Ford Government Considers Livestreaming Ontario Bail Hearings, Increasing Transparency
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Monday that his government is exploring the possibility of livestreaming bail hearings to the public, a move intended to increase transparency in the province’s justice system. The proposal comes amid ongoing criticism of the bail system and concerns about public safety.
Push for Greater Transparency
“We know we demand to do more to fix the broken bail system and protect our province,” Ford stated at a news conference. “That’s why we’re exploring recent measures to bring our bail system out into the open by livestreaming bail hearings, which right now are not accessible to the public except for people who go in-person.” CTV News
Currently, evidence presented during bail hearings is typically subject to publication bans. Ford did not immediately detail how livestreaming would be implemented while respecting these bans. He also indicated a desire for mandatory written justification when bail is granted to individuals accused of violent offenses.
Mandatory Written Justifications for Violent Offenders
Ford wants to ensure “clear reasoning is provided with greater consistency in decisions and easier public review” by requiring written explanations for granting bail to those accused of violent crimes. He suggested the creation of “an anonymous regional dashboard to identify bias, promote accountability, and restore public confidence.” Canadian Parvasi
Addressing Concerns About Bail System
Ford has consistently voiced concerns about what he perceives as lenient bail laws, echoing complaints from police about a “catch and release” system. He emphasized the need for the federal government to address these issues. “We need the federal government to follow through with their promise to reform Canada’s broken bail system and keep repeat offenders behind bars,” Ford said. CTV News
Expansion of Correctional Facilities
The announcement regarding bail hearings coincided with the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the construction of the new Brockville Correctional Complex and the expansion of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre. The province plans to add 295 correctional beds in Eastern Ontario as part of a larger initiative to add 1,436 new correctional beds across Ontario by 2032. CTV News
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner stated that the expansion of correctional facilities will help ensure sufficient space to detain offenders, preventing releases due to overcrowding. “When violent and repeat offenders break the law, Ontarians expect them to be held accountable,” Kerzner said in a statement. CTV News
Further Action and Federal Jurisdiction
Ford plans to discuss the livestreaming proposal further with Attorney General Doug Downey and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in the coming weeks. It’s key to note that the federal government holds primary jurisdiction over bail laws in Canada. Western Standard
Downey recently wrote to his federal counterpart requesting changes to allow for the legal carrying and use of pepper spray for self-defense and also called for mandatory DNA collection from suspects arrested for sexual offenses. CTV News