PAO Welcomes the Introduction of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14)
The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) is encouraged by the introduction of Bill C-14 (45th Parliament, 1st Session) – the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act – on October 23, 2025. This landmark legislation represents a pivotal step toward building safer communities across Ontario and reflects the results of persistent advocacy from our association and members.
Key Areas of Alignment
Bill C-14 responds to several long-standing concerns raised by PAO members:
- Stronger Bail Provisions: The Act makes bail stricter and harder to obtain in cases involving violent and repeat offenders by expanding reverse-onus offences. This means that in more circumstances, individuals charged with violent or repeat offences must prove why they should be released, and detention is the starting point.
- Protecting First Responders: The legislation recognizes assaults against first responders as an aggravating factor in sentencing—a key measure the PAO has called for to better protect police officers and other emergency personnel.
- Consecutive Sentences for Repeat Offenders: Courts are directed to consider consecutive sentences for offenders with prior violent convictions, reinforcing accountability in the justice system.
- Expanding Review Period for Prior Convictions: The Act expands the scope for considering previous convictions from 5 to 10 years, ensuring a more comprehensive review of an offender’s history.
- Limiting Conditional Sentences for Sexual Offenders: Restricting conditional sentence orders in cases of sexual offences strengthens protections for victims and communities.
- Enhanced Release Plan Accountability: Amendments clarify what constitutes an ‘indictable offence’ for bail and require more detailed surety declarations, improving oversight of release plans.
- Additional Grounds for Detention: The Act introduces further grounds for detention, especially when an accused has a history of violating court orders—another measure the PAO has advocated for.
- Youth Criminal Justice Act Amendments: Proposed changes to the YCJA will reinforce sentencing principles that support victims and restore public confidence in the justice system.
Where Further Work Is Needed
While Bill C-14 is a significant step forward, the PAO believes the following areas require additional attention:
- A fully codified exemption from the ladder principle for reverse-onus offences to eliminate judicial discretion in violent and repeat cases, reducing catch-and-release outcomes.
- A cash deposit requirement for sureties to ensure greater accountability and enforceability of bail release plans.
- Higher standards for the reliability and credibility of release plans for violent and repeat offenders.
- Greater clarity on the burden of proof in reverse-onus bail hearings and standardized training for jurists to ensure consistent application nationwide.
The PAO is a proud member of the Canadian Police Association. Read the CPA’s official statement on the introduction of Bill C-14.
The PAO Supports the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act at a Federal Echo Announcement
On October 24, 2025, PAO President Mark Baxter joined MP Ruby Sahota, Justice Minister Sean Fraser, and CPA President Tom Stamatakis at a federal announcement for Bill C-14. The PAO has long advocated for meaningful bail reform, and this legislation is a significant step toward a justice system that prioritizes the safety of our members and communities.
The PAO Appears Before the Federal Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST)
On October 28, 2025, President Mark Baxter represented the Police Association of Ontario (PAO) and its members before the federal Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST). He addressed a panel that included the Honourable Marc Miller and MPs Larry Brock, Rhéal Éloi Fortin, Roman Baber, Wade Chang, Anju Dhillon, Amarjeet Gill, Patricia Lattanzio, Andrew Lawton, and James Maloney. President Baxter voiced the PAO’s support for Bill C-14, calling it a crucial step forward in national bail reform. Also referenced was the PAO’s Bail Reform platform, introduced on September 4th, which proposed several Criminal Code amendments consistent with Bill C-14. Key recommendations include broadening the reverse-onus provisions, increasing scrutiny of sureties and release plans, and extending the period for considering prior convictions from 5 to 10 years. Jeremy Morton, President of the Brantford Police Association, also appeared before the committee, offering a local perspective on how violent and repeat offenders are affecting their members and the community they serve.
“The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) strongly supports meaningful bail reform that balances the rights of individuals with the critical need to keep our members and the public safe. The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act is a welcome and overdue step in the right direction. We urge all stakeholders to continue working together to enhance community safety. Our members witness firsthand the consequences of violent and repeat offenders. A strong and effective Criminal Code is vital—not only to protect the communities we serve, but also to ensure our members have the support they need to keep our province safe.”
PAO President Mark Baxter’s Statement