Bail reform must balance restricting access with adhering to Charter rights: Lametti
Global News
Justice Minister David Lametti says he will discuss reforming Canada's bail system when he meets with his provincial counterparts this Friday.
Justice Minister David Lametti says he will discuss reforming Canada’s bail system when he meets with his provincial counterparts this Friday.
Earlier this year, the premiers called on the feds to establish a “reverse onus” system for firearm offences that would require the person seeking bail to show why they should not stay behind bars.
Lametti told a parliamentary committee meeting Monday he is prepared to make changes to the Criminal Code and has already talked with some provincial counterparts about the issue.
“Do we need to add a bit more stickiness, if you will, to make it more difficult in certain cases for people to get bail? We have to look at that,” he said in an interview after appearing before the House of Commons justice committee.
But he says bail is a fundamental right and any law making it harder to access runs the risk of being contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
He said there is a “tipping point” where the Supreme Court would argue bail is not accessible enough.
Lametti said there is a risk of introducing laws that restrict bail access and run outside the parameters of the Charter, but changing bail conditions for repeat offenders with weapons is a measure that could be taken without running contrary to the Charter.
Lametti wouldn’t say when the Liberal government plans to act but says it is a priority.