Tougher bail rules and stronger sentences to help keep Markham safe
By Gene Pereira, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
A new bill passed to strengthen Canada’s bail system and sentencing laws will help keep Markham residents safe.
Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, is now law, delivering sweeping changes to Canada’s criminal justice system aimed at strengthening public safety, protecting victims, and holding violent and repeat offenders more accountable. Having received royal assent on June 15, 2026, the legislation came into force on July 15, 2026, introducing more than 80 targeted amendments to the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the National Defence Act.
For residents of Markham, MP Michael Ma says the new legislation represents an important step toward safer neighbourhoods and stronger communities.
“As your Member of Parliament, I am aware that public safety is a key priority for the people of Markham-Unionville,” said Ma on social media. “This is why I am delighted to share that Bill C-14 – the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act – is now law.”
Ma said the legislation fulfills the federal government’s commitment to strengthen Canada’s bail system and sentencing laws.
“Our government promised stricter bail laws and tougher sentences for criminals – and we have delivered for Canadians,” said Ma. “With over 80 targeted changes to the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the National Defence Act, these reforms will reduce recidivism, protect victims of crime, and help build safer communities.”
Among the most significant reforms are changes designed to make it more difficult for repeat and violent offenders to obtain bail. The legislation expands reverse-onus provisions for offences, including violent auto theft, home invasions, extortion, and human trafficking, requiring accused individuals to demonstrate why they should be released rather than placing that burden on prosecutors.
The law also gives police greater authority to detain an accused person when doing so is necessary to protect public safety or safeguard victims and witnesses. Courts must now specifically consider whether an offence involved random or unprovoked violence when making bail decisions, while mandatory weapons and firearm prohibitions will apply to release orders for certain offences.
Bill C-14 also introduces tougher sentencing measures intended to ensure penalties better reflect the seriousness of violent and repeat criminal behaviour. Consecutive sentences will now be required for several serious offences, including violent auto theft, break-and-enter crimes, extortion committed alongside arson, and repeat violent offences.
The legislation further adds new aggravating factors that judges must consider during sentencing for crimes targeting first responders and transit workers, organized retail theft, and offences involving damage to or theft from essential infrastructure such as copper wire. It also removes the availability of conditional sentence orders, commonly known as house arrest, for certain serious sexual offences and child sexual crimes.
Ma said the legislation has been carefully designed to improve public safety while respecting Canadians’ constitutional rights.
“The legislative design is geared to enhance public safety and accountability while simultaneously preserving the rights guaranteed under the Charter,” he said. “The bottom line? Those who commit serious crimes face real consequences with the passing of Bill C-14 into law.”
He added that the new law will have meaningful benefits for the people of Markham while contributing to safer communities across the country.
“In my riding of Markham-Unionville, I know that the impacts of Bill C-14 will be profound,” said Ma. “A strong Canada means strong protections for our communities; a strong Canada has laws that respond to emerging threats, that protect victims, and that keep our families and children safe. While certain parties sloganeer and treat policy as theatre, our government is working hard to make a stronger Canada.”