No Free Bail for Violent Criminals Starting Next Week.

Effective August 17, 2026, the Ontario government will implement new measures to strengthen the province’s bail system and enhance community safety.

As part of a comprehensive bail strategy to make bail more meaningful and impactful for individuals accused of serious crimes, these new measures will improve compliance, keep violent and repeat offenders in custody, and facilitate the collection of forfeited bail payments when bail conditions are violated.

“For too long, gaps in the bail system have allowed violent and repeat offenders back into our communities,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “Enough is enough. People deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods and to have confidence that those who pose a serious risk will not be released only to reoffend. That’s why our government is taking bold, decisive action to deliver on our promise to fix the broken bail system, keep dangerous repeat offenders off our streets, and prioritize public safety.”

The new bail measures will: 

1. Require a Cash Security Deposit: A cash security deposit in the full amount pledged must be paid once an accused person is released from custody, with payment due within two business days of release. This measure strengthens accountability by ensuring immediate financial consequences when the court orders forfeiture of bail money for breaching bail conditions or failing to attend court.

2. Ensure Current Contact Information for Sureties: Sureties must provide updated contact and identification information. This requirement will make it easier for the province to collect forfeited bail money if no security deposit is on file. Failing to comply may result in a provincial offense charge.

3. Enhance Bail Debt Collection Tools: The government will strengthen tools for collecting bail debts, including wage and bank account garnishment, property liens, and the seizure and sale of property. These enhanced enforcement tools make court-ordered bail obligations easier to enforce and ensure that those who fail to comply with bail conditions face substantial consequences.

“Bail conditions are not suggestions; they are court orders, and there must be real consequences when they are broken,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.

Ontario is also working to enhance digital tools to track repeat offenders and those who fail to comply with bail conditions. This includes creating a surety database to streamline and improve surety checks.

Collectively, these measures will make Ontario’s bail system more accountable by reinforcing compliance with court-ordered release conditions and demonstrating the province’s commitment to protecting communities by ensuring real consequences for breaches.

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