Ontario wants return of mandatory minimum sentences, ‘three-strikes’ bail rule

Ontario is asking Ottawa for a series of specific measures to tighten bail and sentencing rules, as the federal government gets closer to tabling legislation to reform those aspects of the justice system.

A joint letter sent Monday by the province’s solicitor general and attorney general urges the federal government to ensure the reforms are meaningful and sweeping.

“We are writing to convey Ontarians’ expectation for comprehensive and wholesale solutions, rather than tinkering around the edges,” Michael Kerzner and Doug Downey wrote.

“It is critical that federal legislation meets the standard Canadians expect: cracking down on crime and keeping violent, repeat offenders behind bars where they belong.”

The recommendations include removing the possibility of bail for people charged with crimes such as murder, intimate partner violence and some firearms offences; bringing back mandatory minimum sentences for “serious” crimes; a “three-strikes” rule denying bail for repeat offenders and making more crimes — including violent home invasions, carjackings and human trafficking — reverse onus offences.

The federal Conservatives have been calling for the implementation of a three-strikes rule to withhold bail from people convicted of multiple “serious” offences.

Ontario’s letter to Justice Minister Sean Fraser and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree reiterates many long-standing calls from Premier Doug Ford to reduce the amount of people granted bail while awaiting trial.

Fraser said last week that legislation on bail and sentencing reform is set to be introduced in the House of Commons next month.

The Liberals campaigned in the spring election on introducing stricter bail provisions for home invasions, auto theft, human trafficking, organized crime and violent crime.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2025.

The Canadian Press