court date. Off to jail.

“This strengthens accountability by ensuring financial consequences are immediate when the court orders forfeiture of bail money as a penalty for a breach of bail conditions or for the failure of an accused person fails to attend court, making it easier for the province to recover bail debts,” said Downey.

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Tougher rules for sureties as well

In his announcement, Downey also got tougher on those acting as sureties for bail applicants.

The new rules will “require sureties to provide current contact and identification information” since “keeping this information up to date will allow the province to collect forfeited bail money more effectively if no security deposit is on file.”

If they violate those it could “result in a provincial offence charge.” Downey said, adding they will also “enhance collection tools for bail debts such as wage and bank account garnishment, property liens, and the seizure and sale of property” to “ensure that court-ordered bail obligations are more easily enforceable and that those who fail to comply with bail conditions face meaningful consequences.”

It is a good start. Something like this was needed.

Judges, justices of the peace, defence lawyers and soft-on-crime advocates will get their say but on this day it’s clear, the police like it.

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Police chiefs like new bail rules

York Regional Police Chief Paulo Da Silva said the public is telling his officers “loud and clear” bail reform is long “overdue.”

“We support any measures that strengthen the work our members do each day to address violent crime, hold offenders accountable, and most importantly, keep our communities safer,” he added.

Police Association of Ontario President Mark Baxter made the excellent point that “far too many of these criminals are cycling through the justice system, while continuing to victimize communities” they “welcome the government’s action on these important measures” because “bail conditions must be meaningful, enforceable, and carry real consequences when breached.”

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Having just recently lost an officer to someone who had been in custody, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique was hot on this, too.

“These enhancements to Ontario’s bail system are welcome and reflect a continued commitment to improving public safety, strengthening accountability, and reducing the risks posed by repeat violent offenders,” said Ontario’s top cop. “Strengthening bail compliance and accountability, while providing additional measures to address repeat violent crime, contributes to safer communities across the province.”

And making less of a laughingstock of the system that the professional criminals were laughing at. Starting Monday, they won’t be laughing as they fork over their cash before getting bail.

jwarmington@postmedia.com

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