Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) is now law

June 25, 2026 · 0 Comments

by MAYOR ANNETTE GROVES

This new law makes more than 80 changes to the Criminal Code and strengthens bail and sentencing rules, especially for repeat offenders and people who commit violent crimes.

Given the concerning increase in violence directed at our police officers, I am very pleased that these changes have been introduced.

Under these changes, it will be harder to get bail for people accused of repeatedly breaking the law or of serious crimes such as violent auto theft, organized crime, home invasions, human trafficking, and violent extortion. The law also increases penalties for serious crimes by allowing longer sentences in some cases and limiting the use of house arrest for certain sexual offences, including offences against children.

These changes were developed through extensive discussions with governments and partners across Canada including Caledon.

To support these changes, the federal government is providing funding to help provinces and territories improve how bail-related data is collected, reported, and analyzed across Canada.

Better data will help governments understand what is working, identify areas for improvement, and continue to strengthen public safety.

On July 5, 2025, a resident of Caledon suffered long-term, life-altering injuries in a four-vehicle collision in Brampton that resulted in impaired driving charges causing bodily harm, among other charges, for a five-time repeat offender dating back to 2010. At the time of the collision, the offender was on bail with the condition that he did not drive a motor vehicle, and he was on three separate lifetime driving bans

Last October, I attended the federal government’s press conference announcing the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act — an important step toward strengthening community safety and accountability in our justice system.

I want to thank Minister Fraser for leadership and advocacy on this issue, and for bringing together municipal voices to support safer communities across Canada.

“These sweeping reforms reflect extensive consultation and close collaboration with partners across the country. We heard your concerns, considered your feedback carefully, and worked hard to reflect those perspectives in the legislation. The result: a stronger Criminal Code. Thank you for your collaboration throughout this process.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., M.P.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency