October 23, 2025

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) welcomes the introduction of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) as a landmark piece of legislation that strengthens Canada’s response to repeat and violent offenders, organized crime, and threats to public safety.

This new legislation builds on commitments made by Prime Minister Carney and reflects many of the CACP’s own recommendations, including those set out in the Association’s May 2025 letter to the Prime Minister. Police leaders called for broader reverse-onus provisions, tougher penalties for organized crime and violent offences, clarification of the application of restraint principles, and stronger sentencing and parole measures for those who repeatedly endanger public safety.

Bill C-14 answers those calls. It expands reverse-onus bail to cover serious and organized-crime offences such as human trafficking, car theft, and home invasions, clarifies that restraint does not mean automatic release, and directs courts to consider whether an offence involved random violence, first responders, or multiple outstanding charges.

Sentencing provisions strengthen accountability by requiring courts to treat prior violent convictions and assaults on first responders as aggravating factors, encourage consecutive sentences, restrict conditional sentences for sexual offences, and recognize organized retail theft as a growing public safety issue.

At the same time, Canada’s police leaders stress that effective enforcement begins with the ability to obtain digital evidence. Updating Canada’s outdated lawful access framework remains critical to ensuring the police can lay charges that lead to bail and sentencing decisions in the first place.

The CACP thanks the federal government for listening to the voices of police and communities and urges all parliamentarians to support the swift passage of this important bill to enhance safety and strengthen justice across Canada.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Natalie Wright
Communications Manager
communications@cacp.ca
613.838.8807