Ontario Introduces New Cash Bail Requirements
The reforms require full cash deposits within two business days and give Ontario new tools to collect forfeited bail money.
- On Friday in Vaughan, Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey announced new bail measures designed to strengthen the province's system, with changes taking effect Monday, August 17.
- Solicitor General Michael Kerzner stated that "bail conditions are not suggestions, they are court orders," as the province seeks to end a "revolving-door" system threatening community safety.
- The province will now require a full cash security deposit within two business days of release, replacing the traditional "promise to pay" system where sureties made verbal commitments.
- Enhancing collection powers, Ontario is now authorized to use bank account garnishment, property liens, and asset seizure while requiring sureties to provide current contact and identification information.
- Criminal defence lawyer Michael Coristine warns that immediate cash payments could have a "chilling effect" on potential sureties, potentially preventing individuals who would otherwise qualify from being released.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
Ontario cash bail system unconstitutional, legal groups argue in court challenge
TORONTO - The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Criminal Lawyers' Association are challenging the constitutionality of a new cash bail system in Ontario.
Cash bail system coming to Ontario Monday, critics plan legal challenge
Ontario is making a big change to its bail system starting Monday, but two groups are planning a legal challenge, saying requiring a cash security deposit up front as part of bail is unconstitutional.
Ontario to Require Cash Bail Deposits Starting Aug. 17
Ontario will begin requiring people granted bail on criminal charges to pay the full court-ordered cash security deposit within two business days of their release starting Aug. 17. The measure, part of a set of provincial legislative changes introduced in June 2025 and June 2026, replaces the previous rule that required payment only if the conditions of release were breached. “The changes coming into force will help make bail more effective by …
New bail measures target repeat and violent offenders, government says
Starting Aug. 17, accused people released on bail in Ontario will be required to provide a cash security deposit in the full amount pledged within two business days of release under new provincial measures
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