CCLA Calls on Senate to Scrutinize Bill C-14 on Bail Reform

The Senate of Canada will consider Bill C-14, sweeping criminal justice legislation on bail and sentencing, this week.

Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, said:

“The CCLA, along with the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and John Howard Society of Canada, has written to the leaders of Senate Groups to emphasize the need for a thorough committee study of Bill C-14.
The House of Commons’ study of Bill C-14 was markedly brief. It did not include testimony from legal organizations or organizations representing Indigenous, Black, or other racialized communities.

Several changes – most notably expanded reverse onus bail provisions – raise serious constitutional and public-policy concerns. These changes would increase the disproportionate imprisonment of Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, detain legally innocent people without clear public-safety benefits, and erode Charter rights and protections.”

Howard Sapers, Executive Director, added:

“The House passed Bill C-48, the last round of federal bail reform, without committee study in 2023. The Senate provided essential scrutiny. The CCLA and other organizations were invited to testify, and the committee heard diverse expert testimony, resulting in a detailed report with important amendments.”