Federal bail reform will make it harder for some violent B.C. offenders to be released before trial

The federal government has passed long-awaited reforms that are intended to make it harder for some violent and repeat offenders to be released on bail.

The Liberals’ legislation includes a “reverse onus” for some repeat violent offenders that puts the onus on an accused person seeking bail to prove why they shouldn’t stay behind bars. This standard will exist for those accused of certain firearms offences, repeat offenders who use weapons and for those repeatedly accused of intimate partner violence.

Justices will also be required to keep public safety at the forefront of their decision-making and state on the record how they’ve considered public safety when making the bail order.

Attorney General Niki Sharma told Postmedia News on Monday that she’s glad to see her federal counterpart, Arif Virani, and the federal government fulfil their promise to help keep repeat violent offenders off the street.