EDITORIAL – Here’s how to figure out if federal bail reform bill goes far enough

An editorial by Mel Rothenburger.

THERE’S A FAIRLY SIMPLE WAY of figuring out if federal Justice Minister David Lametti’s bail reform bill will work.

After many months of pleading by community leaders and politicians at all levels, Lametti has finally introduced measures aimed at making it tougher for prolific offenders to win a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Among those who are skeptical it will succeed is Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo, who says that, while Lametti’s biil will toughen reverse-onus laws that put the burden on accused to show why they should get bail, it’s not tough enough.

While the bill targets repeat violent offenders who use weapons, and some firearms offences, Caputo says what’s needed is a change in the legal test for reverse-onus in general.

This past weekend, Lametti insisted he’s limited with how far he can go due to constitutional restrictions.

Time will tell who’s right, and whether the upcoming reforms will do the job. And there’s a way to find out.

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Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor.  He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.