Justice Minister David Lametti says he is giving “serious consideration” to reforming Canada’s bail laws in response to a request from premiers to make changes.
Provincial premiers unanimously called on the Liberal government in a letter to take “immediate action” on the bail system earlier this year.
The letter from premiers says there are a growing number of calls for changes to prevent accused people who are out on bail from committing further criminal acts.
Premiers called on the federal government to establish a “reverse onus” system for specific firearm offences that would require the person seeking bail to demonstrate why they should not remain behind bars.
During a speech to the Canadian Bar Association Thursday, Lametti says the proposed reforms would be discussed at a coming meeting with provincial justice ministers.
He says the province’s proposal to introduce a “reverse onus” system for certain firearm offences was getting “serious consideration” from the Liberal government.