Ontario to require cash deposits for bail as of Monday

FILE - Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey holds a press conference at Queens Park in Toronto on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Downey says the province intends to do away with mandatory coroner's inquests for workers who died on constructions sites.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Ontario will require people who are granted bail on criminal charges to put up a “cash security deposit” as of Monday.

The change was included in legislation that was adopted in June, though the province had not previously indicated when it would take effect.

It is a departure from the previous system where money was not required to change hands unless it was forfeited following the breach of conditions.

Under that system, those accused of a crime or their surety only had to promise to pay the court a set amount in the event that certain conditions were breached.

“For too long, gaps in the bail system have allowed violent and repeat offenders back into our communities,” Attorney General Doug Downey said in a news release. “Enough is enough. People deserve to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and confident that those who pose a serious risk will not be released only to reoffend.”

The Ontario government says that the cash deposit in the full amount will be required within two business days of an accused person being released from custody.

The government says that its a needed change from a prior system that “created unnecessary barriers to enforcing bail orders and recovering forfeited bail money, requiring significant time and resources to pursue outstanding debts.”

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

The government says that it will also “enhance collection tools for bail debts such as wage and bank account garnishment, property liens, and the seizure and sale of property.”

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.