Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has proposed changes that would see an expansion in the use of reverse-onus provisions for bail, purportedly for violent and repeat offenders. Reverse onus shifts the burden onto the accused to demonstrate why they should be released, rather than requiring the Crown to justify detention. The plan would tighten release conditions and limit the application of the current principle of restraint.

Polling from Abacus Data shows that nearly 80 per cent of Canadians believe it is too easy for people accused of serious crimes to be released on bail. When asked which policies would most reduce violent crime over the long term, 62 per cent of respondents selected stricter bail rules and increased enforcement.