Ontario urges federal government to reinstate mandatory minimum sentences and three-strikes bail rule

Ontario's government, led by Premier Doug Ford and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, is urging the federal government to enact tougher bail and sentencing reforms to address violent and repeat offenders. They have submitted a joint letter calling for the reinstatement of mandatory minimum sentences for serious crimes, elimination of bail eligibility for certain offenses including murder and human trafficking, and the introduction of a "three-strikes" rule permanently denying bail to repeat offenders. These demands align with federal Conservative proposals and reflect concerns about public safety amid high-profile cases involving offenders out on bail. The letter also advocates for additional measures such as ankle monitors for serious offenders and ending time-served credits for pretrial detention in violent repeat cases. Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser has confirmed that new bail and sentencing legislation is expected to be introduced soon in the House of Commons. Meanwhile, Ontario has already allocated significant provincial funding to enhance bail compliance enforcement.